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Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$54

$89

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Aurora, IL is $54.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.12 and $66.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathologist assistant?

A pathologist assistant is a specialized health care worker who conducts tests on specimen samples and performs surgical autopsies under licensed pathologists. As a pathology assistant, you may work in a research lab, hospital, medical examiner’s office, or you may choose to be self-employed and take on jobs at multiple facilities. You dissect tissue to acquire specimens, such as biopsies, and analyze those samples to help diagnose patients or determine problems within the cells. While you can do the majority of the procedures performed by a pathologist, you are not able to diagnose patients; the pathologist reviews your observations and suggestions and determines a diagnosis.

What are some common challenges a pathologist assistant faces when working with large specimen volumes or complex cases?

Pathologist Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high specimen volume during peak times and ensuring meticulous attention to detail with complex or unusual cases. Balancing efficiency with accuracy is crucial, as errors in specimen processing can impact diagnoses. Additionally, Pathologist Assistants must adapt to evolving lab technologies and protocols, and collaborate closely with pathologists, lab technologists, and surgeons to ensure quality patient care. Developing strong organizational and communication skills can help address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pathologist assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pathologist Assistant, you need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and graduation from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, along with certification such as ASCP-PA. Proficiency with laboratory information systems, specimen dissection tools, and digital imaging equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with pathologists and other healthcare professionals. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, efficient workflow, and high-quality diagnostic support in clinical and research laboratories.

What is the difference between Pathologist Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectPathologist AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsMaster's degree, certification (e.g., ASCP-PA)Post-secondary education, certification (e.g., ASCP-HT)
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical examinersHistology labs, hospitals, research facilities
Job RoleAssist pathologists with autopsies, gross examination, and specimen prepPrepare tissue samples for microscopic analysis

Pathologist Assistants and Histotechnologists both work in pathology settings, but their roles differ. Pathologist Assistants focus on gross examination and autopsies, while Histotechnologists prepare tissue slides for diagnosis. Credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific duties are distinct.

How long does it take to be a Pathologist Assistant?

Becoming a Pathologist Assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree followed by a master's program in pathology assistant studies, which usually takes about 4 to 6 years total. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is also recommended and may require additional preparation time.
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What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in Aurora, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,096 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant Per Diem

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

$10 - $375/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Re-posted 28 days ago

Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

116th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Molecular Probe Laboratory

Work Type: Restricted Part Time (Total FTE less than 0. 5)

Shift: Shift 2

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (12:00PM - 8:30PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www. rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $10.00 - $375.00 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
This position is responsible for assisting the pathologists in the surgical and autopsy pathology areas, on a per diem basis. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
•Bachelor's/Master's degree from an accredited Pathology Assistant program.
•Certified Pathologist Assistant.
•Ability to work on multiple projects with frequently changing priorities.
•Ability to learn and instruct others in new procedures.
•Excellent organizational skills and efficiency necessary.
•Travel outside the metropolitan Chicago area may be required.
Physical Demands:
•Must be able to perform repetitive motions required for use of pipette, saw, microtome, and other laboratory equipment.
•Position is located in laboratory with exposure to potentially infectious or hazardous materials, including formaldehyde and xylene.
•Potential for injury due to scalpel blades, razor blades, and caustic substances

Responsibilities:
•Performs surgical pathology grossing, dictation, and frozen sections per established procedures.
•Processes and labels specimens accurately, being conscientious to avoid errors.
•Readily displays a devotion to provide high quality patient care to our customers.
•Participate in the development of Employee Engagement Activities
•Insure the work area is maintained as a safe and uncluttered environment
•Meets turnaround time expectations by prioritizing and organizing the workload for the shift.
•Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete.
•Keeps work area neat, clean, organized, and well stocked at all times
•Helps instruct students, residents, and new employees. Evaluates their performances within the established deadlines.
•Accepts and/or volunteers for special projects and completes them within an agreed upon time frame.
•Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.
•Encouraged to identify and participate in process improvement projects.
•Identifies areas for process improvement, and initiates procedures or programs to respond to the deficiency identified.
•Initiates Safety Events to document unsafe situations.
•Maintains responsibility for routine maintenance and proper working condition of instrumentation and associated alarm system.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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