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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Essential Functions Surgical Pathology Preanalytical Tasks • Assure proper specimen collection and submission prior to accessioning. • Assist clinicians with specimen collection ...

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Pathologist Assistant information

See Lakeland, FL salary details

$13

$51

$83

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Lakeland, FL is $51.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.58 and $62.74 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 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 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 Pathologist Assistants?

Pathologist Assistants are highly trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a pathologist to provide support in the examination and processing of tissue, surgical specimens, and sometimes autopsies. They help prepare and dissect specimens, ensure proper documentation, and may assist in preparing slides for microscopic analysis. Their work is essential for accurate diagnosis and research in clinical and hospital settings. Pathologist Assistants play a critical role in ensuring that laboratory operations run smoothly and efficiently.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in Lakeland, FL? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in Lakeland, FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologist Assistant jobs in Lakeland, FL look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologist Assistant jobs in Lakeland, FL are:
What cities near Lakeland, FL are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities near Lakeland, FL with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in Lakeland, FL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,282 per year, or $51.6 per hour.
Pathologist Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

Orlando Health

Wesley Chapel, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Orlando Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 583 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

248th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Summary
Position Summary
Responsible for the organization and efficient and effective operation of the surgical pathology suite and the anatomic pathology service.
This may comprise personnel management including supervising accessioners, lab aides, grossing technicians, and transcriptionists in the
surgical pathology suite and autopsy technicians/morgue assistants in the autopsy room; writing and reviewing surgical pathology and autopsy procedures; inventory control; laboratory operations such as quality assurance, quality control, accreditation inspection preparation, and budgeting; and in the academic setting, supervision of learners.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Surgical Pathology
Preanalytical Tasks
• Assure proper specimen collection and submission prior to accessioning.
• Assist clinicians with specimen collection questions, triage of limited samples, and esoteric testing.
• Assure appropriate specimen accessioning and/or verification of unique patient identifiers.
• Assure proper specimen handling and fixation prior to processing.
• Obtain and review pertinent clinical information and history, including imaging studies, laboratory results, and operative records.
• Discuss cases and history with surgeons, clinicians, and pathologists.
Macroscopic Description and Dissection
• Perform the macroscopic description and dissection of all surgical specimens ranging from simple to complex cases including
pertinent macroscopic information for the staging of complex cancer cases.
Tissue Sampling
• Prepare and submit tissue sections for light microscopy.
• Obtain samples for ancillary studies including, but not limited to:
o Tumor triage
o Lymphoma protocol
o Flow cytometric analysis
o Immunofluorescence
o Immunohistochemistry
o Microbial cultivation
o Molecular microbiology
o Cytogenetic analysis
o Electron microscopy
o Tissue banking and clinical trials
o Research
o Microarray
o Institutional tumor registries.
Qualifications
Education/Training
• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBBS
• NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant
o Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant from the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP
BOC)
• 3-year supervised internship
Licensure/Certification
• ASCP BOC Pathologists' Assistant Certified
Experience
• 5 years' experience in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a licensed, Board Certified or Board Eligible
Anatomic Pathologist.


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About Orlando Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Orlando Health is a 3,200-bed system that includes 15 wholly-owned hospitals and emergency departments; rehabilitation services, cancer institutes, heart institutes, imaging and laboratory services, wound care centers, physician offices for adults and pediatrics, skilled nursing facilities, an in-patient behavioral health facility, home healthcare services in partnership with LHC Group, and urgent care centers in partnership with CareSpot Urgent Care. Nearly 4,200 physicians, representing more than 80 medical specialties and subspecialties have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which employs nearly 22,000 team members. Areas of clinical excellence are orthopedics, heart and vascular, cancer care, neurosciences, surgery, pediatric specialties, neonatology, women's health and trauma.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Orlando, FL, US

Year founded

1918