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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in McAllen, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Pathologist's Assistant utilizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to perform routine and complex procedures on patient specimens received in Anatomic Pathology, ensuring the delivery of ...

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Pathologist Assistant information

See McAllen, TX salary details

$13

$52

$85

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in McAllen, TX is $52.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.35 and $63.94 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pathologist jobs in McAllen, TX?

The most popular types of Pathologist jobs in McAllen, TX are:

What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in McAllen, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,331 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant

Driscoll Children's Hospital

Edinburg, TX • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Driscoll Children's Hospital rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

138th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Pathologists' Assistant

The Pathologists' Assistant provides high-level, specialized technical services in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a licensed, board-certified Anatomic Pathologist. The Pathologist's Assistant utilizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to perform routine and complex procedures on patient specimens received in Anatomic Pathology, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. In addition, the pathology assistant will prepare for and participate in postmortem cases.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; employees will perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or hospital administration as required.

  • Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
  • Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
  • Utilizes advanced practice knowledge and skills to perform routine and complex procedures related to patient specimens received in Anatomic Pathology.
    • Accessions tissue and body fluid specimens from surgical or other invasive/interventional procedures.
    • Performs gross examinations of tissue and body fluid specimens including photography as needed.
    • Provides procedural support for frozen sections, FNA and biopsy support for Interventional Radiology, and glomerular assessment and triage for kidney biopsies.
    • Ensures appropriate handling of specimens for transport or on site processing and storage.
  • Performs autopsies under the Pathologist's supervision.
    • Autopsy support includes correct incisions, external examinations, insitu organ inspections and systematic organ removal and dissection.
    • Gathers clinical histories, records findings, and submits representative microscopic sections for final review by the Pathologist.
  • Ensures compliance with relevant safety, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
    • Adheres to institutional safety policies, hazardous material handling protocols, and standards set by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), CLIA, OSHA, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
    • Participate actively in quality control monitoring, frozen section turnaround-time tracking, and continuous workflow improvement initiatives.
  • Supports leadership by ensuring safe, efficient, and effective operations.
    • Completes all staff trainings and maintains competencies.
    • Supports orientation and training of personnel when related to professional role.
    • Participates actively in performance improvement activities.
  • Must have reliable transportation.

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university required; two years of experience preferred. Master's degree preferred; two years of experience preferred.

PA-ASCP Certified Pathologist's Assistant, issued by The American Society for Clinical Pathology. Must have an active unrestricted Driver's License.


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