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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Pathologist Assistant information

See Poway, CA salary details

$15

$56

$91

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Poway, CA is $56.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.52 and $68.85 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in Poway, CA? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in Poway, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologist Assistant jobs in Poway, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologist Assistant jobs in Poway, CA are:
What cities near Poway, CA are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities near Poway, CA with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in Poway, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,725 per year, or $56.6 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant - Copley Lab - Day Shift - Per Diem

300 Sharp HealthCare

San Diego, CA

$73.77 - $95.19/hr

Per diem

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Hours: Shift Start Time: Variable Shift End Time: Variable AWS Hours Requirement: 8/40 - 8 Hour Shift Additional Shift Information: Weekend Requirements: As Needed On-Call Required: No Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum): $73.770 - $95.190 - $106.620 The stated pay scale reflects the range that Sharp reasonably expects to pay for this position. The actual pay rate and pay grade for this position will be dependent on a variety of factors, including an applicant's years of experience, unique skills and abilities, education, alignment with similar internal candidates, marketplace factors, other requirements for the position, and employer business practices. What You Will Do Provide accurate and timely processing of the full spectrum of simple and complex (Levels 1, 2A, and 2B) laboratory specimens and provide additional services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Provides the technical knowledge, expertise, and judgment required to support the Sharp HealthCare (SHC) mission and scope of laboratory services. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree Pathologist Assistant PA(ASCP) - ASCP Board of Certification -REQUIRED Preferred Qualifications 2 Years experience grossing simple and (Level 1 and 2A) and complex (Level 2B) cases Other Qualification Requirements ASCP Pathologist Assist certification is required within 6 months of start date. Essential Functions Analytical Testing Procedures Obtain clinical histories. Describe gross features of tissue for processing (Level 1), simple (Level 2A) and complex (Level 2B) surgical specimens according to standards of the profession. Prepare tissue samples for processing for light microscopy. Select samples for special studies such as research, chemosensitivity testing, flow cytometry, image analysis, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, crystal identification etc. Perform special procedures including tumor triage, tumor banking, x-ray imaging. Demonstrate proficiency with selecting tissue for frozen sections, cutting frozen section blocks and staining frozen section and touch preparation slides, in a timely manner within the standards of quality. Teach pathologists' assistant students, Health Sciences high school students, pathology residents, medical students (when applicable). Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides. Assist with specimen accessioning. Maintenance of surgical/autopsy pathology protocols, procedures, reports and data. Assure proper maintenance of equipment. Assist in preparation for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission). Performance of supervisory/management duties as delegated. Assure legal authorization for autopsy. Obtain medical records/charts for review and prepare the preliminary summarization of the clinical history. Coordinate any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research. Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc. Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings. Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies. Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials. Completes processes without error using written policies, procedures and other appropriate resources; identifies issues in policies or procedures. SHC corporate commitment to compliance training principles are correctly and appropriately utilized when performing assigned procedures as written. Performs new procedures and policies within acceptable training time intervals; meets department turnaround time goals. Documents activities and results consistently, thoroughly and legibly; proofreads and double checks own work to minimize errors. Evaluates data for accuracy and verifies any questionable finding with thorough investigation and appropriate follow-through. Performs or assists with pre-analytical and post analytical procedures and demonstrates assessment of testing factors with regard to patient age and population specific groups. Clinical Competency ASCP Pathologist Assist certification is required within 6 months of start date. Documentation and tracking of this certification is the responsibility of the department and will be maintained by the department. Communication and Teamwork Proactively initiates communication and works cooperatively with others to successfully complete work assignments. Demonstrates positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Completes documentation legibly, accurately, and timely. Stays informed through staff meetings, electronic communication, in-services, and educational opportunities. Establishes effective working relationships between internal and external customers. Seeks opportunities for feedback to improve effectiveness of own communication. Validates messages by clarifying expectations and verifying Understanding of agreements/action plans. Critical Thinking Demonstrates appropriate and logical decisions, especially under critical and stressful situations. Demonstrates empathy to patients, coworkers, and all others encountered in the workplace. Able to troubleshoot in a logical, productive manner to reach an acceptable resolution. Flexibility and Adaptability Uses time effectively and actively sets priorities. Demonstrates flexibility in work practices and adjusts to unscheduled situations. Cooperates with initiatives to improve work processes. Tries new ideas and new ways of doing things Positively embraces and is receptive to change and actively participates in the process. Equipment Management Utilizes all equipment (including phone, copier, fax, etc.), instruments, products, and other tools per manufacturer's and training instructions and according to established procedures. Demonstrates competency and efficient use of all tool applications (IS, PC, other system/software) and equipment to produce the end product. Performs required preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment/tools. Reports and documents equipment/tool/reagent issues and failures. Checks inventory expiration dates and demonstrates ability to evaluate consumables (reagent/supply) inventory to prevent shortages; alerts ordering personnel. Removes defective equipment from use, documents problem, and notifies appropriate personnel for repair; verifies equipment inspections are up-to-date. Quality Assurance Completes and assesses all QC procedures in place with indicated corrective action and resolution as needed. Coordinates and completes processes in place to meet standards established to maintain quality testing. Has knowledge of and reviews quality assurance indicators and monitors in place and works with the laboratory team to meet the established thresholds. Completes daily position tasks within expected timeframes to meet overall histology lab QA goal expectations. Identifies errors and follows-through with investigation, correction, documentation, and notification to appropriate caregiver and lab leadership. Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class. Sharp HealthCare is a not-for-profit health care system based in San Diego, California, with four acute care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, three medical groups and a health plan. We provide medical services in virtually all fields of medicine, including primary care, heart care, cancer, orthopedics, women's health, rehabilitation, robotic surgery and bariatric surgery. Sharp sets the community standard for exceptional care. Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital have received prestigious Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing practices and quality patient care. At the heart of our organization are more than 18,000 affiliated physicians, nurses, staff and volunteers who are on a journey to make health care better for our patients and their families. It's what we call The Sharp Experience – treating each person with dignity, compassion and respect, and using our clinical excellence and advanced technology to deliver the highest-quality patient care. We are dedicated to transforming the health care experience by making Sharp the best place to work, the best place to practice medicine and the best place to receive care in San Diego. #J-18808-Ljbffr