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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

United States Army

Active Pathologist

Corrales, NM

Pathologist (Army Medical Officer)Job Overview As a Pathologist, you'll be responsible for accurately diagnosing diseases and other physical illnesses by examining organs, tissue, and bodily fluids.

United States Army

Active Pathologist

Edgewood, NM

Pathologist (Army Medical Officer)Job Overview As a Pathologist, you'll be responsible for accurately diagnosing diseases and other physical illnesses by examining organs, tissue, and bodily fluids.

United States Army

Active Pathologist

Los Lunas, NM

Pathologist (Army Medical Officer)Job Overview As a Pathologist, you'll be responsible for accurately diagnosing diseases and other physical illnesses by examining organs, tissue, and bodily fluids.

Focus Staff

Travel Speech-Language Pathologist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Speech Language Pathologist * Discipline: Therapy * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks ... Communicate patient progress or problems to supervisor and other team members; assist with patient ...

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All JobsPathologist JobsPathologist Assistant JobsPathologist Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Pathologist Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$13

$52

$84

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $52.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.91 and $63.32 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 can a pathologist assistant do?

A pathologist assistant supports pathologists by preparing, examining, and documenting tissue samples, assisting with autopsies, and managing laboratory tasks. They often work in a laboratory setting, requiring knowledge of histology, anatomy, and laboratory safety protocols. Certification and a strong understanding of pathology procedures are typically necessary for this role.

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.
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What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,247 per year, or $52 per hour.

Open Rank Lecturer of Pathology

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Pathology has an exciting opportunity for two full time pathologists' assistants to expand our existing team of three Pathologists' Assistants. The Pathologists' Assistant will contribute to the overall mission of the institution by providing outstanding patient care, pursuing knowledge and excellence of practice, and fostering a supportive learning environment for trainees. Our three Pathologists' Assistants have a combined total experience of 30 years, offering an ideal setting for either a new graduate looking for a supportive career start and mentorship, or an experienced Pathologists' Assistant who enjoys teaching and grossing a wide variety of specimens.      

Our pathologists and Pathologists' Assistants currently serve the University of New Mexico Hospital, associated clinics, a satellite hospital, and an outpatient surgical center. We have an annual volume of approximately 20,000 surgical specimens. As the state's only Level 1 trauma center, UNM provides the highest level of care for critically injured patients. University Hospital recently opened the new 700 million Critical Care Tower, the largest construction project by total cost in the history of New Mexico. The tower has an 18-room operating suite being referred to as "the operating room of the future". Additionally, University Hospital plans to open an additional 10 operating rooms in late 2026 which will increase the volume of surgical specimens.

This high visibility faculty position combines clinical service, teaching, and research responsibilities. Our Pathologists' Assistants interact daily with pathologists, surgeons, residents, fellows, and clinicians. Clinical work varies from simple to complex specimens, including laryngectomies, pancreaticoduodenectomies, soft-tissue tumors, and amputations for tumors. With a busy head and neck service, PAs perform numerous frozen sections and intraoperative consultations daily. The PAs continuously maintain high quality of care by reviewing patient histories, including gross photography and/or annotated diagrams, and triaging tissue for special studies including flow cytometry and cytogenetics. Additional responsibilities include assessing renal biopsies for adequacy, and occasionally traveling to our satellite hospital to prepare and scan frozen sections. As faculty lecturers, the Pathologists' Assistants are heavily involved in teaching pathology residents and medical students rotating through the lab. One resident, ranging from PGY1 to PGY3, is assigned to the gross room each day; there is a total of 16 residents. Residents are guided through dissection of all surgical specimens and achieve competency in performing frozen sections. Research responsibilities consist of triaging tissue for tumor banking and Children's Oncology Group (COG) studies. There are no autopsy responsibilities.

This position offers competitive pay with excellent benefits including annual stipend for AAPA conference or educational resources. New Pathologists' Assistant graduates are welcome to apply.

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