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Pathologists Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pathologist Assistant

Ventura, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Training in a Pathologists Assistant program and/or on the job experience in lieu of certification Preferred: * Six (6) plus months' recent hospital experience * Certification in PA (ASCP) Overview ...

Pathologist Assistant

Modesto, CA · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Basic knowledge of human anatomy, macro-surgical techniques, and ...

Pathologist Assistant

Modesto, CA · On-site

$104K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program. * Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical ...

Pathologist Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program. * Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical ...

Pathologist Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program. * Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical ...

Pathologist Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program. * Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical ...

Pathologist Assistant

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Successful completion of an NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant program. * Current certification from the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants or the American Society for Clinical ...

Showing results 41-60

Pathologists Assistant information

See California salary details

$14

$54

$88

How much do pathologists assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologists assistant in California is $54.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.93 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How many years does it take to be a Pathologists Assistant?

Becoming a pathologists assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree followed by a master's program in pathology assistant studies, which generally takes about 6 to 8 years total. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is also recommended and may require additional supervised work experience.

What are some typical challenges faced by a pathologists assistant in a hospital setting?

Pathologists Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of complex specimens, adhering to strict turnaround times, and maintaining accuracy in gross examination and specimen dissection. They must also ensure proper communication with pathologists, technologists, and laboratory staff to facilitate accurate diagnoses. Balancing these responsibilities while complying with safety and quality standards can be demanding but is essential for optimal patient care.

Where do pathologists assistants make the most money?

Pathologists assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized medical professionals, such as large metropolitan areas or regions with advanced healthcare facilities. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of cases handled, with some institutions offering additional compensation for overtime or specialized skills.

What is a pathologists assistant?

Pathologists' Assistants are highly trained healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a pathologist to examine, process, and prepare tissue specimens for diagnosis. They assist with autopsies, gross examination, and dissection of surgical specimens, ensuring accurate and efficient laboratory workflow. Pathologists' Assistants play a crucial role in helping pathologists diagnose diseases and conditions by preparing high-quality samples and maintaining detailed records. Their work is essential in hospitals, laboratories, and research settings.

What is the difference between Pathologists Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectPathologists AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsMaster's degree, certification (e.g., ASCP-PA)Associate's or Bachelor's degree, certification (e.g., ASCP-HT)
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical examiner officesHistology labs, hospitals, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesPreparing tissue samples, assisting in autopsies, gross examinationPreparing tissue slides, staining, microscopic analysis

Pathologists Assistants and Histotechnologists both work in pathology settings, but their roles differ. Pathologists Assistants focus on gross examination and assisting pathologists, while Histotechnologists prepare slides for microscopic review. Credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific duties distinguish them.

Is it worth becoming a Pathologists Assistant?

A Pathologists Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists pathologists with examining and processing tissue samples, often requiring certification and strong knowledge of histology and laboratory procedures. The role offers steady employment opportunities, a competitive salary, and the chance to work in a clinical or hospital setting, making it a valuable career choice for those interested in pathology and laboratory work.

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

To thrive as a Pathologists Assistant, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, specimen dissection, and pathology processes, typically acquired through a master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited program and ASCP certification. Proficiency in laboratory information systems, specimen imaging tools, and grossing instruments is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate specimen analysis and seamless collaboration with pathologists and laboratory staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining diagnostic accuracy, laboratory efficiency, and high standards of patient care.
What are popular job titles related to Pathologists Assistant jobs in California? For Pathologists Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologists Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologists Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pathologists Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Pathologists Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Pathologists Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,575 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Staff Pathologists Assistant

Stanford Health Care

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Evening - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
The Staff Pathologists Assistant (PA) dissects tissue specimens and provides dictated placement in plastic cassettes for embedding, staining, and microscopic analysis. This position includes coding and accessioning of specimens; processing breast and other complex tissue specimens according to established protocols; and instruction of residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty in Gross Room protocols and processes, as well as specimen photography. This position is responsible for providing direct coverage and responding on a STAT basis to the frozen section room for all SHC operating rooms and performing intraoperative consultations. The PA is also responsible for assisting and preserving tissue from specimens for the Department of Pathology Tissue Bank, and other adult and pediatric research groups. This position prepares and performs specimen radiography of breast, bone, and soft tissue specimens. The PA is also responsible for providing weekend and off-site location coverage on a rotational basis.
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
  • Receives samples via couriers or other hospital personnel. Handles patient's samples in an appropriate and efficient manner, distributing to the appropriate area of the laboratory or routing to other hospital departments as necessary according to procedure.
  • - Accessions patient samples into the Laboratory information system(s). Checks all requests for proper and accurate patient information. Consults with Supervisor if request is problematic. Notifies physician, nursing unit, clinic, etc. if sample received is inappropriate or compromised.
  • Completes a gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens. This includes weighing, measuring, and selectively photographing tissue specimens.
  • Assists pathologists with orientation, training, and instruction and of trainees to procedures and techniques of basic specimen handling, gross dissection, and dictation of both simple and complex specimens as well as the use of equipment.
  • Performs intraoperative consultations and fine needle aspiration (FNA) adequacies.
  • Performs specimen radiographs for selective specimens.
  • Preserves tissues for research, ancillary studies, and tissue bank.
  • Communicates with physicians, nurses, visitors and other laboratory/ hospital staff in a cooperative and courteous manner. 8. Responds to their needs appropriately with minimal waiting time.
  • Follows all departmental policies regarding attendance, punctuality and health and safety.
  • Independently resolves problems encountered in routine work. Recognizes problems or requests which require Supervisor and/or Lead assistance when appropriate.
  • Keeps current with all laboratory procedures, techniques, and changes in all areas of the laboratory through which they rotate. Meet competency standards of the department.
  • Assists in routine and regularly scheduled preventive maintenance for all equipment and spaces according to established procedures.
  • Expected behaviors include adaptability to change, collaboration toward common goals, self-motivation, and taking initiative.
  • Expected communication skills involve active listening and proper email etiquette.
  • Adheres to all Safety/Health regulatory and state/federal legal requirements and policies, operating procedures, and Services Standard of the Hospitals.
  • Serves as a technical resource for faculty, residents, and other laboratory personnel.
  • Autopsy specific tasks: Autopsy dissections and measurements / Assists in collection of specimens for laboratory and microscopic analysis / Instructs residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty in autopsy protocols and processes as well as specimen photography and radiology / Responsible for preparing specimens for the teaching collection and various research tissue protocols
  • Assists in maintenance and supply of the autopsy room
  • Participates in administrative roles such as health and safety certification for the autopsy service

Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university
  • Master's degree from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program

Experience Qualifications
  • One (1) year of progressively responsible and directly related work experience preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability operate and maintain medical equipment and apparatuses
  • Ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and interpret results
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions
  • Ability to learn new procedures and adapt to technological changes in the laboratory
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities
  • Ability to perform tasks according to prescribed procedures
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Knowledge and technical proficiency in specialty areas assigned within the laboratory
  • Knowledge of infection prevention policies and procedures
  • Knowledge of local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to areas of functional responsibility
  • Knowledge of mathematics general science and laboratory techniques

Licenses and Certifications
  • PA (ASCP) - Pathologist Assistant Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology within 180 Days

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Blood Borne Pathogens
  • Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues

These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford's patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family's perspective:
  • Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
  • Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
  • Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $62.75 - $83.16 per hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.