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Pathologists Assistant Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds ...

Pathologists Assistant information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$14

$54

$88

How much do pathologists assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologists assistant in Meridian, MS is $54.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $66.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are Pathologists' Assistants?

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.

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 Meridian, MS? For Pathologists Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologists Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologists Assistant jobs in Meridian, MS are:
What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Pathologists Assistant jobs? Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Pathologists Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Pathologists Assistant job openings in Meridian, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,884 per year, or $54.3 per hour.
Histotechnician-Full Time

Histotechnician-Full Time

Ochsner Health

Meridian, MS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Ochsner Health rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 444 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

603rd of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains and labels slides.
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 qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred - Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry.
Work Experience
Preferred - 1 year of experience in Histopathology laboratory OR an ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification.
Certifications
Preferred - ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification
*ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification may be accepted in lieu of work experience
Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
  • Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
  • Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
  • Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.
  • Experience working independently.
  • Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Job Duties
  • Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
  • Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
  • Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
  • Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date for special stains.
  • Completes Pathologist's, Supervisor's and management team's requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
  • Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.
  • Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
  • Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
  • Performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing.
  • Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
  • Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
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Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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