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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

The candidates would join another Pathologist and Pathologists' Assistant who are colleagues of a ... A willingness toparticipatein the clinical lab management and hospital committees including tumor ...

Trinityhealth

The candidates would join another Pathologist and Pathologists' Assistant who are colleagues of a ... A willingness toparticipatein the clinical lab management and hospital committees including tumor ...

Trinity Health

Pathology - Dubuque, IA

Dubuque, IA · On-site

The candidates would join another Pathologist and Pathologists' Assistant who are colleagues of a ... A willingness to participate in the clinical lab management and hospital committees including tumor ...

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All JobsPathology Lab JobsPathology Lab Assistant JobsPathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Pathology Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do pathology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathology lab assistant in Iowa is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pathology lab assistant?

Pathology Lab Assistants are healthcare professionals who support pathologists and laboratory technologists in medical laboratories. They are responsible for preparing and processing samples, labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that the lab runs smoothly. Their work helps pathologists diagnose diseases by ensuring samples are properly handled and processed. Additionally, they may assist with administrative tasks and help maintain a safe and sterile laboratory environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a pathology lab assistant?

A Pathology Lab Assistant's daily responsibilities often include preparing and labeling specimens, assisting with the setup and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are processed accurately and efficiently. They play a vital role in maintaining the lab's workflow, supporting pathologists and technologists by handling administrative tasks, and ensuring that all documentation is complete and compliant with regulations. Collaboration and attention to detail are crucial, as their work directly impacts the quality and timeliness of diagnostic results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pathology lab assistant?

To thrive as a Pathology Lab Assistant, you need a basic science background, attention to detail, and relevant laboratory experience, often gained through an associate degree or certificate in laboratory science. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen handling protocols, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, support efficient laboratory operations, and maintain the integrity of diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Pathology Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectPathology Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job RoleAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results

Pathology Lab Assistants typically support laboratory operations through specimen handling and basic tasks, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. Both roles work in similar environments, but Technicians require more advanced training and certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How do I become a pathology lab assistant?

To become a pathology lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures. Some positions require certification or on-the-job training in specimen handling, lab safety, and basic testing techniques. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and protocols.

Is it hard to become a pathology lab assistant?

Becoming a pathology lab assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may require certification or on-the-job training, but the role generally involves learning specific skills related to specimen handling and lab equipment. The difficulty varies depending on individual background and the complexity of the laboratory environment.

What do pathology lab assistants do?

Pathology lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing and processing tissue, blood, and other samples for analysis. They often handle tasks such as labeling specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting pathologists with tests, requiring attention to detail and knowledge of lab safety protocols. Their work helps ensure accurate diagnostic results in a clinical setting.

What are popular job titles related to Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Pathology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Pathology Lab Assistant job openings:

Pathology Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pathology Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.

Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Specialized Care Coordinator (working title: Pathologists' Assistant) to act as a primary provider of laboratory services in the designated service areas requiring specialized knowledge, practice, expertise and high visibility and interaction. To serve as a practitioner, educator/role model for fellows, residents, externs, and staff members. It is the role of the Pathologists' Assistant to continuously interact and consult with the Laboratory Medical Director, Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor, Assistant Lab Manager and designee. The area of specialized knowledge includes describing, dissecting, and submitting samples of human surgical specimens and, as directed, to assume other responsibilities including administrating, supervising and teaching. Tasks are performed at multiple UI Health Care Surgical Pathology locations (MCU, MCNL, and MCD). This position is 100% time, Monday - Friday, first shift.
Duties to include:
• Maintains specimen identification integrity.
• Performs gross examination and dictation of surgical specimens.
• Performs intraoperative consultations including frozen section microtomy and staining, touch preparation, and open and return consultation.
• Assists in the organization and coordination of the operations in Surgical Pathology at the direction of the pathologist(s), Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor, Assistant Lab Manager or designee.
• Collects tissue for tumor bank or research labs.
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pathology/about-us
Required Qualifications:

  • Requires a Master's degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be ASCP certified or eligible for certification within one year of employment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Desirable Qualifications:
  • Desire demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and working well with others.
  • Desire experience working in an academic health center.
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.
Applicant Resource Center -
Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available! Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.
Hours:
Monday 8:00am - 10:00am
Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am
Wednesday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am
Friday 12:30pm - 5:00pm
And by Appointment:
Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu to schedule a time to visit.

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