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Pathology Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Raisso

Physician - Pathology Dubuque

Asbury, IA

The locum tenens physician's responsibility for the clinical lab includes clinical lab-blood bank ... There is one and a half physicians in the group, four histotechnologists, one pathology assistant ...

Raisso

Physician - Pathology Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

Clinical lab-blood bank/resolve difficult antibodies hematology - reviewing out of the norm ... Assistants: 1 How Many Cytotechnologists: 2 Will the Locum Tenens Physician be Required to ...

UnityPoint Health

Lab Support Tech

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

... for the pathologists, including medical examiner requests. Why UnityPoint Health? At UnityPoint ... Researches National and Local Coverage Determinations to assist with diagnosis and medical ...

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All 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 Jun 23, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pathology Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

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.

Do you need a degree to be a pathology assistant?

A pathology lab assistant typically does not need a college degree but may require relevant training or certification in laboratory procedures. Some positions prefer candidates with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, while advanced roles like pathology assistants often require a bachelor's degree and specialized education or certification. Skills in laboratory techniques and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

Where do pathology assistants make the most money?

Pathology assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare professionals, such as large metropolitan areas or states with advanced medical facilities. Salary levels are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of the laboratory environment.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Pathology lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or certification in laboratory procedures. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Certification or training in phlebotomy or laboratory techniques can enhance job prospects.

What are Pathology Lab Assistants?

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 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.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Pathology Lab Assistant, and how do they support the work of pathologists and laboratory technologists?

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 do pathology lab assistants do?

Pathology lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing and processing tissue, blood, and other samples for analysis. They assist with specimen collection, maintain lab equipment, and ensure proper documentation, often working under the supervision of pathologists or lab technologists. Attention to detail and knowledge of lab safety protocols are essential in this role.
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
Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

Other

Posted 20 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 539 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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