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Surgical Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Describes and examines surgical specimens and prepares such specimens for histology processing ... Participates in seminars and provides instruction for medical and pathologist assist students ...

... with the pathologist. 3. Assist in the preparation and dissection of human surgical specimens ... including: a. Assures appropriate specimen accessioning, b. Obtains the clinical history including ...

Picks up pathology specimens from various locations throughout the hospital and campus such as surgery, endoscopy, etc. * Responsible for proper handling, accessioning, and billing of all pathology ...

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Surgical Pathologist Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$48

$78

How much do surgical pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical pathologist assistant in Michigan is $48.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.93 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical pathologist assistant?

A Surgical Pathologist Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a pathologist to assist in the examination and processing of surgical specimens. They help prepare tissue samples for analysis, describe and dissect specimens, and sometimes assist with autopsies. Their work is crucial in ensuring accurate diagnoses by preparing high-quality samples for pathologists to examine. Surgical Pathologist Assistants typically work in hospitals, laboratories, or medical examiner offices, and require specialized education and training in pathology. This role is vital to the pathology team and contributes significantly to patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical pathologist assistant?

To thrive as a Surgical Pathologist Assistant, you need specialized training in anatomical pathology, specimen preparation, and gross examination, typically requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field and completion of a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program. Familiarity with laboratory information systems, digital imaging, and compliance standards like CAP and CLIA is essential. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to multitask under pressure help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate diagnoses, efficient workflow, and safe handling of patient specimens in a high-stakes medical environment.

What are some common challenges faced by surgical pathologist assistants in their daily workflow?

Surgical Pathologist Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where they must balance accuracy and efficiency while handling a high volume of specimens. Managing complex or urgent cases, dealing with delicate or large tissue specimens, and maintaining strict attention to detail can be challenging. Additionally, effective communication with pathologists, surgeons, and laboratory staff is crucial for ensuring proper specimen processing and timely diagnoses. Adapting to new laboratory technologies and evolving protocols is also part of the role.

What is the difference between Surgical Pathologist Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectSurgical Pathologist AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., ASCP-PA), relevant educationCertification (e.g., HT(ASCP)), specialized training
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, surgical centersHistology labs, research facilities, hospitals
Employer & IndustryMedical institutions, pathology labsMedical labs, research institutions
Job FocusAssisting pathologists, grossing specimensPreparing tissue samples, staining slides

The Surgical Pathologist Assistant and Histotechnologist roles share overlapping skills and work environments but differ in focus. Surgical Pathologist Assistants primarily assist with specimen grossing and support pathologists, while Histotechnologists prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. Both roles are vital in pathology labs and often require similar certifications, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a surgical pathologist assistant?

To become a surgical pathologist assistant, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in a biological or health science field, followed by completion of a specialized training program or certification in surgical pathology assisting. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required or preferred, and relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with histology techniques. Some positions may also require experience working in a clinical or laboratory setting.

Is it worth becoming a surgical pathologist assistant?

A surgical pathologist assistant plays a vital role in assisting with specimen gross examination, documentation, and preparation for diagnosis, often requiring certification such as the ASCP. The position offers steady employment opportunities in pathology labs and hospitals, with a typical work schedule and the potential for career advancement in the medical laboratory field.

Where do surgical pathologist assistants make the most money?

Surgical pathologist assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater healthcare funding, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and academic medical centers. States or areas with a high demand for specialized pathology services often offer increased compensation for experienced assistants. Salary can also be influenced by certifications, years of experience, and the complexity of cases handled.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,305 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant

Detroit, MI β€’ On-site

DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
HospitalsΒ β€’Β 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

DMC University Laboratories, Inc. is committed to providing exceptional patient care in a supportive and collaborative environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work with advanced technology and be part of a healthcare community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients.
Benefits Statement
At Tenet Healthcare, we understand that our greatest asset is our dedicated team of professionals. That's why we offer more than a job - we provide a comprehensive benefit package that prioritizes your health, professional development, and work-life balance. The available plans and programs include:
β€’ Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
β€’ 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
β€’ Generous paid time off (PTO)
β€’ Career development and continuing education opportunities
β€’ Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
β€’ Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
β€’ Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance.
Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location and is determined by employment status
Job Summary:
Under general direction of a pathologist, assists in all aspects of anatomic pathology. Describes and examines surgical specimens and prepares such specimens for histology processing. Performs autopsy prosection, obtains appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation and describes findings. Assists in preparation, processing and determination of adequacy of fine needle aspirates and renal biopsies. Participates in seminars and provides instruction for medical and pathologist assist students concerning technique and protocol in autopsy and surgical pathology.
Under the direction of a pathologist, performs prosections and dictates gross description of surgical specimens.
Ensures that appropriate legal permission has been obtained to perform autopsies. Assists pathologist and clinicians in obtaining permission if necessary.
Prepares abstracts of medical records and presents abstracts to pathologists prior to beginning an autopsy.
Maintains autopsy room, associated facilities and all instruments and equipment in a clean and safe condition as specified by department safety and OSHA guidelines. Obtains and transports supplies necessary to operation of autopsy and gross rooms.
Transfers and handles body from morgue to autopsy table.
Conducts autopsy from start to finish including description, prosection, selection, collection and submission of designated specimens for microscopic evaluation, and special studies.
Conducts Training seminars, instructing pathologist assist students in technique and protocol of autopsy and gross surgical pathology. Demonstrates gross pathology protocol and procedures to new residents.
Prepares fine needle aspirates and renal biopsy specimens for examination utilizing appropriate laboratory techniques and protocols. Examines specimens for adequacy.
Evaluates and provides feedback on student projects.
May assist with sections/specimens utilizing cryostat, stains and coverslip slides; maintains frozen section equipment.
May perform and/or assist pathologist or designate in performance of tasks related to medical photography.
May maintain procedure manuals in accordance with practice guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies.
Works open pathologist assistant shifts across multiple laboratory sites, including Harper University Hospital, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital.
Qualifications:
1. Graduate from a Baccalaureate Pathology Assistant program or successful completion of a post bachelor's program from an approved school of Pathology Assistants. OR Bachelor's degree in sciences with background in physiology and anatomy with three to five years experience in pathology.
2. Certification by American Association of Pathology Assistants (AAPA) or American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) as a Pathology Assistant, or must successfully attain certification within 6 (six) months of employment as a Pathology Assistant to retain employment at the DMCUL.
Facility Description
DMC University Laboratories (DMCUL) is a regional, integrated laboratory system providing services to the eight hospitals of Detroit Medical Center. DMC University Laboratories evolved in 1993 and is comprised of Core Laboratories, Specialty Laboratories, two rapid response hospital laboratories, Centralized Stat Lab, Centralized Blood Bank Lab, and full service outreach infrastructure which includes patient service centers, remote ambulatory laboratories, marketing staff, courier system and billing department. The DMC University Laboratories service area covers the entire Southeast Michigan market, and is growing at a rapid pace with the following outstanding features: Test menu of over 1,000 tests, which includes high end specialty tests. Less than 1% of our tests are sent to outside reference laboratories. Provide reference laboratory services to many of the other healthcare systems in Southeastern Michigan and several out of state facilities.
EEO Statement
Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.
Tenet participates in the E-Verify program. Follow the link below for additional information.
E-Verify: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
The employment practices of Tenet Healthcare and its companies comply with all applicable laws and regulations