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Surgical Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

UVA Health

Pathology Assistant

Manassas, VA · On-site

PA6000 Full Time opening for Pathologist Assistant at PWMC with some travel to HAMC. Full time ... Performs gross examinations, dissection and description of tissues received in Surgical Pathology ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$90K/yr

Basic Requirement for Supervisory Pathology Assistant: Degree: Bachelor's or graduate (or higher ... One year of specialized experience which includes managing or facilitating daily surgical pathology ...

Care Career

Travel Pathology Assistant

Winchester, VA · On-site

Care Career is seeking a travel Pathology Assistant for a travel job in Winchester, Virginia ... Labor & Delivery Certified Surgical Technologist Contract: 13 Weeks Shift: Nights | 7:00 PM-7:30 AM ...

VSI

Experienced Surgical Physician Assistant

Reston, VA · On-site

Complex spinal pathology, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and hands-on operative experience ... First-assist responsibilities in complex spinal procedures, including discectomy, disc replacement ...

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Surgical Pathologist Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$54

$89

How much do surgical pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical pathologist assistant in Virginia is $54.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.12 and $66.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,095 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Pathology Assistant

UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper

Manassas, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description


Pathology Assistant
Job Code: PA6000
Full Time opening for Pathologist Assistant at PWMC with some travel to HAMC. Full time variable mid shift, potential Tuesday-Saturday.
ABOUT US
We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know - and making connections with - our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.
As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people's lives every day.
JOB TYPE
Classification: Exempt
Supervises Positions: No
JOB SUMMARY
Description:
The Pathology Assistant reports directly to the UVA Community Health System Medical Group with dotted line to UVA Community Health Anatomic Pathology Medical Director and Anatomic Pathology Supervisor.
Job Duties include:
  • Performs gross examinations, dissection and description of tissues received in Surgical Pathology and Autopsy Services. These duties may include but are not limited to:
    • Workload is prioritized and managed to meet expected Turn-Around-Time (TAT) and specific specimen requirements.
    • Competence is maintained and new skills are added as procedures and technologies change.
    • Tissue sampling, gross descriptions and dictations are accurate and according to procedure.
    • Specimens are photographed when appropriate for archival purposes.
    • Assisting with tissue procurement, collecting tissue samples per research protocols.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of quality, safety and compliance programs.
    • Compliance guidelines are applied to testing and reporting activities.
    • Chemicals, hazardous wastes and sharps are handled accurately and safely.
    • Quality Assurance data is collected and summarized for reporting as needed.
    • Suggestions are made for Process Improvement initiatives.
  • Participates in the development, implementation and maintenance of Surgical Pathology protocols and budgetary goals.
    • Gross Room manual is updated annually to reflect current methodology, medical staff requests and all federal, state and laboratory accreditation standards.
    • Electronic information/data systems are used to accurately access and input tissue sample information and departmental communications.
    • Budget goals are set and maintained through participation in departmental meetings and appropriate usage of resources.
    • Ensures case documentation supports appropriate charge codes and descriptions.
    • Collaborates with compliance, laboratory billing, and lab leadership to perform charge and billing audits as needed.
  • Performs area-specific support/clinical activities.
    • Accuracy and quality are maintained for activities.
    • Specific support functions are handled in an organized and timely fashion.
    • Deadlines for activities are met.
    • Specific support functions are handled in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Analysis:
  • Demonstrates proactive problem solving and identifies initiatives to streamline and produce high quality work.
  • Supports identified turn-around-times and quality metrics

Communication: Ensures timely and consistent communication.
  • Ensures timely responses to team requests and inquiries.
  • Provides high-level patient and customer service.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with other healthcare professionals.
  • Collaborates professionally within multi-disciplinary teams.

Quality: Checks and controls quality and accuracy of work
  • Prioritizes workflow ensuring all services are performed in a timely manner.
  • Considerable knowledge of laboratory testing names
  • Identifies and participates in process improvement opportunities

Teamwork: Works within a team to achieve patient and team goals.
  • Participates in the onboarding and training of new team members.
  • Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with team members.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to adjust activities to accommodate the needs of team members/internal customers.
  • Resolves conflicts independently, as appropriate.
  • Accepts responsibility for actions and acts positively upon feedback from others.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree Required. Graduate of a NAACLS accredited formal Pathologist Assistant Program required.
  • Preferred - Master's Degree in Pathology Assistant.

Experience:
1 year preferred
Licensure: ASCP certified or eligible
Additional Skills/Requirements Required: NA
Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred:
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demand Code: 16A, Medical Practitioner
Work Function/Activity:
OTHER
  • May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
  • On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
  • Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

The base compensation range for this role is $49.15 - $62.06 hourly.
Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.

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