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Surgical Pathologist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for ...

Pathologist Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$45.87 - $62.02/hr

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for ...

... surgical pathology specimens and the supervision of the autopsy service. * Master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program. * Must hold current NYS Pathologists' Assistant OR ...

Pathologist Assistant

Edison, NJ · On-site

$2.4K - $2.6K/wk

The Pathologists' Assistant will support pathologists with surgical and autopsy pathology procedures, including: Gross examination, dissection, and preparation of surgical specimens Selection and ...

New

The pathologist assistant will be capable of performing all routine functions in the surgical pathology area, including some escalated issues and troubleshooting quality issues. * The individual will ...

A pathologist's assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for ...

Pathologist Assistant

Munster, IN · On-site

$45.48 - $69.64/hr

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Surgical Pathologist Responsibilities: * Focus on diagnostic Surgical Pathology case sign out and ... activities * Assist the laboratory administrative director and Pathology Chair in delegated ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

Under the direction of the Physician, the Pathologist Assistant assists in the autopsy and surgical pathology department of the hospital and lab. Performs essential tasks, such as examining specimens ...

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Surgical Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$55

$89

How much do surgical pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical pathologist assistant in the United States is $55.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do surgical pathologist assistants do?

Surgical pathologist assistants support pathologists by preparing and grossing surgical specimens, ensuring proper labeling and documentation. They may also assist with specimen dissection, processing, and maintaining laboratory equipment, often working in a clinical or hospital setting and requiring knowledge of histology and laboratory safety protocols.

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.

Are pathologist assistants in high demand?

Pathologist assistants are in increasing demand due to the growing need for specialized support in medical laboratories and hospitals. Their skills in gross examination, tissue sampling, and documentation are essential, and employment opportunities are expected to grow alongside the healthcare industry. Certification and experience can enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surgical Pathologist Assistant, and why are they important?

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 is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salary for a surgical pathologist assistant can exceed $80,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior or specialized assistants working in large medical centers or with advanced skills may earn higher compensation.

How hard is it to become a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a surgical pathologist assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a specialized master's program in pathology assisting or a related field. Certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required, and candidates need relevant laboratory experience, making the process moderately challenging but achievable with proper education and training.
More about Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surgical Pathologist Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Surgical Pathologist Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,082 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Pathologist Assistant

GW MFA

Washington, DC

$95K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position Summary

A pathologist’s assistant provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of an attending pathologist. A pathologist’s assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and dissection and examination of organs and tissues during autopsy examination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for histologic processing and surgical pathology examination.

  • Provide a detailed and accurate description of tissue specimens using an electronic dictation system.

  • Perform gross dissection, description, and preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, including preparation of cryostat sections and smears/imprints and staining of slides for microscopic examination.

  • Preparation and submission of tissue specimens and other biological specimens for special laboratory studies, including flow cytometric and molecular analyses.

  • Perform dissection and examination of organs and tissues during an autopsy examination.

  • Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients’ medical records and arranging radiographic examinations.

  • Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens.

  • Participate in teaching pathology residents in gross tissue dissection and description techniques, intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and autopsy dissection and examination.

  • Assist in the preparation of materials for educational conferences.

  • Assist with departmental quality assurance/quality improvement activities and compliance with all CLIA, CAP, TJC, and DC DOH standards.

  • Clean and maintain surgical pathology, autopsy, and other equipment.

  • Perform duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, procedures, reports, and data

  • Assist in standardizing and implementing new protocols and procedures, as necessary.

  • May be exposed to disagreeable odors and infectious diseases; therefore, must take proper safety precautions necessary to protect their health and well-being.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

  • Master of Science degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant training program.
  • Graduated from an ACGME-accredited Anatomic Pathology residency training program

Licensure/Certifications

  • Current and valid certification as a Pathologist Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
  • If you are a physician, then you must have graduated from an ACGME-accredited Anatomic Pathology residency training program and have an unrestricted medical license for the District of Columbia. The ASCP certification is waived.

Physical Requirements

  • Sit, stand, bend, reach, and walk for long periods of time in an office setting.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull over 100 lbs. as part of the role.
  • Regularly exposed to healthcare settings that may require personal protective equipment.
  • Requires manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, copier machine, and other equipment.

About GW MFA

MFA physicians provide comprehensive patient care, offering one practice for the whole person with 52 medical and surgical specialties. As members of the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences faculty, MFA providers are teachers and mentors for medical students, residents, fellows, and researchers preserving the rich tradition of academics, research, and healing. In addition to maintaining a closely integrated alliance with The George Washington University and The George Washington University Hospital (GWUH) which is separately owned and operated by Universal Health Services (UHS), the GW MFA has active referring relationships with 12 area hospitals.

The GW MFA’s leading healthcare presence in the DC metro region is complemented by a network of community-based practices in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Given its geographic location in central NW Washington, DC, and proximity to more than 175 resident embassies, the MFA continues to evolve its international clinical outreach.