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Surgical Pathologist Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Pathologist Assistant at Banner Health, you'll play a critical role in surgical specimen dissection, frozen section analysis, and intra-operative consultations while mentoring the next ...

As a Pathologist Assistant at Banner Health, you'll play a critical role in surgical specimen dissection, frozen section analysis, and intra-operative consultations while mentoring the next ...

As a Pathologist Assistant at Banner Health, you'll play a critical role in surgical specimen dissection, frozen section analysis, and intra-operative consultations while mentoring the next ...

A Pathologists' Assistant is a professional who is qualified by academic and practical training to ... the surgical pathology and autopsy suites. * Maintain and implement policies and procedures in ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 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 growing demand due to the increasing need for specialized support in pathology laboratories. Their skills in gross examination, tissue sampling, and documentation are essential, and employment opportunities are expected to expand as healthcare and diagnostic services grow.

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 professionals with specialized skills or working in high-cost-of-living areas tend to earn the top salaries in this field.

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 clinical experience, making the process moderately challenging but achievable with dedicated education and training.

What do surgical pathology assistants do?

Surgical pathology assistants support pathologists by preparing and grossing surgical specimens, ensuring proper labeling and documentation. They may also assist with tissue processing, cutting slides, and maintaining laboratory equipment, often working in a clinical or hospital laboratory setting. Strong attention to detail and knowledge of anatomy and laboratory procedures are essential for this role.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,082 per year, or $55.3 per hour.
Pathologist Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

Banner Health

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 hours ago


Banner Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 757 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 889 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Primary City/State:
Tucson, Arizona
Department Name:
Lab-Clinic
Work Shift:
Day
Job Category:
Clinical Care
New grads or near graduation welcome to apply! Must sit for exam within 6 months of start date.
Great careers are built at Banner Health. We understand that talented health care professionals appreciate having options. We are proud to offer our team members many career and lifestyle choices throughout our network of facilities. Apply today, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Tucson is set in a Sonoran Desert valley surrounded by five mountain ranges. Boasting an average 350 sunny days a year and warm dry air, the climate is ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. Tucson offers one-of-a-kind experiences for those interested in outdoor adventure and nature, heritage and culture, arts and attractions, golf, and we are a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
As a Pathologist Assistant at Banner Health, you'll play a critical role in surgical specimen dissection, frozen section analysis, and intra-operative consultations while mentoring the next generation of medical professionals through comprehensive training of residents and students. This position offers the opportunity to handle cases of all complexity levels-from routine specimens to intricate multi-part cancer resections-while utilizing your skills in clinical correlation, gross anatomic description, photography, and dictation to maintain optimal workflow and expedite patient diagnoses. If you thrive in collaborative settings, excel at problem-solving, and are passionate about precision in pathology, this is your chance to advance your career with a leading healthcare organization.
$5,000 sign on bonus and up to $5,000 in relocation expense reimbursement with a 12 month commitment.
Continuing education opportunities supported.
Location:
1625 N Campbell Ave
Tucson, AZ
Hours: Mon - Fri Varied (7am-6pm)
No Call, No Weekends
Banner University Medical Group is our nonprofit faculty practice plan associated with the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Phoenix and Tucson. Our 1,100-plus clinicians provide primary and specialty care to patients at highly ranked Banner - University Medical Centers and dozens of clinics while providing mentorship to more than 1,200 residents and fellows. Our practice values and encourages the three-part mission of academic medicine: research, education and excellent patient care.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Pathologist Assistant (PA) is a highly trained, allied health professional who assists Attending Pathologists under direct or indirect supervision. In addition to surgical dissection, the PA provides comprehensive training to medical residents and medical students. An ability to resolve discrepancies and to work with others in a high-volume setting is critical. Duties will include the understanding and inclusion of pertinent clinical history, description of gross anatomic features, prioritizing to expedite cases to maintain a positive workflow.
CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Assists in the preparation, photography, dictation and grossing of surgical specimen dissections of all complexity levels from routine to multiple part cancer resections.
2. Provides education and instruction for Pathology Residents, Fellows and medical students regarding proper gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens. This includes gross photography techniques, selection of appropriate tissue sections for microscopic examination and additional studies, the dictation of complete and pertinent descriptions of gross findings.
3. Assists with frozen section specimens and intra-operative consultations as needed, as well as providing guidance to Pathology Residents and Fellows.
4. Assists in providing immediate consultation for renal biopsy adequacy evaluation in the clinical setting and may perform proper preparation of tissue for subsequent diagnosis by the Pathologist.
5. Provides support for tissue selection and consultation on specimens for tumor banking or other research projects as requested.
6. Provides feedback to surgical pathology assistants and support staff as needed. Exhibits problem solving skills of a highly complex nature, assures proper instrument maintenance, specimen photography, and troubleshooting according to guidelines established by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requires B.S. degree or higher with minimum science credits met as required by College of American Pathologists (CAP). Completion of a National Accrediting Agency Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) approved Pathologists' Assistant program.
Demonstrated ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding specimens and the findings associated with the laboratory functions. Must be able to maintain good rapport with departmental personnel and be able to work flexible hours (e.g., evenings and weekends on-call as determined by departmental needs).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Certification or eligible for certification with certification attained within first year of employment.
Three to five years of experience working in a gross room.
Experience with teaching in an academic setting or a resident training program.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
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