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Surgical Pathology Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Minimum 3 years of surgical pathology experience - REQUIRED * Must be a Certified Pathologists' Assistant * Must have graduated from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program * PA ...

This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services through surgical pathology ... This is an excellent opportunity for a Pathology Assistant who enjoys a mix of grossing, and ...

This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services through surgical pathology ... This is an excellent opportunity for a Pathology Assistant who enjoys a mix of grossing, and ...

This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services through surgical pathology ... This is an excellent opportunity for a Pathology Assistant who enjoys a mix of grossing, and ...

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Surgical Pathology Assistant information

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$13

$27

$62

How much do surgical pathology assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical pathology assistant in the United States is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical pathology assistant?

Surgical Pathology Assistants are specialized healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of pathologists to assist with the examination, dissection, and processing of tissue specimens from surgeries and biopsies. They play a crucial role in preparing samples for microscopic evaluation, ensuring accurate diagnoses. Their responsibilities can include gross examination, specimen dissection, and documentation, as well as overseeing laboratory workflow. Surgical Pathology Assistants typically work in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories and require specialized training, often through an accredited pathology assistant program.

How does a surgical pathology assistant typically collaborate with pathologists and laboratory staff during specimen processing?

Surgical Pathology Assistants work closely with pathologists and laboratory technicians to ensure accurate and efficient specimen processing. They often receive, examine, and dissect surgical specimens under the supervision of a pathologist, documenting findings and preparing tissue samples for further analysis. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as the assistant must relay critical observations and follow specific protocols to maintain specimen integrity. This teamwork helps support timely and accurate diagnoses, which are vital for patient care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical pathology assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surgical Pathology Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, specimen grossing, and laboratory protocols, often supported by a bachelor's degree and specialized training in pathology assistance. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen tracking software, and standard laboratory equipment is crucial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring accurate specimen processing, maintaining patient safety, and supporting efficient diagnostic workflows.

What is the difference between Surgical Pathology Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectSurgical Pathology AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related fieldRequires a bachelor's degree and histotechnology certification
Work EnvironmentWorks in pathology labs assisting with specimen grossing and processingWorks in histology labs preparing tissue slides for microscopic examination
Employer & IndustryHospitals, medical labs, pathology practicesMedical laboratories, hospitals, research institutions

The Surgical Pathology Assistant and Histotechnologist roles share some overlap in laboratory settings but differ mainly in responsibilities. The assistant focuses on gross examination and specimen handling, while the histotechnologist prepares tissue slides for diagnosis. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in pathology or histology labs, making them complementary in the diagnostic process.

What does a surgical pathology assistant do?

A surgical pathology assistant supports pathologists by preparing and grossing surgical specimens, ensuring proper labeling and documentation. They may also assist with tissue processing, cutting, and staining, often working in a laboratory setting and requiring knowledge of histology techniques and safety protocols.
More about Surgical Pathology Assistant jobs

What cities are hiring for Surgical Pathology Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical Pathology Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Surgical Pathology Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical Pathology Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Surgical Pathology Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% 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 $57,122 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Pathology Assistant - Surgical Pathology Lab

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories
Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.
Pathology Assistant in the Surgical Pathology Lab. Day shift, with no nights, weekends, or autopsies.
This position will be primarily located at Duke Raleigh Hospital, a campus of Duke University Hospital.
General Description
Assist in performance of autopsy and surgical pathology services. Work independently when performing professional duties associated with the preparation, performance, and completion of autopsies, and examination and/or preparations of the surgical pathology specimens, with general supervision of pathologist.
Duties and Responsibilities
Select and identify tissue for microscopic study; determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refer tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist or Resident.
Maintain records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assist in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; label and store gross tissue specimen.
Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit request for special histologic procedures and special stains when appropriate.
Photograph specimen samples as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation. Perform photomicroscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintain complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.
Assist pathologist with eviscerations, gross anatomic dissection, and in obtaining appropriate sections for microscopic examination; assist in training of techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.
Remove organs, portions of bone, or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collect special materials for toxicological, viral and bacteriological assays. Maintain records; file x-rays; maintain facilities; label and store gross tissue obtained during autopsy; monitor and order supplies.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.
Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-bycase basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed
Experience
1 year of experience is strongly preferred.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Certification by the American Association of Pathologist Assistants within 12 months of hire.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Basic knowledge of human anatomy, macrosurgical techniques, general laboratory skills.Understanding of safety and infection control requirements of position. Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation, provide assistance to pathologists, in a timely and quality manner. Proficiency in preparing and maintaining records, use of electronic communications tools and software.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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