In a pathology lab, a pathologist’s assistant performs a variety of tasks, from filing paperwork to performing autopsies. With the exception of diagnosing patients, these allied health professionals can perform many of the same tasks as a fully licensed pathologist, and they work under the supervision of a pathologist. Many facilities are always in need of additional pathology staff, so job prospects in this field can be quite good.
A master’s degree in science is usually required in order to work as a pathologist’s assistant. He or she usually has a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, medical technology, or a related field and has completed a specialized two-year program to train pathologist’s assistants. A pathologist’s assistant may be required to take a licensing exam to demonstrate competency, depending on the region in which he or she works.
A pathologist’s assistant can process specimens in the lab, taking care of everything from filing paperwork to running all of the tests that might lead to a diagnosis. A pathologist’s assistant can dissect, interpret test results, and describe anatomical specimens, with the pathologist confirming the diagnosis at the end of the process. These individuals also manage lab specimens and frequently handle administrative tasks such as maintaining paperwork, issuing pathology reports, and coordinating employee schedules, allowing the pathologist to focus on other tasks.
Autopsies can also be performed by pathologist’s assistants, who handle every step of the process from obtaining legal permission to conducting an autopsy to releasing a body to family members or a funeral home. These professionals’ gross dissection skills come in handy at the autopsy table, where they must be able to examine organs in situ as well as dissect and take samples. Autopsy skills can also help reduce the pathologist’s caseload in a busy pathology facility, which can help reduce burnout and ensure that the pathologist can focus on his or her responsibilities.
In some pathology labs, the pathologist’s assistant also trains new employees, familiarizing them with lab procedures and assisting them with their orientation. This pathology staff member may also have teaching responsibilities, and he or she may guide students, conduct demonstrations, give lectures, and provide other learning opportunities for pathology students. Newly qualified pathologists may not have the extensive field experience of a veteran pathologist’s assistant, so experienced assistants can provide training and support.