Pathologists' Assistant PRN

Overview

UnityPoint-St Luke's Hospital

PRN (as needed)

Looking for PRN coverage for maternity leave from December 2026 through the first week of March 2027 with the possibility of extending based on surgical specimen volume. Hours and schedule are flexible. Primary responsibilities would include macroscopic examination of surgical tissue specimens with occasional frozen section coverage for pathologists when unavailable. No autopsy. No residents.

The Pathologists’ Assistant is a certified allied health professional, qualified by academic and practical training to provide service in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a qualified board-certified anatomic Pathologist. The Pathologists' Assistant is responsible for providing accurate and timely processing of surgical pathology specimens which includes a comprehensive macroscopic examination, dictation of gross descriptions, photographing specimens, and performance of intraoperative consultations. The PA participates in a variety of department activities and services such as organizing and managing the surgical pathology and autopsy suite (if applicable), and supervising accessioners, lab assistants, and grossing technicians. When applicable, the PA will perform postmortem examinations under the supervision of a board-certified pathologist including the prosection, dissections of organs, submitting tissue for microscopic examination, assisting with rendering a provisional anatomic diagnosis, composition of the clinical history, and recording of macrospic findings. The Pathologists' Assistant ensures that timely and accurate clinical diagnostic information is provided to healthcare professionals so that patient care and customer service is of the highest quality. Administrative tasks performed by the PA include but are not limited to inventory control, monitoring of quality assurance, quality control, accreditation inspection preparation, budgeting, supervising of students/residents (in an academic setting), and providing shadowing experiences to prospective Pathologists’ Assistant students.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program .
• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family .

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

Clinical Experience

Primary work setting is in a hospital or independent laboratory

Histopathology department.

• Performs the macroscopic examination of surgical and forensic

pathology specimens in accordance with regulatory guidelines

while maintaining quality and fiscal requirements.

• Researches and develops new autopsy and surgical specimen

dissection procedures/methods/programs/processes which enhance

quality, service, and/or financial position, or contributes to sales

and outreach activities.

• Provides technical assistance, consultation, and education to

medical staff, CIHS personnel, and clients. Serves as an

authoritative technical reference for a variety of activities such as

research projects and grant proposals.

Quality and Safety

Is aware of hospital quality metrics and assists in meeting and

maintaining these goals.

• Responsible for following all infection control and safety standards.
• Practice reflects knowledge of HIPAA, CAP, OSHA and other

federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.

Committed Team

Utilizes supply items in a cost-effective manner, recognizing when

to reorder, and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.

• Attends department huddles, staff meetings and other required

training.

• Checks emails regularly for important communications relevant to

assignment.

• Instructs, trains, and evaluates students and new employees.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in science related field and completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program required.

Experience: 2 years relevant work experience preferred.

License/Certifications: Pathologists’ Assistants certification within 180 days required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Basic computer skills required.