A pathologist’s assistant has an important role in helping with the diagnosis of diseases. They are responsible for gathering, preparing and examining bodily fluids, tissues and other laboratory specimens. They also perform frozen section diagnosis and assist with autopsies. Aside from laboratory activities, a pathologist’s assistant performs administrative duties such as record keeping, billing and setting of appointments. They function under the close supervision of a pathologist and work in tandem with doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and other healthcare professionals.
If you see yourself starting a career in pathology, you’ll need the proper medical training. You can use these tips to learn the education and skill requirements for pathologist jobs. Here’s how to become a pathologist’s assistant:
Education and Training
In high school, you will need to focus your general studies in science and math courses and carry at least a 3.0 to 3.5 GPA. Pay extra attention to high school science courses that include work with a microscope. During your senior year in high school, begin looking at colleges that offer degrees in the laboratory sciences.
To become a pathologist’s assistant, you will need to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in the basic scientific degrees such as biology, chemistry and medical technology to prepare you for your job duties in this career. After you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you will need to then get your master’s degree in pathology. This is a two-year degree program in which the first year is centered on classroom lectures and laboratory activities, while the second year is spent on clinical training through rotations. You will need to make sure the laboratory where you train is accredited by The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Lab Sciences (NAACLS). This is the official accrediting body for pathologist’s educational programs.
Certification
You will then need to obtain your certification from The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry. Requirements for the certification exam include completion of an educational training program and practical experience as a pathology assistant. Certification is only good for three years and has to be renewed thereafter. Continuing education units will be required for recertification.
To increase your chances of landing a good job, consider additional certification with the American Association of Pathologist’s Assistants (AAPA). You can apply for a student, affiliate or fellow status in AAPA. Student status requires current enrollment in a program accredited by the NAACLS, while affiliate status requires an undergraduate study and three years of clinical experience. A fellow status, on the other hand, is given only to pathologist’s assistants who have obtained certification.
Skills Required
Your job as a pathologist’s assistant will include very complex processes. These skills will benefit you when working in a laboratory:
- Highly Analytical
- Organized
- Detail-Oriented
- Inherent interest in problem-solving activities
- Good Ability to solve mathematical and scientific processes
- Ability to perform detective-like procedures
- Good communication skills
- Team player
Job Opportunities
Job opportunities for a pathologist’s assistant can typically be found in hospitals and laboratory corporations. There are also pathologist assistant jobs in universities, research laboratories, government agencies and morgues.
Salary
The salary for these medical professionals is exceptionally high, given that the job is an assistant level. According to recent data, the average salary for this career is around $73,000 and can be as high as $98,000. Most employers offer generous benefits packages and regular bonuses.
Job Growth
Job opportunities for pathologist’s assistants are expected to rise as high as 39% by the year 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With hospitals and laboratory corporations expanding, there are also ample job openings within this career.
With additional medical training and education, you can be promoted to supervisory positions. If you choose to go on to Medical School and complete a medical degree, you can become an actual pathologist. This is a medical doctor that does the actual diagnosing of disease through blood and tissue studies.
If you have an interest in science and laboratory studies, then you may really enjoy being a pathologist’s assistant. This exciting field is one of the many increasingly needed support positions in the medical field and can offer great career satisfaction.