Pathologist Assistant
Boone, North Carolina
Watauga Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Pathologist's Assistant

Location: Boone, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 2 months (interpreted from contract_length = 1)

Job Description

• Assist Pathologist with autopsy and surgical pathology services
• Perform accessioning, processing, and grossing of surgical specimens
• Maintain morgue facilities and assist with autopsies
• Dispose of tissue specimens and chemical waste
• Perform routine instrument maintenance
• Other duties within scope of practice

Requirements

• Education:

  • BS or MS degree in a relevant field required
  • Must meet 1988 CLIA CFR 493.1489 education/training requirements:

    • At least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution including:

      • 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR
      • 24 semester hours of science courses (6 chemistry, 6 biology, 12 combined chemistry/biology/medical lab tech)
• Laboratory training:

  • Completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved/accredited by ABHES, NAACLS, or other HHS-approved organization, OR
  • At least 3 months documented laboratory training
• Experience:

  • Minimum 6 months related work experience required
  • Preferably 1 year or more (use 1 year as required specialty experience)
• Certification:

  • American Association of Pathology Assistants (AAPA) fellowship status and/or
  • Certification as a Pathology Assistant (PA) through ASCP or equivalent

Certifications & Compliance (Typical Requirements)

• Basic Life Support (BLS) - AHA or equivalent
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - ARC, AHA, or DoD (if applicable)
• Other certifications may be required based on facility/unit (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC) – verify per assignment
• State license verification and primary source verification required
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Drug screening (10-panel including marijuana) within 90 days of start, updated annually
• Immunizations and health documents:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella titers or vaccinations within 5 years
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccination series or declination
  • Varicella titer or vaccinations within 5 years
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season
• Physical exam attesting ability to meet physical demands, updated annually

Additional Notes

• Proof of 2 clinical references required
• Completion of facility-specific orientation and competency exams required
• Badge photo must meet facility specifications and be submitted timely
• No explicit mention of prior travel experience required for this role

Summary

This is a travel contract position for a Pathologist's Assistant in North Carolina requiring at least 1 year of related experience, appropriate education and certification, and compliance with standard healthcare credentialing and immunization requirements. Prior travel experience is not specified as a requirement.