Travel Pathologists’ Assistant – Surgical Pathology
Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland Clinic

Job Opportunity: Pathology Assistant (Travel/Contract)

Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Specialty: Laboratory
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Position at a major healthcare system's main campus in pathology.
• No weekends or on-call duties.
• Must have 3 years of surgical pathology experience.
• Required to be a certified Pathologists’ Assistant from a NAACLS accredited PA training program (PA (ASCP) cm).
• Must be certified by an accredited PA school.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens for examination, holding, and transport/shipment.
• Assist with preparation of freshly removed surgical specimens for cytologic studies.
• Maintain clear and legible documentation and records.
• Perform high complexity laboratory testing as delegated by the Technical Supervisor, including specimen grossing.
• Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analyses, reporting, and record maintenance.
• Adhere to quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, and maintenance.

Requirements & Compliance

Certifications

• Certified Pathologists’ Assistant (PA (ASCP) cm) from NAACLS accredited program.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - AHA only (required for all candidates).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - AHA only (preferred but not required for this role).
• Other certifications such as PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC may not be required but check specifics if applicable.

Background Checks

• Criminal background check required prior to start and must be updated annually or after breaks in service of 2+ months.
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required.
• FBI and BCI fingerprinting required within 12 months of start and updated annually. Must be completed within 48 hours of contract signing. Facility will also conduct fingerprinting onsite.

Health & Immunization

• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming ability to perform essential job functions.
• Fit mask test (N95) within 12 months of start, updated annually (not required for Histology Techs).
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (every 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 12 months)
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (MMR) titers or vaccinations
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series or signed declination
  • Varicella titer or vaccinations
• Drug testing: 10-panel drug screen required, updated annually.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 31 - Mar 31).

Documentation & Onboarding

• Must carry a valid government-issued photo ID while on assignment.
• Complete facility-specific onboarding modules prior to start (must be done on a computer using Google Chrome).
• Photo for badge required prior to start.
• Two satisfactory pre-employment references within 1 year of start required (from manager, supervisor, or director).
• Employment application must include 3 years prior work history with at least 2 years clinical practice in acute care and similar area.
• Unit-specific skills checklist and competency exams required and must be updated annually.

Additional Notes

• Candidates with breaks in employment longer than 40 days may need to update physical exam, TB testing, and other health documents.
• Fingerprinting results must be on file prior to contract extension or facility approval is required to start extension with pending results.
• Candidates returning to the facility within 6 months typically do not need to repeat onboarding modules.
• Facility requires strict adherence to documentation, testing, and certification renewals prior to start.

This position is ideal for certified Pathologists’ Assistants with surgical pathology experience seeking a travel/contract role with no weekends or call responsibilities in a leading healthcare system.