Pathologist assistants can earn in the range of 70k to 100k each year. Over time, proficiency and experience help a pathologist assistant earn more than $100,000/year. Despite what others have experienced as a result of the recession, the pathologist assistant professional is in a high paying career that is rewarding and continuing to grow.
Pathology can be defined as the study and diagnosis of illnesses via the examination of organs, body fluids, tissues and cells. The pathologist assistant practices under the guidance of a licensed pathologist. He is responsible for doing the following:
The responsibilities that the licensed pathologist deems necessary and authorizes him to do, which is normally based on the previous experience of the pathologist assistant.
What the state allows him to do, or prohibits or limits him from doing
A pathologist assistant, just like all physician assistants, is subject to checks and balances. If the PA wants to get the patient tested, then the checks and balances system should have a way to gauge whether or not this choice actually benefits the patients. Conditions and limitations like these vary from state to state.
It’s because of the nature and importance of the job. Simply put, pathology is what determines what caused the disease in the first place. Everything else (treatment, therapeutics, etc.) is based on the pathology and other diagnostic reports. Pathology discovers and enables healthcare professionals in eliminating medical conditions that impact the community.
A pathologist assistant performs tasks that relate to both pathology and anatomy while practicing under the direction of a licensed pathologist. The three kinds of pathology assistants perform examinations on the body, cells or tissues.
A pathologist assistant has a log of job responsibilities such as conducting post mortems, taking pictures of samples, performing administrative functions and getting tissue samples prepared for various procedures.
Due to the fact that it has the highest earning potential, many pathologist assistants select surgical pathology as a career choice.
Typically , you must have a biology, medical or chemistry bachelor’s degree. People with such degrees are encouraged to apply to an accredited Pathologists’ Assistant Program. You could possibly have a degree in another applicable area of science.
The training program consists of two sections. The first part involves training and lasts for about 12 months. Then, there is the ten to twelve months of clinical work that is required. Whenever they get knowledge and experience in the fields of cytotechnology and clinical lab science, this is usually the time that most students choose to go into the program.
When they complete the program, students are required to pass a national test before they are given a state license. For finishing the program, the student gets a Master’s degree.
American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) is the official pathologists’ association. The members of this organization received additional education. Every practicing pathologist assistant must keep his license current and active at all times.
Pathology assistants are more and more in demand as time goes by. The United States has designated more work related duties for physician assistants. The doctors too look up to their PAs and allot them duties based on their training, experience and limitations specified by the state. The entry level for a pathologist assistant is normally around 70k annually. Because there are more jobs than graduates, most graduates can expect to get a letter of employment before they complete the program. Pathology assistants usually work in locations such as medical examiner offices, research labs, pathology labs, hospitals and academic environments.
This article explained a little about the PA career and why they are paid so highly. It’s a noble profession that helps the nation know what’s wrong with it and maintain its health, and thereby contribute positively to national growth.
For more information about the Pathologist Assistant Salary and Career, please visit: Physician Assistant Salary