Are you fascinated by specimens and slides? Do you have excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions? If so, a career as a pathologist's assistant might be perfect for you. This profession requires a post-secondary education and offers an average salary of $35.45 per hour. With approximately 3,400 job openings per year in each province, there is a growing demand for pathologist's assistants.

The Role of Pathologists' Assistants

Pathologists' assistants play a crucial role in the medical field. They perform tasks such as dissecting and examining surgical specimens, assisting with autopsies, and working closely with pathologists. Their duties include assessing, describing, dissecting, and sampling human tissue specimens for histologic examination. They also assist with specialized processes and procedures and perform tasks like eviscerating and sampling tissue during autopsies. Additionally, they are responsible for imaging and mapping surgical tissue specimens, ensuring quality control and maintaining records.

Required Skills and Responsibilities

To succeed as a pathologist's assistant, certain traits and skills are essential. These include having normal color vision, strong interpersonal skills, fine motor skills, and proficiency in speaking, listening, and writing. Pathologists' assistants should be able to work well with other healthcare professionals, follow instructions accurately, solve problems effectively, be well-organized, and prioritize tasks. They must also be adaptable to changes in workflow and possess change management skills. Additionally, as they work with deceased patients and biological materials, an ability to handle such situations professionally is crucial.

Job Classification and NOCs

In terms of job classification, pathologists' assistants fall under different NOCs (National Occupational Classification) codes. These include the 2006 NOC: Pathologists Assistants (3211.2), 2006 NOC-S: Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists Assistants (D211), 2011 NOC: Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants (3212), and 2016 NOC: Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants (3212).

In summary, a career as a pathologist's assistant offers a rewarding opportunity for those with a passion for laboratory work and attention to detail. With a growing demand for this profession, pursuing a pathologists' assistant education can lead to a fulfilling and stable career.

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