The pathologist assistant salary can be anywhere between $70,000 and $100,000 per year. As the years go by, with increased skill level and experience, a pathologist assistant can make more than $100,000 per 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 involves the studying and diagnosing of diseases by examining organs, cells, body fluids and tissues. 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.

Whatever responsibilities the state authorizes or either says that he is not authorized to do.

Similar to other physician assistants who work in the medical field, pathologist assistants practice within a basic system of checks and balances. If he orders tests then the testing institute must have a mechanism in place to ensure that the PA's recommendation is in the best interests of the patient. Conditions and limitations like these vary from state to state.

This because the job is so important overall. 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 helps healthcare professionals to determine and get rid of illnesses that might affect society.

A pathologist assistant performs tasks that relate to both pathology and anatomy while practicing under the direction of a licensed pathologist. There are three types of anatomic pathology assistants - cytopathology assistants (involves examination of cells), surgical pathology assistants (examination of tissues), and autopsy assistants (examination of body).

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.

You should ideally hold a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or medical technology. 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 is normally done in two parts. The first part consists of the actual training that takes twelve months to complete. Then, the program consists of ten to twelve months of clinical duties that must be completed. Many students join the program after gaining experience in clinical laboratory science and cytotechnology.

After the program is complete, students must pass the national certification exam and obtain a license from the state. After completing the program, the graduate is conferred a Master's degree.

The ASCP is the official organization of pathologist assistants. The members of this organization received additional education. Every practicing pathologist assistant must keep his license current and active at all times.

The demand for pathology assistants is not going down any time soon. 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. Pathologist assistants start working at the range of 70k per year. The demand for such assistants outstrips their supply and all graduates can expect to receive employment letters before leaving their program. These pathology assistants practice in places such as research centers, pathology labs, medical examiner offices, hospitals and educational facilities.

This article provided a little information about the PA designation and why these professionals are paid so handsomely. This career path helps to diagnose diseases and eliminate them to create a healthy society.