Pathology Lab Assistant
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Colorado Springs, CO, 80907-6819
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 18-25.25 HOUR
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
You have a purpose, unique talents and NOW is the time to embrace it, live it and put it to work. We value incredible people with incredible skills – but your commitment to a greater cause is something we value even more.
Join our team as an Histology Assistant! In our Histology Assistant role, you will:
- Be responsible for preanalytic specimen triage, clerical information management, and processing.
- Receive and prepare tissue and body fluid specimens in preparation for processing, manage specimen storage after testing, and handle reference laboratory testing.
- Be trained on attending cytology procedures with the pathologist when needed, would be cross trained in cytology processing, and would be dealing with send outs.
- Provide support to Pathologists in the morgue or with other procedures, dependent upon site requirements.
- Support Histotechnologists and Pathologists, who process and analyze tissue specimens from patients in order to diagnose and treat diseases.
In addition to bringing your whole self to the workplace each day, qualified candidates will need the following:
- 1 year related experience preferred
- High School Diploma or GED required
- 1 year vocational certificate or Associates in Medical Assisting preferred
Light work - (Exert up to 20lbs force occasionally, and/or up to
10lbs frequently)
Penrose - St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Hospital - Interquest. Penrose Hospital serves as the anchor hospital of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services with 300-licensed beds and the ability to provide tertiary (high tech) medical-surgical services with an emphasis on elective and outpatient care. Established in 1890, Penrose Hospital has grown to become a major health treatment and referral center, specializing in cancer care, cardiac care, emergency trauma care and physical rehabilitation. It's an incredible time to join us as we are a proud Magnet Hospital with designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.
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Frequently asked questions
Colorado Springs has a growing need for skilled pathology lab assistants due to its expanding healthcare facilities. While demand is steady, competition remains moderate, making it a favorable environment for candidates with hands-on histology and clinical lab experience to secure positions.
Certifications such as a vocational certificate in medical assisting or histotechnology credentials are valued in Colorado Springs. These credentials demonstrate specialized knowledge that aligns well with clinical pathology laboratories' standards in the region, boosting employability.
Pathology lab assistants focus heavily on specimen triage and histology preparations, often supporting pathologists with cytology and morgue procedures. This contrasts with broader med lab assistants who may handle more diverse lab testing and routine sample processing.
Histology lab assistants specialize in preparing tissue samples and supporting pathologists during microscopic analysis, requiring meticulous attention to specimen integrity. Clinical lab assistants have a wider remit, including routine blood and fluid testing but less direct involvement with tissue processing.
Starting as a pathology assistant offers pathways into advanced histotechnologist roles, laboratory management, or specialized pathology research. Gaining experience in tissue analysis and cytology can open doors to certifications and supervisory positions within clinical pathology laboratories.
Catholic Health Initiatives focuses on a mission-driven culture emphasizing compassionate care, providing pathology assistants with diverse experiences including cytology cross-training and support in morgue procedures. The environment encourages growth within a large, well-established healthcare system.
Employees receive hands-on training in specimen triage, cytology processing, and assisting pathologists during procedures. This structured upskilling ensures histology assistants develop critical competencies aligned with clinical pathology laboratories' evolving technologies and standards.
Pathology lab assistants in Colorado Springs typically earn between $38,000 and $46,000 annually, reflecting cost of living and regional healthcare demand. This range aligns closely with national med lab assistant salaries, adjusted for local market competitiveness and specialized histology skills.
Given the area's mild climate and over 300 days of sunshine, pathology lab assistants enjoy a balanced work-life with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking Pikes Peak and visiting Garden of the Gods, supporting a healthy lifestyle alongside a clinical lab career.
Handling delicate tissue specimens under time-sensitive conditions and adapting to varying procedural demands across departments can be challenging. Assisting in morgue or cytology procedures requires flexibility and precision, ensuring accurate sample preparation and documentation.