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Pathology Scientist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Pathologists’ assistants perform gross dissection and examination of surgical specimens. This means they inspect a specimen with the bare eye to get diagnostic information. They:
Typical hours of work are full-time day shifts. However, some pathologists’ assistants may work part time or casual hours with rotating day and evening shifts. This may include weekends and holidays, although this is rare.
Pathologists’ assistants work in lab settings. They may spend a lot of time standing or sitting. They may perform many repetitive tasks. They must follow safe work procedures. This reduces the risk of exposure to work-related hazards (biological, chemical, or radiation).
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in assisting pathologists to prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations; and in cleaning and maintaining autopsy, surgical and other equipment
Interest in precision working with autopsy and surgical equipment to weigh and photograph organs and specimens; may perform the duties of a medical laboratory technologist in some hospitals
Interest in compiling findings from chemical analyses of collected tissue specimens
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Pathologists’ assistants need:
They also need:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 16 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 15, 2021 and Jul 26, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Clean and maintain medical laboratory and laboratory equipment | 13 |
|---|---|
| Attention to detail | 12 |
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 12 |
| Tasks: Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques | 12 |
| Tasks: Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analyses | 12 |
| Tasks: Set up medical laboratory equipment | 12 |
| Tasks: Discard specimens according to established safety procedures | 11 |
| Biology | 10 |
| Tasks: Collect tissue specimens for chemical analysis and record findings | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 9 |
Employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree in science (M.Sc.) from an accredited pathologists’ assistant program.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Outside of Alberta, the following schools offer programs related to this occupation:
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation. However, employers prefer those who are certified by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA). Current routes of certification vary. After December 31, 2024, the major route of certification will require a master’s degree from an accredited pathologists’ assistant program.
Most Canadian employers also recognize certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Pathologists’ assistants often work in hospital labs. They may also work in:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3212: Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants occupational group, 94.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 3212: Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 60 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Alberta’s population is aging. Strain on the health-care system is increasing. As a result, demand for pathologists’ assistants is expected to keep growing. Many new positions open as demand increases and current staff retire.
For information about current collective agreements in the public and not-for-profit sectors, see the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $22.73 | $38.62 | $25.44 | $22.82 |
| Overall | $25.54 | $49.14 | $35.45 | $35.17 |
| Top | $27.50 | $50.53 | $45.86 | $50.53 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $52,854 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $46,027 |
| Public Administration | $85,834 |
American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) website: www.ascp.org
Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants website: www.cap-acp.org/CCCPA.php
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) website: hsaa.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
