Four Tips to Find Your Next Pathology/Histology Lab Job

The last 12+ months have significantly impacted pathology and histology labs across the U.S. Pathologists’ assistants and histotechs have had to navigate rampant job market shifts and employment disruptions — on almost a daily basis. Over the last few months, the hiring waters have calmed a bit for lab professionals. However, the market is still increasingly competitive for job-seeking pathologists’ assistants and histotechs. 

If you’re a PA or histotech looking for your next lab opportunity, it’s essential to know how to stand out from other candidates vying for the same position. Here are four ways to help you edge out the competition and land your next lab gig. 

Develop a Strong Partnership With Your Lab Staffing Recruiter
Don’t go into the job search alone; work with a professional lab staffing recruiter to help streamline the process and accelerate final results. An experienced recruiting firm that specializes in pathology and histology temporary and permanent job placements will have a direct connection with leading labs. As a result, they can get your resume in front of the right people and often connect you with open positions that haven’t been posted yet. Pro Tip: Establish a connection with a lab staffing recruiter who also has direct professional pathology/histology lab experience to align your search with a team that knows exactly what it’s like to work in your profession.

Manage Expectations
Pathology and histology labs have seen an increase in demand for PAs and histotechs with very little upfront notice. This is especially true when labs are filling a position with travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs. Put simply: the process can move really quickly and require on-your-feet decision making. Discuss your realistic expectations with your lab staffing recruiter in your first consultation together. Talk about your availability, ability to make fast decisions, where you’re willing to move to for a position, and how flexible you are regarding the start date. The more information you provide, the better able your recruiter will be to find the right job match for you. 

Go Beyond Pay Rate Alone
Many travel pathologists’ assistants and histotechs focus solely on the hourly rate of a contract lab position. However, the pay rate alone is not the total compensation package. Several factors come into play when determining your payment bottom line, including housing, travel reimbursement, car allowances, health benefits, and even a 401K match. Using a travel PA/histotech salary calculator can provide the big-picture compensation insight you need to make an informed final decision. 

Consider New Locations
Many travel PAs and histotechs go into the job search process with particular requirements regarding location. However, keeping an open mind on where you’d like to work to include less popular regions of the country can immediately increase your chances of landing a job simply because the competition level is lower. If you’re considering a new location, discuss it with your recruiting team; they will have insight into the lab environment and surrounding areas to help you make the right choice for your career.

Let Nicklas Medical Staffing Help You Find Your Next Lab Opportunity

Owned and operated by a former pathologists’ assistant, Nicklas Medical Staffing helps PAs and histotechs land lab jobs at facilities across the U.S. Contact the team today to learn more. Be sure to download our Travel PA/Histotech Calculator to see your earning potential for contract opportunities.