Cytotechnologist Jobs in Illinois
Cytotechnologist jobs in Illinois are consistently in demand, with hiring concentrated across hospital-based pathology departments, reference laboratories, and academic medical centers serving the Chicago metro, Springfield, and Rockford. Major systems such as Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health Care maintain ongoing laboratory staffing needs and recruit at every level from new graduates through senior cytotechnologists. Gynecologic cytology, non-gynecologic specimen evaluation, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) interpretation are the specialties most frequently requested in Illinois postings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Cytotechnologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Cytotechnologist jobs
Hourly Pay Range:
$35.16 - $54.50 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.Position Highlights:
- Position: Cytotechnologist - Per Diem
- Location: Northwest Community Hospital
- Full Time/Part Time: Per Diem
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
What you will do:
- Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory section, ensuring smooth workflow and accurate specimen processing.
- Review documentation and reports, address abnormal results, troubleshoot technical and methodology issues, and resolve specimen handling problems.
- Act as a primary resource for technical inquiries related to cytology procedures, instrument operations, and specimen handling.
- Accurately evaluate and report on gynecological, non-gynecological, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Match requisitions and slides, accurately label slides, and mark diagnostic material for further review.
- Correctly identify abnormal or high-risk cases, referring them to the Clinical Pathologist as needed.
- Ensure timely and accurate entry of results into the computer system.
- Support FNA procedures by ensuring all necessary supplies are prepared and by preparing specimens for evaluation.
- Collaborate with the Pathologist for adequate evaluation and sample preparation, ensuring appropriate labeling of specimens and slides.
- Participate in proficiency testing, completing required tests accurately and within the designated time frame.
- Review and discuss incorrectly diagnosed cases, striving for continuous improvement.
- Facilitate inventory management, ensuring that supplies are maintained and resolving any supply-related issues as they arise.
- Ensure proper organization and maintenance of the work area to adhere to cleanliness and safety standards.
What you will need:
- Education: Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Cytotechnology, Biology, or related field from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Complete an accredited cytotechnology training program.
- Certification: Cytotechnologist/Cytologist, CT(ASCP) certification or eligible (within the first year of employment if new graduate).
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of Cytotechnology experience preferred but welcome new graduates.
- Unique or Preferred Skills: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of traditional and modern laboratory methods, with the ability to distinguish color accurately for specimen analysis.
Benefits:
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee’s job (For eligible positions)
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
- Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
- Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free Parking
- Wellness Program Savings Plan
- Health Savings Account Options
- Retirement Options with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to “help everyone in our communities be their best”.
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
Hourly Pay Range:
$35.16 - $54.50 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.Position Highlights:
- Position: Cytotechnologist - Per Diem
- Location: Northwest Community Hospital
- Full Time/Part Time: Per Diem
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
What you will do:
- Oversee daily operations within the assigned laboratory section, ensuring smooth workflow and accurate specimen processing.
- Review documentation and reports, address abnormal results, troubleshoot technical and methodology issues, and resolve specimen handling problems.
- Act as a primary resource for technical inquiries related to cytology procedures, instrument operations, and specimen handling.
- Accurately evaluate and report on gynecological, non-gynecological, and fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Match requisitions and slides, accurately label slides, and mark diagnostic material for further review.
- Correctly identify abnormal or high-risk cases, referring them to the Clinical Pathologist as needed.
- Ensure timely and accurate entry of results into the computer system.
- Support FNA procedures by ensuring all necessary supplies are prepared and by preparing specimens for evaluation.
- Collaborate with the Pathologist for adequate evaluation and sample preparation, ensuring appropriate labeling of specimens and slides.
- Participate in proficiency testing, completing required tests accurately and within the designated time frame.
- Review and discuss incorrectly diagnosed cases, striving for continuous improvement.
- Facilitate inventory management, ensuring that supplies are maintained and resolving any supply-related issues as they arise.
- Ensure proper organization and maintenance of the work area to adhere to cleanliness and safety standards.
What you will need:
- Education: Earn a Bachelor’s degree in Cytotechnology, Biology, or related field from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Complete an accredited cytotechnology training program.
- Certification: Cytotechnologist/Cytologist, CT(ASCP) certification or eligible (within the first year of employment if new graduate).
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of Cytotechnology experience preferred but welcome new graduates.
- Unique or Preferred Skills: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of traditional and modern laboratory methods, with the ability to distinguish color accurately for specimen analysis.
Benefits:
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, holiday and more based on an employee’s job (For eligible positions)
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
- Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
- Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free Parking
- Wellness Program Savings Plan
- Health Savings Account Options
- Retirement Options with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
- Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to “help everyone in our communities be their best”.
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.
See All 6 Cytotechnologist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Cytotechnologist JobsCytotechnologist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Cytotechnologist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cytotechnologist jobs across Illinois.
- Active ASCP Board of Certification CT credential required or eligible to sit
- Bachelor's degree in cytotechnology or biological science from an accredited program
- Completion of an accredited cytotechnology program approved by NAACLS
- Proficiency screening gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens under light microscopy
- Experience preparing, staining, and evaluating FNA and effusion specimens
- Familiarity with CAP laboratory accreditation standards and Illinois CLIA compliance requirements
Cytotechnologist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cytotechnologist in Illinois?
To work as a cytotechnologist in Illinois, you complete a NAACLS-accredited cytotechnology program, typically a bachelor's degree with an integrated clinical year, and then pass the ASCP Board of Certification CT examination. Illinois does not issue a separate state cytotechnologist license, so the ASCP CT credential is the primary hiring requirement recognized by hospitals and reference labs across the state. Programs at Illinois institutions affiliated with major academic medical centers prepare graduates for direct employment.
Which companies hire cytotechnologists in Illinois?
Employers hiring cytotechnologists in Illinois right now include Endeavor Health, OSF HealthCare, and Loyola Medicine, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's density of large academic health systems and regional reference laboratories makes it one of the more consistently active cytotechnology hiring markets in the Midwest.
Which Illinois cities have the most cytotechnologist jobs?
The cities with the most cytotechnologist openings in Illinois are Evanston, Peoria, and Maywood. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs account for the bulk of listings because of the concentration of large academic medical centers, hospital networks, and national reference lab facilities headquartered in the region, while Springfield and Rockford generate openings through their regional hospital systems and outpatient pathology practices.
Are there remote cytotechnologist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of cytotechnologist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The portions most amenable to remote work involve digital pathology review and telecytology quality assurance, which a small number of Illinois reference laboratories and telepathology platforms have begun offering to credentialed cytotechnologists.
How can I get hired as a cytotechnologist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to the new-graduate laboratory training programs run by large Illinois health systems such as Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health Care, which are structured to bring ASCP-eligible candidates on board before or shortly after certification. Lateral moves from histotechnician or medical laboratory scientist roles are common stepping stones at Illinois regional hospitals, where laboratory directors value hands-on specimen handling experience. Holding the ASCP CT credential, even without years of post-graduate practice, is the single qualification that most advances an Illinois candidacy.
Where can I find and apply to cytotechnologist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to cytotechnologist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from hospitals, reference laboratories, and pathology groups across the state. Find the roles that fit your credentials and experience and apply directly to each one.
See All 6 Cytotechnologist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Cytotechnologist Jobs