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.
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At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position located at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.
The Cytotechnologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsible for microscopic examination of gynecologic and non-gynecologic slides for infectious, pre-malignant, and malignant disease processes
Responsibilities:
- Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
- Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly, or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions or help to patients and customers with finding their way.
- Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
- Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
- Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
- Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
- Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
- Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
- Demonstrates the ability to perform cytology screening on all specimens submitted for cytology using the 2001 Bethesda terminology.
- Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. Utilizes critical thinking skills to successfully demonstrate the ability to prioritize and complete work quickly as the needs of the department change.
- Performs all aspects of daily work in a manner that contributes to and ensures an environment of patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.
- Is customer oriented and able to communicate and work effectively with all levels of staff, as well as co-workers. Answers department telephone in a polite manner, communicating messages appropriately and clearly to all staff members.
- Demonstrates a willingness to support co-workers; voluntarily pitches in. Willing to mentor and train new staff. Acts as an integral member of the team.
- Communicates appropriately and clearly with all. Maintains a good working relationship within the department and other ancillary departments. Demonstrates a positive attitude.
- Handles stressful situations in a mature and professional manner.
- Has the ability to prioritize and re-prioritize workflow and maintain an organized workspace.
- Documentation meets current standards and policies. Provides documentation that is timely, accurate, up to date, complete and legible.
- Daily documenting of interpretations to include the total number of slides screened and the total number of hours spent screening.
- Participates in professional growth and development activities and shares knowledge from continuing education programs with co-workers
- Maintains regulatory requirements. (i.e. continuing education, ASCP, proficiency testing)
- Seeks out and obtains learning opportunities.
- Attends annual review and departmental staff meetings.
- Demonstrates basic keyboard and computer skills to operate industry specific software used in Anatomic Pathology, Outlook (e-mail & calendar) and MS Word.
- Proficient in the use of standard office equipment and computer.
- Performs miscellaneous typing, filing and copying. Manages and operates office equipment safety and correctly.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduation from an accredited school of Cytology per CAAHEP in collaboration with CPRC/ASC.
Certification:
Certification Requirement:
Must obtain Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) certification within 1 year of hire date.
Individual must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP).
Preferred:
- Liquid based Cytology training/certification: ThinPrep
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events.
Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information https://jobs.nm.org/benefits
Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings.
If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.
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 Duly Health and Care, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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 Peoria, Chicago, and Evanston. 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 October 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