OPT Cytologist Jobs
Cytologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated programs in biology, pathology, or a related field, making you eligible for up to 36 months of work authorization. Most positions are in hospital labs, diagnostic centers, and research institutions, which have established processes for sponsoring international workers into H-1B visa status.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title:
Cytologist - Day Shift
Department:
Anatomic Pathology Lab
Job Description:
New to OU Health? Ask your recruiter about our competitive total rewards package, including a possible sign-on bonus and relocation assistance if you are located outside of 100 miles!
LOCATION/SHIFT: Downtown Oklahoma City (This position is required to support remote operations at Edmond Hospital, the downtown campus and weekly FNA clinic.) Days - 0730-1600 preferably
These positions are available in levels 1, 2, or 3 depending on experience, education, and licenses/certifications
General Description: Under immediate supervision, performs routine microscopic screening of Gyn and Non-Gyn specimen. Accurately results and electronically signs out Cytology reports. Assists in the collection of Fine Needle Aspirations specimens.
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
- Upon completion of initial competency, performs GYN, FNA and NON-GYN Cytologic patient testing in a prompt and reliable manner according to established hospital and departmental policies including appropriate turnaround times.
- Complies with all hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures including the appropriate use of PPE.
- Participates in performance improvement activities and supports the hospital in meeting regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Participates in laboratory quality activities including quality monitoring and auditing, occurrence/deviation documentation and performance improvement.
- Assists Pathologists and Providers at Fine Needle Aspiration Procedures.
- Maintains legible and organized records including daily workload records as required by CLIA and CAP.
- Performs yearly proficiency testing according to laboratory and regulatory requirements.
- Participates in inventory management.
- Completes annual competency assessment.
- Processes GYN and NON-GYN specimens for microscopic review.
- Results and electronically signs out appropriate Cytology reports.
- Results and electronically co-signs out appropriate Cytology reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (level 1):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science, and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 0-3 years of experience required.
Licensure/Certifications/Registrations Required: Eligible for registration as a Cytologist with the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP). Certification and/or Registration must be obtained within 9 months after employment required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Minimum Qualifications (level 2):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 3-5 years of experience required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s): CT (ASCP) and current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Minimum Qualifications (level 3):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 5 or more years of experience required.
License/Certification/Registration Requirements: CT (ASCP) and current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
- Must be able to consistently and dependably report to work as scheduled.
- Must be able to lead a team to complete a goal.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and work accurately with names, numbers, and codes.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
- Must be able to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Must possess ability to understand various operations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work and communicate with co-workers and other caregivers, and meet their needs in a professional, polite, courteous, compassionate, and cooperative manner.
- Must display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards establishing priorities and completing assignments efficiently.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Knowledge of current laboratory practices, techniques and terminology.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to organize and evaluate work requirement to meet deadline.
Current OU Health Employees - Please click HERE to login.
OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.
Position Title:
Cytologist - Day Shift
Department:
Anatomic Pathology Lab
Job Description:
New to OU Health? Ask your recruiter about our competitive total rewards package, including a possible sign-on bonus and relocation assistance if you are located outside of 100 miles!
LOCATION/SHIFT: Downtown Oklahoma City (This position is required to support remote operations at Edmond Hospital, the downtown campus and weekly FNA clinic.) Days - 0730-1600 preferably
These positions are available in levels 1, 2, or 3 depending on experience, education, and licenses/certifications
General Description: Under immediate supervision, performs routine microscopic screening of Gyn and Non-Gyn specimen. Accurately results and electronically signs out Cytology reports. Assists in the collection of Fine Needle Aspirations specimens.
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
- Upon completion of initial competency, performs GYN, FNA and NON-GYN Cytologic patient testing in a prompt and reliable manner according to established hospital and departmental policies including appropriate turnaround times.
- Complies with all hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures including the appropriate use of PPE.
- Participates in performance improvement activities and supports the hospital in meeting regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Participates in laboratory quality activities including quality monitoring and auditing, occurrence/deviation documentation and performance improvement.
- Assists Pathologists and Providers at Fine Needle Aspiration Procedures.
- Maintains legible and organized records including daily workload records as required by CLIA and CAP.
- Performs yearly proficiency testing according to laboratory and regulatory requirements.
- Participates in inventory management.
- Completes annual competency assessment.
- Processes GYN and NON-GYN specimens for microscopic review.
- Results and electronically signs out appropriate Cytology reports.
- Results and electronically co-signs out appropriate Cytology reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (level 1):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science, and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 0-3 years of experience required.
Licensure/Certifications/Registrations Required: Eligible for registration as a Cytologist with the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP). Certification and/or Registration must be obtained within 9 months after employment required. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Minimum Qualifications (level 2):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 3-5 years of experience required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s): CT (ASCP) and current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Minimum Qualifications (level 3):
Education: Bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology, Biology or a Life Science and completing an accredited Cytotechnology program required.
Experience: 5 or more years of experience required.
License/Certification/Registration Requirements: CT (ASCP) and current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association (AHA) required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
- Must be able to consistently and dependably report to work as scheduled.
- Must be able to lead a team to complete a goal.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and work accurately with names, numbers, and codes.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
- Must be able to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Must possess ability to understand various operations, policies, and procedures.
- Ability to work and communicate with co-workers and other caregivers, and meet their needs in a professional, polite, courteous, compassionate, and cooperative manner.
- Must display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards establishing priorities and completing assignments efficiently.
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Knowledge of current laboratory practices, techniques and terminology.
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to organize and evaluate work requirement to meet deadline.
Current OU Health Employees - Please click HERE to login.
OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.
See all OPT Cytologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Cytologist
Target STEM OPT employers early
Focus your search on hospital systems and diagnostic labs with a history of hiring international staff. These employers already understand STEM OPT extension eligibility and are far less likely to reject your application over work authorization questions.
Verify your degree qualifies for the STEM extension
The 24-month STEM OPT extension applies if your degree is in an approved STEM field. Cytology programs typically qualify under biology or clinical laboratory science. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before your standard OPT expires to avoid gaps.
Address OPT directly in your cover letter
Briefly state your authorization type, your current expiration date, and your STEM extension eligibility. Hiring managers in clinical settings appreciate clarity upfront. Leaving it ambiguous often results in your application being screened out before a recruiter reviews it.
Prioritize labs enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extensions are only available with employers enrolled in E-Verify. Check the employer's hiring documentation or ask HR directly before accepting an offer. Joining a non-enrolled employer means you cannot extend beyond your initial 12-month OPT period.
Get your cytotechnology certification before you apply
The ASCP Board of Certification cytotechnology exam (CT) significantly strengthens your candidacy. Many positions list it as required rather than preferred. Certified candidates are easier for employers to justify sponsoring, since the credential removes doubt about clinical competency.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship timelines at the offer stage
Cytologist roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa rules. Ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B petitions previously and what their internal process looks like. This signals professionalism and ensures you are not surprised when your OPT period approaches expiration.
Cytologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do cytologist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in an approved STEM field such as biology, biochemistry, or clinical laboratory science. The extension gives you an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12-month OPT period, for a total of 36 months. Confirm your program's CIP code qualifies with your Designated School Official before applying for the extension.
How do I find cytologist employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists cytologist roles from employers familiar with OPT and H-1B sponsorship, so you are not spending time on applications that will be rejected over work authorization. Large hospital networks, academic medical centers, and national diagnostic laboratory companies are the most consistent sponsors in this field. Searching by employer type helps you focus your efforts efficiently.
Does a cytologist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Cytology positions require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, typically biology, cytotechnology, or a related clinical science, which meets the specialty occupation definition. This means employers can petition for your H-1B before your OPT expires. Many hospital systems and pathology groups have done this before and have established HR processes to manage the timeline.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change cytologist employers?
Your OPT authorization remains valid when you change jobs, but your new position must be directly related to your degree field. You are required to report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVP portal record. If you are on a STEM OPT extension, you must also submit a new I-983 training plan with your new employer within five days of starting.
Can I work as a cytologist in a self-employment or freelance arrangement on OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on standard OPT, but it is significantly more complex on the STEM OPT extension, which requires a qualifying employer enrolled in E-Verify. Most cytologist work is inherently institution-based, so this rarely comes up in practice. If you are considering any non-traditional arrangement, consult your DSO before accepting to confirm it meets SEVP requirements.