Cytologist Jobs for OPT Students
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 status.
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Get Access To All JobsUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department of Pathology
Cytologist (Healthcare Senior Professional)
Position #: 00845479 – Requisition #: 39073
Job Summary:
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking applications for a Cytotechnologist. This full-time (1.0 FTE), University Staff (non-classified) position is responsible for the microscopic examination of cells in order to detect cancer and/or other abnormalities, and report these results to the pathologist. This role will also assist in collection and processing of FNA specimens for Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE). The incumbent:
- Discerns cytologic changes present in a disease process, specifically malignant or pre-malignant changes to a high level of accuracy.
- Prioritizes tasks and work in a timely manner.
- Makes sound decisions working independently, and in a team setting.
- Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, and staff.
- Abides by State, Federal, and governing agency (CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA) guidelines and regulations.
Work Location:
Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
Why work for the University? We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Graduation from an accredited cytotechnology-training program.
- Cytotechnologist certification through The American Society for Clinical Pathology, CT (ASCP).
- Two (2) years of professional level experience
An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Work experience in an Academic Medical environment
Conditions of Employment:
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored work authorization.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Questions should be directed to: Rebecca.Waller@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 31, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $70,849 to $90,120. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Total Compensation Calculator
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Job Category
Health Care
Primary Location
Aurora
Department
U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver
Schedule
Full-time
Posting Date
Feb 20, 2026
Unposting Date
Ongoing
Posting Contact Name
Rebecca Waller
Posting Contact Email
Rebecca.Waller@cuanschutz.edu
Position Number
00845479
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department of Pathology
Cytologist (Healthcare Senior Professional)
Position #: 00845479 – Requisition #: 39073
Job Summary:
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking applications for a Cytotechnologist. This full-time (1.0 FTE), University Staff (non-classified) position is responsible for the microscopic examination of cells in order to detect cancer and/or other abnormalities, and report these results to the pathologist. This role will also assist in collection and processing of FNA specimens for Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE). The incumbent:
- Discerns cytologic changes present in a disease process, specifically malignant or pre-malignant changes to a high level of accuracy.
- Prioritizes tasks and work in a timely manner.
- Makes sound decisions working independently, and in a team setting.
- Communicate effectively with physicians, patients, and staff.
- Abides by State, Federal, and governing agency (CAP, CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA) guidelines and regulations.
Work Location:
Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
Why work for the University? We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Medical: Multiple plan options
- Dental: Multiple plan options
- Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
- Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
- Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
- Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
- Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
- Holiday Days: 10/year
- Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
- ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Graduation from an accredited cytotechnology-training program.
- Cytotechnologist certification through The American Society for Clinical Pathology, CT (ASCP).
- Two (2) years of professional level experience
An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Work experience in an Academic Medical environment
Conditions of Employment:
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored work authorization.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
- Curriculum vitae / Resume
- Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Questions should be directed to: Rebecca.Waller@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 31, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $70,849 to $90,120. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Total Compensation Calculator
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.
Job Category
Health Care
Primary Location
Aurora
Department
U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver
Schedule
Full-time
Posting Date
Feb 20, 2026
Unposting Date
Ongoing
Posting Contact Name
Rebecca Waller
Posting Contact Email
Rebecca.Waller@cuanschutz.edu
Position Number
00845479
How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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