OPT Cytotechnologist Jobs
Cytotechnologist jobs on OPT require ASCP certification in most states, which F-1 students should prioritize securing before or during their OPT period. Most roles fall under STEM OPT-eligible SOC codes, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization in clinical labs, hospital pathology departments, and diagnostic centers.
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Get Access To All JobsWelcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you’ll find other important information about this position.
Process and screen cytological specimens from various body sites. Work in close relationship with Pathologists in review and interpretation of the specimens. Recognize abnormal and normal cells and classify findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
-
Graduate from CAAHEP or CAHEA accredited cytotechnologist program.
-
Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided:
- PA: No license issued
- WV: Cytotechnologist license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
- Certified by American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) as a Cytotechnologist.
Experience:
- Previous laboratory experience.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
-
Perform and analyze according to SOP, basic and complex diagnostic procedures designed to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients, as requested by the physician.
-
Assist Physicians with FNA specimen adequacy determination during patient procedures.
-
Prepare, reagent, and solution correctly and accurately to complete necessary testing/requests according to the SOP.
-
Restock the work area and FNA carts of needed supplies to assist co-workers in the performance of their duties.
-
Prepare and accession patient specimens, accepting only patient specimens for testing that are properly collected and labeled. Evaluate sufficiency of patient information given with specimens and resolve issues with specimen collection and specimen orders in accordance with established laboratory policies.
-
Perform required quality assurance and control procedures on a predetermined schedule to ascertain the reliability of reagents and laboratory equipment/instrumentation resulting in timely accurate reproducible test results to ensure quality.
-
Perform required troubleshooting and subsequent appropriate problem resolution, in a timely manner (e.g., review of the QC records).
-
Participate, as required, in proficiency testing/interpretation/reporting using established procedures and resulting in a satisfactory report.
-
Promptly verify, abnormal/panic results and notifies, as required per SOP, patient care unit and/or physician with full documentation of steps taken.
-
Participate in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the hospital.
-
Participate, as required, in the training, supervision and evaluation of new employees, as established by laboratory policies (e.g., section training checklist).
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
-
Visual acuity must not be impaired. Color differentiation is required.
-
Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Noisy environment.
-
Foul or unpleasant odors.
-
Perform procedures and operate instrumentation while wearing protective apparel.
-
May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
-
Able to use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse.
-
Able to communicate verbally, written and electronically with healthcare personnel, families and patients.
-
Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0
Shift:
Day (United States of America)
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
UNTWN Uniontown Hospital
Cost Center:
479 UNTWN Pulmonology
Address:
500 W Berkeley Street
Uniontown
Pennsylvania
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
Welcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you’ll find other important information about this position.
Process and screen cytological specimens from various body sites. Work in close relationship with Pathologists in review and interpretation of the specimens. Recognize abnormal and normal cells and classify findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
-
Graduate from CAAHEP or CAHEA accredited cytotechnologist program.
-
Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided:
- PA: No license issued
- WV: Cytotechnologist license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
- Certified by American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) as a Cytotechnologist.
Experience:
- Previous laboratory experience.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
-
Perform and analyze according to SOP, basic and complex diagnostic procedures designed to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients, as requested by the physician.
-
Assist Physicians with FNA specimen adequacy determination during patient procedures.
-
Prepare, reagent, and solution correctly and accurately to complete necessary testing/requests according to the SOP.
-
Restock the work area and FNA carts of needed supplies to assist co-workers in the performance of their duties.
-
Prepare and accession patient specimens, accepting only patient specimens for testing that are properly collected and labeled. Evaluate sufficiency of patient information given with specimens and resolve issues with specimen collection and specimen orders in accordance with established laboratory policies.
-
Perform required quality assurance and control procedures on a predetermined schedule to ascertain the reliability of reagents and laboratory equipment/instrumentation resulting in timely accurate reproducible test results to ensure quality.
-
Perform required troubleshooting and subsequent appropriate problem resolution, in a timely manner (e.g., review of the QC records).
-
Participate, as required, in proficiency testing/interpretation/reporting using established procedures and resulting in a satisfactory report.
-
Promptly verify, abnormal/panic results and notifies, as required per SOP, patient care unit and/or physician with full documentation of steps taken.
-
Participate in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the hospital.
-
Participate, as required, in the training, supervision and evaluation of new employees, as established by laboratory policies (e.g., section training checklist).
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
-
Visual acuity must not be impaired. Color differentiation is required.
-
Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Noisy environment.
-
Foul or unpleasant odors.
-
Perform procedures and operate instrumentation while wearing protective apparel.
-
May be exposed to virus, disease, and infection from patients and specimens.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
-
Able to use a computer keyboard, monitor and mouse.
-
Able to communicate verbally, written and electronically with healthcare personnel, families and patients.
-
Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
0
Shift:
Day (United States of America)
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
UNTWN Uniontown Hospital
Cost Center:
479 UNTWN Pulmonology
Address:
500 W Berkeley Street
Uniontown
Pennsylvania
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
See all 36+ OPT Cytotechnologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Cytotechnologist
Get ASCP certified before your OPT starts
Most hospital systems and clinical labs require CT(ASCP) certification for hire. Sitting for the board exam while still in school removes a barrier employers use to screen out candidates, especially when evaluating OPT applicants who need authorization to start quickly.
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers early
Cytotechnology roles typically qualify for STEM OPT extension under SOC code 19-1029. Confirm this with your DSO before applying and prioritize employers enrolled in E-Verify, since STEM OPT extension requires an E-Verify employer by law.
Focus on large health systems over small private labs
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers have established HR processes for sponsoring work visas after OPT. Smaller private labs often lack the infrastructure to file H-1B visa petitions, making them riskier long-term bets for international students on time-limited authorization.
Highlight your OPT timeline clearly in applications
Hiring managers sometimes misread OPT as a liability. State your authorization end date and mention STEM extension eligibility directly in your cover letter. Specific timelines reduce uncertainty and show you understand your own work authorization, which builds employer confidence.
Build clinical volume and subspecialty exposure during OPT
Employers evaluating H-1B sponsorship want to see productivity and subspecialty depth. Use your OPT period to accumulate case volume in gynecologic, non-gynecologic, and FNA cytology. Subspecialty competence gives employers a concrete reason to invest in sponsorship.
Connect with pathology department leads directly
Cytotechnology hiring decisions often involve the pathology director, not just HR. Reaching out directly to department leads or lab managers, especially at academic medical centers, can surface roles before they are posted publicly and move you past initial sponsorship hesitation.
Cytotechnologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cytotechnologist jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Cytotechnology roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because the occupation falls under science-related SOC codes. Your degree must be from an accredited program on the STEM designated degree list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm the SOC code classification with your DSO before applying, since the specific code on your job offer must align with your degree.
How do I find Cytotechnologist employers willing to sponsor OPT students?
Large academic medical centers, hospital-based pathology departments, and national diagnostic lab networks are the most consistent sponsors for cytotechnology roles. Migrate Mate is designed specifically for OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so browsing Cytotechnologist listings there surfaces employers already open to international candidates rather than requiring you to filter manually.
Is ASCP certification required to work as a Cytotechnologist on OPT?
CT(ASCP) certification is required by most states for independent practice and by most employers as a condition of hire. Without it, many job postings are inaccessible regardless of your OPT status. Some employers will hire a candidate under direct pathologist supervision while awaiting board results, but this is increasingly rare. Completing certification before your OPT start date maximizes your eligible employer pool.
Can I start a Cytotechnologist job before my EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin work until you physically have your Employment Authorization Document in hand. Your EAD is your legal work authorization document, and starting before it arrives violates your F-1 status. Apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your intended start date to account for USCIS processing times and any delays.
What happens to my OPT if my Cytotechnologist role is terminated?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during standard OPT and 150 days during the STEM extension period. If your position ends, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin your job search. Exceeding the unemployment limit violates your F-1 status. Staying in a cytotechnology-adjacent role, such as histotechnology or laboratory quality, may preserve authorization continuity depending on how your DSO interprets the relatedness requirement.