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 JobsINTRODUCTION
The George Washington University Hospital (GW Hospital) continues to be a leader in providing the highest level of quality and compassionate healthcare for the D.C. Region. U.S. News & World Report has just released the 2023-2024 ratings and rankings, in which GW Hospital is recognized as a Best Regional Hospital. GW ranks 5th in the region, which includes hospitals in D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. GW Hospital achieved "High Performing" status in two specialty areas, Neurology and Neuroscience.
In addition, GW Hospital received “High Performing” designations for the following 10 procedures: COPD, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, Prostate Cancer Surgery, and Stroke. Measured by factors such as patient outcomes, "High Performing" is a designation U.S. News & World Report bestows to recognize performance in these specialties that is significantly better than the national average. GW Hospital received the American College of Cardiology’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain – Myocardial Infarction (MI) Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. GW Hospital is the only hospital in Washington, D.C., to be recognized for this service line.
"At GW Hospital, we are proud to offer a range of advanced services and treatments. Our multidisciplinary care teams are dedicated to outstanding clinical services, research, and education to improve care, quality, and outcomes for our patients," says Ulises Torres, MD, Chief Quality Officer at GW Hospital. "These recognitions by U.S. News & World Report, which place us within the top hospitals in the region, highlight the expertise, commitment, and diligence delivered to each patient in our care.”
Children’s National Hospital, GW Hospital’s NICU partner, was recently ranked the number two hospital in the country for neonatology by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to these recent U.S. News & World Report recognitions, GW Hospital also provides high-quality care in the region through its designation as a Level I Trauma Center and designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
The mission of GWU Hospital is to provide the highest quality of healthcare, advanced medical technology, and world-class service to its patients in an academic medical center dedicated to education and research.
SUMMARY
Assesses gynecological and non-gynecological specimens submitted to the Cytopathology. Serves as a technical expert to assist in the training of physicians and medical students. Assists the Clinicians in performing adequacy of Fine Needle Aspirations (FNAs) and Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenging and rewarding work environment
- Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
- Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans
- 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
- SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
- Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Qualification:
- Completion of a Cytotechnology program
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science
- One year experience in a Cytotechnology laboratory is desirable.
- Certification or eligibility for certification as Cytologist (CT) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Skills:
- Prepares slides and evaluates human cellular samples from all body sites.
- Assists Clinicians with performing adequacy of FNAs and EBUS.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.
EEO STATEMENT
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card, or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.
Pay Transparency - To encourage pay transparency, promote pay equity, and proactively address regulations, UHS and all our subsidiaries will comply with all applicable state or local laws or regulations which require employers to provide wage or salary range information to job applicants and employees. A posted salary range applies to the current job posting. Salary offers may be based on key factors such as education and related experience.
INTRODUCTION
The George Washington University Hospital (GW Hospital) continues to be a leader in providing the highest level of quality and compassionate healthcare for the D.C. Region. U.S. News & World Report has just released the 2023-2024 ratings and rankings, in which GW Hospital is recognized as a Best Regional Hospital. GW ranks 5th in the region, which includes hospitals in D.C. and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. GW Hospital achieved "High Performing" status in two specialty areas, Neurology and Neuroscience.
In addition, GW Hospital received “High Performing” designations for the following 10 procedures: COPD, Diabetes, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Kidney Failure, Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, Lung Cancer Surgery, Pneumonia, Prostate Cancer Surgery, and Stroke. Measured by factors such as patient outcomes, "High Performing" is a designation U.S. News & World Report bestows to recognize performance in these specialties that is significantly better than the national average. GW Hospital received the American College of Cardiology’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain – Myocardial Infarction (MI) Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. GW Hospital is the only hospital in Washington, D.C., to be recognized for this service line.
"At GW Hospital, we are proud to offer a range of advanced services and treatments. Our multidisciplinary care teams are dedicated to outstanding clinical services, research, and education to improve care, quality, and outcomes for our patients," says Ulises Torres, MD, Chief Quality Officer at GW Hospital. "These recognitions by U.S. News & World Report, which place us within the top hospitals in the region, highlight the expertise, commitment, and diligence delivered to each patient in our care.”
Children’s National Hospital, GW Hospital’s NICU partner, was recently ranked the number two hospital in the country for neonatology by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to these recent U.S. News & World Report recognitions, GW Hospital also provides high-quality care in the region through its designation as a Level I Trauma Center and designation as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
The mission of GWU Hospital is to provide the highest quality of healthcare, advanced medical technology, and world-class service to its patients in an academic medical center dedicated to education and research.
SUMMARY
Assesses gynecological and non-gynecological specimens submitted to the Cytopathology. Serves as a technical expert to assist in the training of physicians and medical students. Assists the Clinicians in performing adequacy of Fine Needle Aspirations (FNAs) and Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Challenging and rewarding work environment
- Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
- Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans
- 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
- SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
- Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Qualification:
- Completion of a Cytotechnology program
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science
- One year experience in a Cytotechnology laboratory is desirable.
- Certification or eligibility for certification as Cytologist (CT) by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Skills:
- Prepares slides and evaluates human cellular samples from all body sites.
- Assists Clinicians with performing adequacy of FNAs and EBUS.
ABOUT UNIVERSAL HEALTH SERVICES
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.
EEO STATEMENT
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion, and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information.
At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card, or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc.
If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.
Pay Transparency - To encourage pay transparency, promote pay equity, and proactively address regulations, UHS and all our subsidiaries will comply with all applicable state or local laws or regulations which require employers to provide wage or salary range information to job applicants and employees. A posted salary range applies to the current job posting. Salary offers may be based on key factors such as education and related experience.
See all 43+ OPT Cytotechnologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Cytotechnologist Jobs.
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.