OPT Histology Technician Jobs
Histology Technician roles fall under STEM-designated programs in biological and clinical laboratory sciences, making most positions eligible for the 24-month OPT STEM extension. Employers in hospital networks, research institutions, and pathology labs routinely hire on OPT, particularly candidates with HT or HTL certification.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of 5,000.
At Cleveland Clinic, every detail matters when it comes to delivering exceptional patient care—and that starts in the lab. As a Histotechnologist or Histology Technician, you’ll play a vital role behind the scenes, preparing high-quality tissue samples that support accurate diagnoses and life-changing treatment decisions.
In this role, you’ll bring precision, technical expertise, and attention to detail to every specimen, working as part of a collaborative team dedicated to excellence. Your contributions will directly impact patient outcomes, ensuring physicians have the information they need to provide the best possible care.
Join a team that values your skills, supports your growth, and empowers you to make a meaningful difference every day.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We will hire our histology laboratory personnel into one of two job titles based on educational background, certification, and experience:
- Histology Technician
- Histotechnologist
A caregiver in this position works evenings, from 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM.
Histology Technician Role:
A caregiver who excels in this role will:
- Prepare, process, embed, and section tissue specimens using standard histology equipment, including microtomes and cryostats
- Perform routine and specialized staining procedures, including histochemical and enzyme stains
- Mount, label, and distribute slides for pathologist review
- Maintain laboratory equipment, perform daily maintenance, and coordinate repairs as needed
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and solutions to support testing procedures
- Accurately document patient and specimen data, maintain records, and track lab statistics
- Ensure cleanliness, organization, and quality control of lab instruments and workspaces
- Support training and serve as a resource for students, trainees, and residents
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification eligible in the field of Histology
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- One year of experience
Histotechnologist Role:
A caregiver who excels in this role will:
- Perform routine and developmental immunochemistry and molecular laboratory techniques
- Analyze and evaluate assays for sensitivity and specificity
- Embed and prepare sections for various procedures by cutting off frozen or paraffin embedded tissue
- Transport tissue specimens to the laboratory
- Perform immunohistochemical and in-situ hybridization procedures, including handling and storing probes and antibodies
- Mount, label and distribute prepared microscope slides
- Prepare reagent buffers, solutions and stains
- Replace reagents and perform daily maintenance on automated instrumentation
- File surgical and autopsy blocks used for immunohistochemical techniques
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related field or meet the CLIA qualifications for Histotechnologist (HTL)
- Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification or certification eligible by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and bloodborne pathogens
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- Hands-on laboratory experience from an accredited Histotechnology school or one year of prior histology laboratory experience
COMPENSATION
The compensation range provided corresponds to the Histotechnologist/Histology Technician position. Individual pay rates may vary based on licensure level, certification, and relevant experience.
- Minimum hourly: $34.00
- Maximum hourly: $45.65
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).
Physical Requirements
- Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity when handling specimens, slides and utilizing instrumentation
- Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous and other hazardous materials to which they may be exposed
- Typical physical demands include ability to sit, stand or walk extensively
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
INTRODUCTION
This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of 5,000.
At Cleveland Clinic, every detail matters when it comes to delivering exceptional patient care—and that starts in the lab. As a Histotechnologist or Histology Technician, you’ll play a vital role behind the scenes, preparing high-quality tissue samples that support accurate diagnoses and life-changing treatment decisions.
In this role, you’ll bring precision, technical expertise, and attention to detail to every specimen, working as part of a collaborative team dedicated to excellence. Your contributions will directly impact patient outcomes, ensuring physicians have the information they need to provide the best possible care.
Join a team that values your skills, supports your growth, and empowers you to make a meaningful difference every day.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We will hire our histology laboratory personnel into one of two job titles based on educational background, certification, and experience:
- Histology Technician
- Histotechnologist
A caregiver in this position works evenings, from 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM.
Histology Technician Role:
A caregiver who excels in this role will:
- Prepare, process, embed, and section tissue specimens using standard histology equipment, including microtomes and cryostats
- Perform routine and specialized staining procedures, including histochemical and enzyme stains
- Mount, label, and distribute slides for pathologist review
- Maintain laboratory equipment, perform daily maintenance, and coordinate repairs as needed
- Prepare reagents, buffers, and solutions to support testing procedures
- Accurately document patient and specimen data, maintain records, and track lab statistics
- Ensure cleanliness, organization, and quality control of lab instruments and workspaces
- Support training and serve as a resource for students, trainees, and residents
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification eligible in the field of Histology
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- One year of experience
Histotechnologist Role:
A caregiver who excels in this role will:
- Perform routine and developmental immunochemistry and molecular laboratory techniques
- Analyze and evaluate assays for sensitivity and specificity
- Embed and prepare sections for various procedures by cutting off frozen or paraffin embedded tissue
- Transport tissue specimens to the laboratory
- Perform immunohistochemical and in-situ hybridization procedures, including handling and storing probes and antibodies
- Mount, label and distribute prepared microscope slides
- Prepare reagent buffers, solutions and stains
- Replace reagents and perform daily maintenance on automated instrumentation
- File surgical and autopsy blocks used for immunohistochemical techniques
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry or a related field or meet the CLIA qualifications for Histotechnologist (HTL)
- Histotechnician (HT) or Histotechnologist (HTL) certification or certification eligible by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and bloodborne pathogens
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:
- Hands-on laboratory experience from an accredited Histotechnology school or one year of prior histology laboratory experience
COMPENSATION
The compensation range provided corresponds to the Histotechnologist/Histology Technician position. Individual pay rates may vary based on licensure level, certification, and relevant experience.
- Minimum hourly: $34.00
- Maximum hourly: $45.65
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).
Physical Requirements
- Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity when handling specimens, slides and utilizing instrumentation
- Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous and other hazardous materials to which they may be exposed
- Typical physical demands include ability to sit, stand or walk extensively
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
See all 32+ OPT Histology Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Histology Technician
Confirm your program's STEM CIP code
Histology Technician roles typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension under CIP codes in biological sciences or clinical laboratory science. Verify with your DSO before applying so you can confidently tell employers you're eligible for 36 months total.
Lead with HT or HTL certification
ASCP certification signals clinical competency to hiring managers faster than your visa status raises questions. Certified candidates face less employer hesitation around OPT paperwork because the credential itself justifies the hire without further explanation.
Target hospital systems and academic medical centers
Large hospital networks and university-affiliated pathology labs have dedicated HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. They process I-983 training plans routinely, unlike smaller independent labs where OPT paperwork may be entirely unfamiliar territory.
Apply before your OPT start date is imminent
Employers need time to complete the I-983 and align your start date with your EAD. Starting your search three to four months before graduation gives hiring managers enough runway to complete onboarding without feeling rushed by your authorization timeline.
Address E-Verify requirements proactively
Clinical and hospital employers are frequently E-Verify participants, which is required for STEM OPT extensions anyway. Mentioning this upfront reassures employers that your authorization is verifiable and that you understand the compliance process on their end.
Highlight hands-on laboratory coursework in your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT want evidence that classroom training maps directly to the histology bench. Quantify your experience with specific techniques like tissue processing, microtomy, or special stains to make the connection between your degree and the role explicit.
Histology Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Histology Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code rather than the job title itself. If your degree is in biological sciences, clinical laboratory science, or a related STEM field, you're likely eligible for the 24-month STEM extension after your initial 12 months of OPT. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer, since the employer also needs to be E-Verify enrolled to satisfy the extension requirement.
Will employers hire Histology Technicians on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Many hospital systems and pathology labs hire on OPT because it doesn't require them to file a petition or pay USCIS fees. Your EAD card is your work authorization, and for STEM-eligible roles the employer only needs to complete an I-983 training plan and be enrolled in E-Verify. Resistance usually comes from smaller labs unfamiliar with the process, not larger healthcare employers.
Where can I find Histology Technician jobs that are OPT-friendly?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT students, so you can browse Histology Technician openings from employers already familiar with or open to OPT work authorization. Searching on general platforms means manually screening out roles where the employer has no experience with international students, which wastes significant time during an authorization window where every week matters.
Can I work as a Histology Technician while waiting for my ASCP board exam results?
In most states, you can work in a histology role under supervision before receiving your certification, but this varies by state laboratory licensing requirements. Your OPT EAD authorizes you to work in your field of study, so the visa side is not the limiting factor. Check your state's clinical laboratory personnel regulations and confirm the employer's job description doesn't list certification as a strict hire requirement.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my Histology Technician job?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your total OPT period, which STEM OPT extends to 150 days total. If your position ends, report the change to your DSO within 10 days and begin your job search immediately. Histology roles in hospital networks and reference labs tend to have lower turnover than other laboratory specialties, so extended gaps are less common, but having a plan matters.