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 JobsMission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Responsibilities
- Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
- Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
- Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
- Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
- Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
- Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
- Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
- Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Training new students/hires.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Adapt quickly to change.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Role Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
- Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
- Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
- Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
- Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
- Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
- Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
- Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Training new students/hires.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Adapt quickly to change.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.
- Education: Associate degree, vocational training, or a high school diploma with related work experience.
- Some histology laboratory experience.
- Knowledge of relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology (grossing if CLIA qualified).
- Histology laboratory experience required.
- Professional and collegial communication skills to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Ability to receive and adapt quickly to change.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, and fine motor skills with hands for long periods of time and the ability to lift 45 lbs.
Desired Qualifications
- HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification desired, or an equivalent combination of clinical histology experience.
High Complexity Testing (CLIA grossing, immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, and EM) - Require the following qualifications listed below to perform
1. An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR
2. Education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following:
- 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination, AND
- Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. OR
- Successfully completed an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and currently hold the military enlisted occupational specialty of medical laboratory specialist (laboratory technician).
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
This full time, 40 hour position is on the evening shift, M-F but may require rotating weekends, holidays and on-call with other staff.
Additional Information
Working Conditions
- Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
- May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281311
Working Title
Histology Technician
Job Title
Histology Technician
Work Location
Michigan Medicine - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM Surg/Necropsy Path
Posting Begin/End Date
8/06/2026 - 9/05/2026
Career Interest
Pathology/Laboratory Services
Patient Care Services
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Responsibilities
- Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
- Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
- Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
- Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
- Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
- Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
- Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
- Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Training new students/hires.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Adapt quickly to change.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Role Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by performing routine procedures.
- Handles day-to-day tasks of preparing and staining tissue, with close attention to equipment and detail.
- Perform gross examination of simple biopsies (if CAP/CLIA qualified), tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining, cover slipping, and frozen sectioning efficiently according to established policies, procedures, and protocols in a high-volume academic environment.
- Maintain accurate records of quality assurance and quality control.
- Maintain all laboratory equipment safely and efficiently, following established guidelines.
- Perform specimen accessioning, including all manual and computerized data entry.
- Knowledgeable in general laboratory practices and programs.
- Professional and collegial communication skills necessary to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Training new students/hires.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Adapt quickly to change.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.
- Education: Associate degree, vocational training, or a high school diploma with related work experience.
- Some histology laboratory experience.
- Knowledge of relevant aspects of Surgical Pathology (grossing if CLIA qualified).
- Histology laboratory experience required.
- Professional and collegial communication skills to work closely with peers in an academic teamwork environment.
- Ability to receive and adapt quickly to change.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Requires frequent standing, walking, sitting, and fine motor skills with hands for long periods of time and the ability to lift 45 lbs.
Desired Qualifications
- HT (ASCP) or HTL (ASCP) certification desired, or an equivalent combination of clinical histology experience.
High Complexity Testing (CLIA grossing, immunohistochemical stains, direct immunofluorescence, and EM) - Require the following qualifications listed below to perform
1. An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR
2. Education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following:
- 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination, AND
- Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. OR
- Successfully completed an official U.S. military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and currently hold the military enlisted occupational specialty of medical laboratory specialist (laboratory technician).
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
This full time, 40 hour position is on the evening shift, M-F but may require rotating weekends, holidays and on-call with other staff.
Additional Information
Working Conditions
- Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
- May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281311
Working Title
Histology Technician
Job Title
Histology Technician
Work Location
Michigan Medicine - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Um Hospital
Department
MM Surg/Necropsy Path
Posting Begin/End Date
8/06/2026 - 9/05/2026
Career Interest
Pathology/Laboratory Services
Patient Care Services
See all 67+ OPT Histology Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Histology Technician Jobs.
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.