OPT Histotechnician Jobs
Histotechnician jobs on OPT involve preparing tissue samples for pathological analysis in hospitals, research labs, and diagnostic centers. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under CIP code 41.0205. Employers typically require HT certification from ASCP, so having that credential before your OPT start date strengthens your application significantly.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation Address:
2800 10th Ave
Receiving Dock
Minneapolis, MN 55407-1311
Date Posted:
November 02, 2026
Department:
72006389 Central Lab Pathology
Shift:
Permanent Nights (United States of America)
Shift Length:
8 hour shift
Hours Per Week:
32
Union Contract:
SEIU-9-Central Lab-SLC
Weekend Rotation:
Occasional
Job Summary:
Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.
Key Position Details:
- 0.8 FTE (64 hours per two-week pay period)
- 8-hour permanent night shifts (Sunday-Thursday)
- Occasional weekends
Job Description:
Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist; this includes logging, batching, cutting, mounting and staining procedures. CLIA Role: Testing Personnel Moderate complexity testing Testing Personnel High Complexity testing
Principle Responsibilities:
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures.
- Performs all routine histology functions that support the production of microscopic slides for interpretation by a pathologist.
- Accessions tissue specimens, assists Pathologist Assistants, sections frozen tissue using a cryostat, processes and embeds tissue specimens, performs microtomy and staining, prepares solutions and stains, completes specialty testing using histochemical and/or immunohistochemical techniques, and performs quality control procedures.
- Assesses integrity of specimens for testing and processing, verifying correct patient identification and using safe and secure specimen handling.
- May assist with biopsy collection.
- Evaluates results for accuracy and resolves test problems.
- Performs and documents required instrument maintenance, and quality control; takes appropriate remedial action.
- Ensures accurate record keeping and appropriate retention.
- Accurate and timely processing of specimens.
- Reviews orders and verifies correct patient labeling.
- Performs processing with strict adherence to the quality control and quality assurance policies.
- Maintains safety, education, and competency requirements.
- Stocks, rotates and requests supplies on a regular basis to ensure proper availability in the work area.
- Performs various clerical duties.
- Participates in departmental or system wide meetings, projects, or committees as assigned.
- Assists in the training of employees and students.
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned.
- Assists in Direct Observations of staff for annual competency program.
- CLIA defined responsibilities:
- § 493.1425 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities. Moderate complexity.
- § 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate's or Vocational degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited institution, and completion of clinical internship or
- Vocational or Technical Training in a comprehensive military laboratory science program or
- Bachelor's degree in related science from a regionally accredited institution + 2 years clinical lab experience in appropriate analytic
- CLIA defined Qualifications: § 493.1423 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications
- CLIA defined Qualifications: § 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications
Licenses/Certifications:
- Histotechnician, HT certification required by a recognized agency such as ASCP or NCA within 180 Days required
Physical Demands:
Light Work:
Lifting weight up to 20 lbs. occasionally, up to 10 lbs. frequently
Pay Range:
Pay Range: $30.94 to $40.99 per hour
The pay described reflects the base hourly pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.
Allina Health is committed to adhering with all applicable local, state and federal minimum wage requirements.
Benefit Summary:
Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That’s why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive — not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being — mind, body, spirit and community — of you and your family members.
Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.
We are focused on creating an inclusive workplace so everyone can see themselves as part of our care team. Our care teams are as diverse as the communities we serve and proud to be contributing to the mission of a leading health care organization. Our pioneering approach to well-being helps every member of our care team feel a deep sense of connection and joy in their work.
Benefits include:
- Medical/Dental
- PTO/Time Away
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Life Insurance
- Short-term/Long-term Disability
- Voluntary Benefits (vision, legal, critical illness)
- Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Medical Education as applicable
- Student Loan Support Benefits to navigate the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Allina Health is a 501(c)(3) eligible employer
Benefit eligibility/offerings are determined by FTE and if you are represented by a union.
Location Address:
2800 10th Ave
Receiving Dock
Minneapolis, MN 55407-1311
Date Posted:
November 02, 2026
Department:
72006389 Central Lab Pathology
Shift:
Permanent Nights (United States of America)
Shift Length:
8 hour shift
Hours Per Week:
32
Union Contract:
SEIU-9-Central Lab-SLC
Weekend Rotation:
Occasional
Job Summary:
Allina Health is a not-for-profit health system that cares for individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. If you value putting patients first, consider a career at Allina Health. Our mission is to provide exceptional care as we prevent illness, restore health and provide comfort to all who entrust us with their care. This includes you and your loved ones. We are committed to providing whole person care, investing in your well-being, and enriching your career.
Key Position Details:
- 0.8 FTE (64 hours per two-week pay period)
- 8-hour permanent night shifts (Sunday-Thursday)
- Occasional weekends
Job Description:
Performs moderate and complex specimen procedures in the areas of anatomical and surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry. Receives, processes, and prepares patient tissues specimens for microscopic examination and analysis by the Pathologist; this includes logging, batching, cutting, mounting and staining procedures. CLIA Role: Testing Personnel Moderate complexity testing Testing Personnel High Complexity testing
Principle Responsibilities:
- Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures.
- Performs all routine histology functions that support the production of microscopic slides for interpretation by a pathologist.
- Accessions tissue specimens, assists Pathologist Assistants, sections frozen tissue using a cryostat, processes and embeds tissue specimens, performs microtomy and staining, prepares solutions and stains, completes specialty testing using histochemical and/or immunohistochemical techniques, and performs quality control procedures.
- Assesses integrity of specimens for testing and processing, verifying correct patient identification and using safe and secure specimen handling.
- May assist with biopsy collection.
- Evaluates results for accuracy and resolves test problems.
- Performs and documents required instrument maintenance, and quality control; takes appropriate remedial action.
- Ensures accurate record keeping and appropriate retention.
- Accurate and timely processing of specimens.
- Reviews orders and verifies correct patient labeling.
- Performs processing with strict adherence to the quality control and quality assurance policies.
- Maintains safety, education, and competency requirements.
- Stocks, rotates and requests supplies on a regular basis to ensure proper availability in the work area.
- Performs various clerical duties.
- Participates in departmental or system wide meetings, projects, or committees as assigned.
- Assists in the training of employees and students.
- Performs proficiency testing as assigned.
- Assists in Direct Observations of staff for annual competency program.
- CLIA defined responsibilities:
- § 493.1425 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities. Moderate complexity.
- § 493.1495 Standard; Testing personnel responsibilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate's or Vocational degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited institution, and completion of clinical internship or
- Vocational or Technical Training in a comprehensive military laboratory science program or
- Bachelor's degree in related science from a regionally accredited institution + 2 years clinical lab experience in appropriate analytic
- CLIA defined Qualifications: § 493.1423 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications
- CLIA defined Qualifications: § 493.1489 Standard; Testing personnel qualifications
Licenses/Certifications:
- Histotechnician, HT certification required by a recognized agency such as ASCP or NCA within 180 Days required
Physical Demands:
Light Work:
Lifting weight up to 20 lbs. occasionally, up to 10 lbs. frequently
Pay Range:
Pay Range: $30.94 to $40.99 per hour
The pay described reflects the base hourly pay range. Your starting rate would depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, your experience, education, and the union agreement (if applicable). Shift, weekend and/or other differentials may be available to increase your pay rate for certain shifts or work.
Allina Health is committed to adhering with all applicable local, state and federal minimum wage requirements.
Benefit Summary:
Allina Health believes the best way to provide safe and compassionate care for our patients is by nurturing the passion of those who care for them. That’s why we devote extraordinary resources to help you grow and thrive — not only as a professional but also as a whole person. When you join our team, you have access to a wealth of valuable employee benefits that support the total well-being — mind, body, spirit and community — of you and your family members.
Allina Health is all in on your well-being. Because well-being means something different to everyone, our award-winning program provides you with the resources you need to help you navigate your personal journey. This includes well-being dollars, dedicated well-being navigators, and many programs, activities, articles, videos, personal coaching and tools to support you on your journey.
We are focused on creating an inclusive workplace so everyone can see themselves as part of our care team. Our care teams are as diverse as the communities we serve and proud to be contributing to the mission of a leading health care organization. Our pioneering approach to well-being helps every member of our care team feel a deep sense of connection and joy in their work.
Benefits include:
- Medical/Dental
- PTO/Time Away
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Life Insurance
- Short-term/Long-term Disability
- Voluntary Benefits (vision, legal, critical illness)
- Tuition Reimbursement or Continuing Medical Education as applicable
- Student Loan Support Benefits to navigate the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Allina Health is a 501(c)(3) eligible employer
Benefit eligibility/offerings are determined by FTE and if you are represented by a union.
See all OPT Histotechnician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Histotechnician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Histotechnician
Confirm your CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT
Histotechnology typically falls under CIP code 41.0205, which qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify this with your DSO before applying, since the extension gives you up to three years of total work authorization.
Earn your ASCP HT certification before you start applying
Most hospital and diagnostic lab employers require or strongly prefer ASCP Histotechnician certification. Having it before your OPT start date removes a common hiring barrier and signals you can contribute immediately without additional credentialing delays.
Target hospital systems and academic medical centers first
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers process OPT employment verifications routinely and have HR infrastructure for work authorization compliance. They are far more likely to hire OPT students than small independent pathology practices.
Be upfront about your OPT end date in early conversations
Histotechnician roles involve significant onboarding and lab orientation. Employers want to know how long you can stay. Mentioning your full authorization window, including the STEM extension if applicable, reassures them before they invest in training you.
Apply to roles posted at CLIA-certified laboratories
CLIA-certified labs operate under federal oversight and tend to have formal HR processes, including familiarity with OPT employment verification. Smaller, uncertified labs may be unfamiliar with work authorization requirements, which can slow or derail your hiring process.
Highlight tissue processing and embedding experience in your resume
Employers screening OPT candidates move quickly. Leading with specific technical skills like cryostat sectioning, immunohistochemistry staining, or paraffin embedding tells hiring managers you are lab-ready and reduces concern about your work authorization timeline.
Histotechnician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Histotechnician jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, histotechnology programs are commonly classified under CIP code 41.0205, which is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. That means you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT period ends?
Some do, particularly large hospital systems, university-affiliated medical centers, and national reference laboratories. H-1B visa sponsorship for Histotechnicians is not universal, since smaller labs often lack the HR infrastructure for visa petitions. During your job search on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers who have a track record of sponsoring work visas, which saves significant time.
Can I work as a Histotechnician on OPT without ASCP certification?
Technically yes, OPT work authorization is not tied to your certification status. However, most hospital and diagnostic lab employers require ASCP HT or HTL certification as a condition of employment. Working without certification may limit you to research assistant or lab support roles rather than full histotechnician positions. Pursuing certification concurrently with your job search is the practical approach.
What types of employers hire Histotechnicians on OPT?
Hospital pathology departments, academic medical centers, independent reference laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and cancer research institutions all employ histotechnicians. Academic medical centers affiliated with universities tend to be the most OPT-friendly because they regularly hire international students and have established processes for work authorization verification and STEM OPT employer reporting requirements.
What is the STEM OPT employer reporting requirement for Histotechnician roles?
Under STEM OPT, your employer must submit a formal training plan using Form I-983 and provide evaluations every six months. For Histotechnician roles, the training plan should document how the work relates to your degree field, covering skills like tissue processing, histochemical techniques, or quality control procedures. Your DSO must also report your employment in SEVIS, so loop them in before your start date.