Histotechnician Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
Prepares surgical specimens for dissection and microscopic review by pathologist. Prepares cytology specimens for microscopic review. Assists pathologist (and other physicians) with bone marrows and frozen sections. Supports overall mission of the laboratory and facility.
Responsibilities And Duties:
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Receive and process specimens from all sources QR, Outpatient, Outreach, etc. Include accessioning computer, identification and labeling of individual specimens. Ensure that the specimen meets all the established acceptance criteria for submitting specimens. This responsibility requires keen attention to detail.
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Embed all surgical, autopsy and research specimens. This responsibility requires in depth knowledge of gross tissue identification and correct orientation of tissue into the paraffin block. Expected productivity is 40 blocks per hour on average, continuously monitored.
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Cut thin 2-4 micron sections of tissue using a microtome. This responsibility requires superior manual dexterity and visual acuity and keen attention to detail. Expected productivity is 20 blocks per hour on average, continuously monitored.
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Stain slides routine and special stains requiring visual acuity and specialized knowledge of staining principles. Prepare solutions as needed.
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Coverslip slides using an automated instrument. Send slides out to Pathologists. Requires concentration and attention to detail to detect and/or avoid errors which may result in possible error in patient diagnosis.
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Responsible for Quality Control QC/Quality Assurance QA. The delicate nature of the job requires that QC/QA is performed during and after the process and on all instruments. This responsibility requires thorough knowledge of procedures, systems and instrument functions.
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File slides and paraffin blocks. Blocks and slides are filed for future reference and easy retrieval. In addition to maintaining files on the premises, off campus travel is required to obtain and re-file blocks and slides for consultations and conferences.
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Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's Degree (Required)
Additional Job Description:
Two to three years post High school training, two to three years previous experience and three to six months time on the job.
Work Shift:
Evening
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
Surgical Pathology
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all persons in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
Prepares surgical specimens for dissection and microscopic review by pathologist. Prepares cytology specimens for microscopic review. Assists pathologist (and other physicians) with bone marrows and frozen sections. Supports overall mission of the laboratory and facility.
Responsibilities And Duties:
-
Receive and process specimens from all sources QR, Outpatient, Outreach, etc. Include accessioning computer, identification and labeling of individual specimens. Ensure that the specimen meets all the established acceptance criteria for submitting specimens. This responsibility requires keen attention to detail.
-
Embed all surgical, autopsy and research specimens. This responsibility requires in depth knowledge of gross tissue identification and correct orientation of tissue into the paraffin block. Expected productivity is 40 blocks per hour on average, continuously monitored.
-
Cut thin 2-4 micron sections of tissue using a microtome. This responsibility requires superior manual dexterity and visual acuity and keen attention to detail. Expected productivity is 20 blocks per hour on average, continuously monitored.
-
Stain slides routine and special stains requiring visual acuity and specialized knowledge of staining principles. Prepare solutions as needed.
-
Coverslip slides using an automated instrument. Send slides out to Pathologists. Requires concentration and attention to detail to detect and/or avoid errors which may result in possible error in patient diagnosis.
-
Responsible for Quality Control QC/Quality Assurance QA. The delicate nature of the job requires that QC/QA is performed during and after the process and on all instruments. This responsibility requires thorough knowledge of procedures, systems and instrument functions.
-
File slides and paraffin blocks. Blocks and slides are filed for future reference and easy retrieval. In addition to maintaining files on the premises, off campus travel is required to obtain and re-file blocks and slides for consultations and conferences.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's Degree (Required)
Additional Job Description:
Two to three years post High school training, two to three years previous experience and three to six months time on the job.
Work Shift:
Evening
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
Surgical Pathology
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all persons in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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