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 JobsCompany Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Histotechnician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in the stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the Pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators/supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.
Responsibilities:
- Performs cassette-log reconciliation. Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors. Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
- Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.
- Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
- Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
- Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
- Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
- Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
- Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.
- Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
- Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.
- Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
- Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
- Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissues. Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies. Documents stains and quality issues.
- Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary.
- Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
- Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
- Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
- Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
- Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
- May perform required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”, if needed.
- Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
- Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
- May participate in Safety and Infection Control activities. Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
- Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
- May participate in the training or teaching of students and staff in the department.
Additional functions:
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May be asked to assist in specific process improvement projects.
- May be asked to assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens including root cause analysis.
Qualifications Required:
- Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry OR must have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam. Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
- Certification Requirement: Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
- Must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP).
Preferred:
- Associated degree as Histotechnician.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Histotechnician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in the stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the Pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators/supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.
Responsibilities:
- Performs cassette-log reconciliation. Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors. Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
- Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.
- Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
- Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
- Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
- Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
- Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
- Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.
- Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
- Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.
- Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
- Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
- Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissues. Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies. Documents stains and quality issues.
- Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary.
- Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
- Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
- Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
- Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
- Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
- May perform required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”, if needed.
- Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
- Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
- Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
- May participate in Safety and Infection Control activities. Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
- Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
- May participate in the training or teaching of students and staff in the department.
Additional functions:
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- May be asked to assist in specific process improvement projects.
- May be asked to assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens including root cause analysis.
Qualifications Required:
- Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry OR must have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam. Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
- Certification Requirement: Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
- Must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP).
Preferred:
- Associated degree as Histotechnician.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
See all 34+ 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.