OPT Pathology Technician Jobs
Pathology Technician jobs on OPT involve processing tissue samples, preparing slides, and supporting diagnostic workflows in hospital labs, medical centers, and research institutions. Most roles fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work experience in a high-demand clinical field.
Find OPT Pathology Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 89+ Pathology Technician jobs
See all 89+ Pathology Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Pathology Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Evening Shift
Description:
Department: Anatomic Pathology
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Status: Full time, 40 hours a week
Minimum rate of pay: $17.46
Position Purpose:
Perform all necessary procedures pertaining to accessioning and technical preparation of all pathology and cytology specimens. This individual must function with a high degree of technical expertise regarding handling of specimens to ensure accuracy of diagnoses made from specimens submitted for evaluation. Effectively and efficiently prioritizes workflow within the department. Uses the laboratory computer system and equipment.
Required Qualifications:
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required and two years college course work completed (40-60 credit hours) with emphasis in a science curriculum or equivalent with 12 hours Science credits preferred. Associates of Science, Applied Science (or similar) preferred.
Experience
- One year experience working in Cytology Preparation and/or Histology Processing preferred, with knowledge of medical terminology.
What you will do:
- Picks up pathology specimens from various locations throughout the hospital and campus such as surgery, endoscopy, etc.
- Full registration for outreach specimens with orders for Surg Path, Cytology and Molecular pathology procedures. Includes insurance entry and verification.
- Responsible for proper handling, accessioning, and billing of all pathology specimens through entering data into the LIS computer application.
- Assists with basic or designated Histology procedures.
- Cleans and stocks all work areas.
- Distributes slides and paperwork to cytotechnologists or pathologists as needed.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type:
Full time
Shift:
Evening Shift
Description:
Department: Anatomic Pathology
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Status: Full time, 40 hours a week
Minimum rate of pay: $17.46
Position Purpose:
Perform all necessary procedures pertaining to accessioning and technical preparation of all pathology and cytology specimens. This individual must function with a high degree of technical expertise regarding handling of specimens to ensure accuracy of diagnoses made from specimens submitted for evaluation. Effectively and efficiently prioritizes workflow within the department. Uses the laboratory computer system and equipment.
Required Qualifications:
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required and two years college course work completed (40-60 credit hours) with emphasis in a science curriculum or equivalent with 12 hours Science credits preferred. Associates of Science, Applied Science (or similar) preferred.
Experience
- One year experience working in Cytology Preparation and/or Histology Processing preferred, with knowledge of medical terminology.
What you will do:
- Picks up pathology specimens from various locations throughout the hospital and campus such as surgery, endoscopy, etc.
- Full registration for outreach specimens with orders for Surg Path, Cytology and Molecular pathology procedures. Includes insurance entry and verification.
- Responsible for proper handling, accessioning, and billing of all pathology specimens through entering data into the LIS computer application.
- Assists with basic or designated Histology procedures.
- Cleans and stocks all work areas.
- Distributes slides and paperwork to cytotechnologists or pathologists as needed.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 89+ OPT Pathology Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Pathology Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Pathology Technician
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Pathology Technician positions typically fall under CIP codes in biological or biomedical sciences. Verify your degree's CIP code matches an approved STEM field before applying, since STEM OPT extension eligibility depends entirely on this alignment.
Target employers with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Prioritize hospital systems, academic medical centers, and large diagnostic labs, as these institutions are far more likely to meet this mandatory requirement than smaller independent clinics.
Apply well before your OPT end date
STEM OPT extension applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Start identifying Pathology Technician roles at least four to five months out to leave time for interviews, offers, and DSO processing.
Highlight certifications like ASCP on your resume
American Society for Clinical Pathology certification signals lab competency to hiring managers. Even candidate-level credentials strengthen your application and help differentiate you in a competitive pool of pathology candidates, many of whom lack formal certification.
Be transparent about your work authorization timeline
Tell employers upfront that you have OPT authorization and explain the STEM extension pathway. Most hospital and lab HR teams are familiar with the process, and early clarity prevents misunderstandings that can delay or derail offers late in hiring.
Seek roles with formal training or rotation programs
Hospital lab systems and university medical centers often run structured pathology training programs that count as qualifying work experience for OPT. These positions also build the documentation trail needed if you later pursue H-1B visa sponsorship through the same employer.
Pathology Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pathology Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your underlying degree. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biological sciences, biomedical technology, or clinical laboratory science, and the job involves applying that training directly, the role will generally qualify. Your DSO must confirm the CIP code match before you apply for the extension.
Are most pathology labs familiar with hiring OPT students?
Hospital-affiliated labs and academic medical centers hire OPT students with reasonable frequency, particularly for positions requiring specialized science degrees. Smaller independent pathology practices may be less experienced with OPT paperwork, so it's worth prioritizing employers with established international hiring processes. Migrate Mate lists Pathology Technician roles specifically filtered for OPT-compatible employers, which simplifies your search.
What happens to my OPT status if my pathology lab job ends unexpectedly?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during standard OPT and an additional 60 days if you're on a STEM OPT extension. If your lab position ends, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin searching for a new qualifying role. Staying within these limits is critical because exceeding the unemployment allowance violates your F-1 status.
Can I work as a Pathology Technician at more than one lab on OPT?
Yes, concurrent employment is permitted on OPT as long as each position is directly related to your major field of study and you're working at least 20 hours per week in total. You must report all employers to your DSO. For STEM OPT specifically, your primary employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must have a formal training plan on file.
What should I look for in a Pathology Technician job posting to assess OPT compatibility?
Look for explicit mention of E-Verify enrollment, willingness to sponsor work authorization, or experience hiring international candidates. Avoid postings that state "U.S. citizens only" or "no visa sponsorship." Job titles aligned with your degree field, such as histotechnology, cytology, or clinical lab science, strengthen your STEM OPT eligibility argument if a question ever arises.