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.
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Get Access To All JobsCareers With Purpose
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.
Facility: Sanford Med Ctr Fargo
Location: Fargo, ND
Address: 5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104, USA
Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts
Job Schedule: Full time
Weekly Hours: 40.00
Salary Range: $22.50 - $36.00
Department Details
Have you been looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact on patients while delivering exceptional care? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! We provide on-the-job phlebotomy training and offer excellent opportunities to grow your career with us.
AM Shift – Varies start times, starting anywhere from 4:00am – 7:30am
- part-time position will work every other weekend and full-time will work every third weekend
- holidays three per year
- On-calls: Five to six on-call weekends per year
Job Summary
Provide technical assistance in the laboratories. Performs laboratory duties to assist technologists, technicians, pathologists’ assistants and/or pathologists. Handles related equipment including maintenance; cleans work area and stocks supplies. As needed, will assist in reference lab work including packaging, mailing, tracking, and report filing. Expected to train and onboard new employees. Pathology Technicians within the Histology/Gross Laboratory will assist in obtaining biological samples for study and prepares tissues for processing and examination under the direction and supervision of pathologists. May perform complex histological procedures using techniques to gross, embed, perform microtomy, and stain to make tissue slides used for diagnosis.
Within the Clinical Laboratory setting, responsibilities include collecting, preparing and processing specimens. Assists in performing laboratory activities and other assigned tasks. Aids in preparing laboratory specimens and supplies. May be responsible for entering laboratory orders and results. Ensures the accuracy and quality of laboratory data in a safe and professional work environment. May be required to perform waived tests and/or phlebotomy.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology or other related field that includes 30 combined semester hours of biological science and chemistry.
One year previous laboratory experience preferred.
Benefits
Sanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance. For more information about Total Rewards, visit https://sanfordcareers.com/benefits.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.
Sanford has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.
Req Number: R-0258899
Job Function: Allied Health
Featured: No
Careers With Purpose
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland.
Facility: Sanford Med Ctr Fargo
Location: Fargo, ND
Address: 5225 23rd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104, USA
Shift: 8 Hours - Day Shifts
Job Schedule: Full time
Weekly Hours: 40.00
Salary Range: $22.50 - $36.00
Department Details
Have you been looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact on patients while delivering exceptional care? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! We provide on-the-job phlebotomy training and offer excellent opportunities to grow your career with us.
AM Shift – Varies start times, starting anywhere from 4:00am – 7:30am
- part-time position will work every other weekend and full-time will work every third weekend
- holidays three per year
- On-calls: Five to six on-call weekends per year
Job Summary
Provide technical assistance in the laboratories. Performs laboratory duties to assist technologists, technicians, pathologists’ assistants and/or pathologists. Handles related equipment including maintenance; cleans work area and stocks supplies. As needed, will assist in reference lab work including packaging, mailing, tracking, and report filing. Expected to train and onboard new employees. Pathology Technicians within the Histology/Gross Laboratory will assist in obtaining biological samples for study and prepares tissues for processing and examination under the direction and supervision of pathologists. May perform complex histological procedures using techniques to gross, embed, perform microtomy, and stain to make tissue slides used for diagnosis.
Within the Clinical Laboratory setting, responsibilities include collecting, preparing and processing specimens. Assists in performing laboratory activities and other assigned tasks. Aids in preparing laboratory specimens and supplies. May be responsible for entering laboratory orders and results. Ensures the accuracy and quality of laboratory data in a safe and professional work environment. May be required to perform waived tests and/or phlebotomy.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology or other related field that includes 30 combined semester hours of biological science and chemistry.
One year previous laboratory experience preferred.
Benefits
Sanford offers an attractive benefits package for qualifying full-time and part-time employees. Depending on eligibility, a variety of benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, work/life balance benefits, and a generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance. For more information about Total Rewards, visit https://sanfordcareers.com/benefits.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.
Sanford has a Drug Free Workplace Policy. An accepted offer will require a drug screen and pre-employment background screening as a condition of employment.
Req Number: R-0258899
Job Function: Allied Health
Featured: No
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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.