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Cytology Lab Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

... assist with the training of new and existing personnel as well as students. What you will do ... Performs other duties including but not limited to flow cytometry specimen preparation and send-out ...

Histology Technologist

Tuckahoe, VA · On-site

$30.27 - $45.42/hr

Perform histology and cytology procedures including specimen processing/fixation, cell block ... * Assist in the review and modification of department policies and procedures as requested ...

Histology Technologist

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$30.27 - $45.42/hr

Perform histology and cytology procedures including specimen processing/fixation, cell block ... * Assist in the review and modification of department policies and procedures as requested ...

Histology Technologist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$30.27 - $45.42/hr

Perform histology and cytology procedures including specimen processing/fixation, cell block ... * Assist in the review and modification of department policies and procedures as requested ...

Showing results 21-40

Cytology Lab Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do cytology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab assistant in Virginia is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cytology lab assistant do?

A Cytology Lab Assistant supports cytotechnologists and pathologists by preparing and processing biological samples, such as cells from body fluids, for microscopic examination. They are responsible for labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are handled and stored properly. Additionally, they may assist with record keeping, data entry, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. This role is essential for helping pathologists diagnose diseases like cancer by providing high-quality samples for analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by cytology lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while handling high specimen volumes and adhering to strict turnaround times. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, double-checking specimen labeling, and following established laboratory protocols meticulously. Effective communication with cytotechnologists and pathologists is also essential to ensure that any discrepancies or urgent cases are addressed promptly. Continuous learning about new laboratory technologies and procedures can further enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytology lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or associate’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specimen staining techniques is typically expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations crucial for reliable diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Assistant vs Histology Lab Technician?

AspectCytology Lab AssistantHistology Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredHigh school diploma; additional histology certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on cell analysis, often in hospitals or clinicsLaboratories performing tissue processing and slide preparation, typically in hospitals or research labs
Job DutiesAssist in preparing cytology specimens, label slides, and maintain lab equipmentProcess tissue samples, embed, section, and prepare slides for microscopic examination

Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare settings, with Cytology Lab Assistants focusing on cell samples and Histology Lab Technicians handling tissue specimens. While their tasks differ, they share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles in pathology labs.

What job categories do people searching Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cytology Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cytology Lab Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,752 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Labor Pool Cytotechnologist

Riverside

On-site

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Newport News, Virginia

Hiring Range

$34.40 - $47.30/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
Cytotechnologists perform the following primary duties in addition to other related cytology department functions: gynecologic and non-gynecologic microscopic evaluation including laboratory information system (LIS) resulting and reporting; rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) adequacy procedures in addition to bone marrow procedures. The Cytotechnologist will have a working knowledge, support and on occasion perform all aspects of the cytology department's specimen workflows. Additional supporting responsibilities include telephone/fax communications, slide/block/report filing, reagent manufacturer, routine equipment maintenance/calibration/reporting, quality control and quality assurance and assist with the training of new and existing personnel as well as students.
What you will do
  • Performs or supports rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) adequacy procedures in addition to bone marrow procedures.
  • Collaborates and communicates with all supporting teams within the laboratory, hospital, affiliate sites, pathologists, physicians and physician office staff to provide for the optimal needs of the patient.
  • Performs other duties including but not limited to flow cytometry specimen preparation and send-out; molecular testing preparation and send-out; timely reporting of inventory needs; supervisory-delegated quality reporting responsibilities; case distribution to pathologists; and supporting responsibilities including telephone/fax communications, slide/block/report filing, reagent manufacturer, routine equipment maintenance/calibration/reporting, quality control and quality assurance.
  • Assists with training of new/existing team members and students.
  • Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of the technology systems necessary for department operations through the accurate performance of assigned job duties to ensure quality patient care. Recognizes, fixes and reports corrections/variances consistently to improve laboratory operations.
  • Performs required activities (including Proficiency Testing) and completes appropriate documentation to meet regulatory requirement to ensure department is maintaining accreditation with the College of American Pathologist (CAP), DNV and other regulatory agency standards (as required) within the department.
  • Maintains a safe environment, such as wearing appropriate protective equipment and using proper body mechanics, by following and complying with all Riverside Health System policies, OSHA, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), privacy and security of health information (PHI) and other regulatory agency requirements that support the National Patient Safety Goals and Quality Initiatives. Recognizes and reports variances, providing their resolutions, and identifies and reports suspected non-compliance to management.
  • Maintains knowledge, affiliation/networks with professional/civic/service organizations that support professional development/relationships that align with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Riverside Health System. Completes required continuing education credits to maintain board certification or 12 continuing education credits/year (if maintenance is not required for continued certification).

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelors Degree, Clincial Lab Sciences or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience
  • 2 years Recent relevant experience (Preferred)
  • Ability to operate technology/equipment consistent with industry standards (Preferred)
  • Working knowledge of computers (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications
  • Cytotechnologist (CT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) (Required) or
  • Cytotechnologist (CT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) eligible to be certified within 1 Year(Required)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.