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Cytotechnologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cytotechnologist Inova Loudoun Hospital is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join their team! This role will be Full-Time Day Shift: (Monday-Friday, 8:00pm- 4:30pm). Training & Work ...

Cytotechnologist Inova Loudoun Hospital is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join their team! This role will be Full-Time Day Shift: (Monday-Friday, 8:00pm- 4:30pm). Training & Work ...

Cytotechnologist

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$34.20 - $55.75/hr

Cytotechnologist Inova Loudoun Hospital is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join their team! This role will be Full-Time Day Shift: (Monday-Friday, 8:00pm- 4:30pm). Training & Work ...

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

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 ...

Cytotechnologist

Newport News, VA · On-site

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

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 ...

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

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 ...

New Cytotechnologist opening at a beautiful, highly-rated facility in the state of VA! * Permanent, full time position * Excellent pay and full benefits Requirements: ASCP certification (or ...

New Cytotechnologist opening at a beautiful, highly-rated facility in the state of VA! * Permanent, full time position * Excellent pay and full benefits Requirements: ASCP certification (or ...

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join the team! This role will be Full time, Mon-Friday, Hours: Day Shift. Inova is consistently ranked a national health ...

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join the team! This role will be Full time, Mon-Friday, Hours: Day Shift. Inova is consistently ranked a national health ...

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Cytotechnologist information

See Virginia salary details

$21

$44

$77

How much do cytotechnologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytotechnologist in Virginia is $44.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.88 and $54.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cytotechnologist?

A cytotechnologist, also called a cytologist, analyzes slides of human cells under a microscope to check for abnormalities. You work with a pathologist to identify diseased or infected cells, such as pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions or inflammatory indications. As a cytotechnologist, your job duties include preparing samples from different areas of the body, such as the lungs, skin, or reproductive tract, examining the slides with a microscope, and document and noticeable changes in the cells that may indicate disease or illness. Your responsibility is to find these potential problems, but you do not provide a diagnosis; you forward your report to a pathologist for final analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytotechnologist?

To thrive as a Cytotechnologist, you need a solid background in biology or medical laboratory science, typically with a bachelor's degree and certification such as from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Familiarity with microscopes, laboratory information systems, and cytology staining techniques is essential. Keen attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help cytotechnologists accurately screen and interpret cell samples. These competencies are crucial for detecting cellular abnormalities and ensuring accurate diagnoses that guide patient care.

What are some common challenges cytotechnologists face in their daily work, and how can they be managed?

Cytotechnologists often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during prolonged periods of microscope work and ensuring diagnostic accuracy with subtle cellular changes. Managing these challenges involves taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain, staying up to date with ongoing training, and participating in peer review or quality assurance programs to minimize diagnostic errors. Collaboration with pathologists and other laboratory professionals also helps in difficult cases, fostering a supportive environment for continuous learning and quality improvement.

What is the difference between Cytotechnologist vs Histotechnologist?

AspectCytotechnologistHistotechnologist
CredentialsCertification (ASCP), degree in cytotechnologyCertification (ASCP), degree in histotechnology
Work EnvironmentMicroscopes, slide analysis, laboratory settingsPreparing tissue samples, microtomes, staining
Industry UsageMedical laboratories, hospitals, clinicsPathology labs, hospitals, research facilities

While both Cytotechnologists and Histotechnologists work in pathology labs and require specialized certifications, Cytotechnologists primarily analyze cell samples under microscopes to detect abnormalities, whereas Histotechnologists prepare and stain tissue samples for examination. Both roles are essential in diagnostic laboratories but focus on different specimen types and techniques.

How hard is it to become a cytotechnologist?

Becoming a cytotechnologist typically requires completing a bachelor's degree in cytotechnology or a related field, followed by earning a certification from a recognized agency such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology. The process involves gaining laboratory skills, passing certification exams, and often working under supervision before independent practice.

Is cytotechnology a good career?

Cytotechnologists analyze cell samples to detect diseases such as cancer and typically work in clinical laboratories. The profession offers stable employment, a competitive salary, and requires certification and attention to detail, making it a viable career choice for those interested in healthcare and laboratory work.

What can you do with a cytotechnologist degree?

A cytotechnologist degree qualifies individuals to prepare and examine cell samples to detect diseases such as cancer. They typically work in laboratories, using microscopes and laboratory equipment, and may pursue certification to enhance job prospects and responsibilities.

Where do cytotechnologists get paid the most?

Cytotechnologists tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries, such as metropolitan areas with major medical centers. States or areas with a higher demand for laboratory professionals and advanced healthcare facilities generally offer increased compensation for cytotechnologists. Salary can also be influenced by experience, certifications, and working in hospital or private laboratory settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cytotechnologist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Cytotechnologist jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Cytotechnologist jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Cytotechnologist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cytotechnologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cytotechnologist job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Cytotechnologist jobs in VA?

For Cytotechnologist jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cytotechnologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,333 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Cytotechnologist

Inova Primary Care

Falls Church, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Cytotechnologist 

Inova Loudoun Hospital is looking for a dedicated Cytotechnologist to join their team!  This role will be Full-Time Day Shift: (Monday-Friday, 8:00pm- 4:30pm). Training & Work Location: New team members will complete a comprehensive onboarding and training program at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where they will work alongside our experienced Cytology team. Training is designed to provide hands-on experience in gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology, laboratory workflows, quality practices, and Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE), helping new Cytologists build confidence and become familiar with Inova's standards and processes. Once training is complete, the primary work location will be Inova Loudoun Hospital. The Cytologist can expect to work the majority of scheduled shifts at Loudoun while occasionally providing coverage at Fairfax and Alexandria as needed to support the Cytology team across the health system.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities.

Cytotechnologist Job Responsibilities:

  • Possesses the ability to take appropriate corrective action in situations involving quality control and instrumentation.
  • Maintains the overall efficient operation of the department by adhering to technical and scientific standards.
  • Maintains supply inventory, submits purchase requests with cost effectiveness in mind and strives to decrease cost per billable tests.
  • Works closely with sales/client services on the management of existing accounts and marketing of new accounts while meeting with prospective clients to answer technical questions and provide information.
  • Correctly evaluates and predicts a cytologic diagnosis based on the cellular sample.
  • Identifies unacceptable specimens with written documentation and contacts patients' physician or nurse for possible recollection.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum Education: Associate Degree with at least 12 semester hours in science, eight of which are biology
  • Years of Experience: No experience required.
  • Certification: Cytotechnologist registry with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)-Upon Start

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Candidates who are reliable, detail-oriented, adaptable, and work well as part of a team.

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.


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