UChicago Medicine·Harvey, Illinois
Perform primary screening of cytology specimens and manage technical operations of the Cytology Section. Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and maintain quality control records and statistics.
Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, as a Cytologist in the Pathology Laboratory department.
In this role, you will demonstrate personal and professional responsibilities, participate in quality control and quality improvement activities, assist in activities for achieving accreditation and corporate compliance for Cytology, and maintain proficiency in all aspects of performance of a Cytologist, including, primary screening of Cytology specimens, specimen preparation, preparation of Cytology reports/statistics, maintaining records, supplies and competencies.
This department is the Pathology Laboratory.
This position is a 100% onsite opportunity.
You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.
Eligible for a Sign-On Bonus up to $10,000
As a Cytologist, you will complete the responsibilities for the efficient and technical operations of the Cytology Section of the Anatomic Pathology Department in the absence of the Lead/Supervising Cytologist. The Cytotechnologist is expected to function independently with minimal supervision. You are held accountable to maintain and promote trust, recognition and respect for the laboratory by positively interacting with physicians, patients and other hospital employees.
Essential Job Functions
Provides assistance to physicians and is primary resource for Cytology technical and operational matters.
Wears appropriate PPE at all times.
Demonstrates knowledge/judgment concerning cytology procedures and ability to establish priorities and organize effectively.
Screens Cytology specimens, reviews specimen preparation quality, prepares Cytology reports within an appropriate time limit per specimen type.
Receives and accessions cytology specimens, prints labels and prepares cytology specimens for screening.
Performs an immediate stain on all FNA specimens, as needed.
Evaluates results/correlates results with histological report and/or reviews with Pathologist.
Demonstrates accuracy in screening cytological specimens.
Successfully completes annual proficiency exam for GYN screening.
Participates in Cytopathology Interlaboratory Educational Comparison Programs.
Maintains monthly statistical records in the absence of the lead/supervisor.
Maintains daily logs as required by accrediting organization and CLIA.
Maintains cleanliness or workstation, disposes of waste appropriately.
Operates and maintains equipment in Cytology and ensures proper functioning of equipment, promptly notifies department lead or supervisor of instrument or reagent malfunction.
Adheres to OSHA/CLIA/HIPAA/DNV/CAP, TJC and other accrediting guidelines.
Supports departmental LEAN initiatives through direct participation or the follow through of the standard work created through a LEAN event.
Successful completion of annual hospital and departmental competencies and lab safety requirements.
Other duties as needed.
Required Qualifications
Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with twenty (20) semester hours of biological science, eight (8) semester hours of chemistry, three (3) semester hours of mathematics.
Successful completion of a 12-month accredited Cytotechnologist program. Successful challenge of the accredited registry examination and Thin Prep certified.
Graduated from an Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited school of cytotechnology or other organization approved by Health and Human Services (HHS); or certified in cytotechnology by a certification agency approved by HHS (e.g., American Society of Clinical Pathology). New graduates must obtain licensure within 6 months of their start date
1 Ingalls Dr, Harvey, IL 60426
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital has pioneered sophisticated clinical care for nearly a century while developing the area's most convenient network of comprehensive outpatient centers. Our skilled medical team is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community. We're also committed to preventing, diagnosing, treating and rehabilitating your illness and injury. Our network of expert physicians, convenient facilities and wide range of services means we offer exceptional care when and where you need it.
In addition to our inpatient care, we provide an array of other services, including on-site X-rays, mammography, laboratory services, cancer screening, other radiology services, and echo and stress testing.
We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899.
We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual.
To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other.
We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward.
If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you.
Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters.
Join us.
Bring your passion.
UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities [https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/about-us/careers]
UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.
As a condition of employment, all employees are required to complete a pre-employment physical, background check, drug screening, and comply with the flu vaccination requirements prior to hire. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered for flu vaccination consistent with applicable law.
Compensation & Benefits Overview
UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits. The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.
The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.
Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine [https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/about-us/careers/benefits].
Requires a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and completion of an accredited 12-month Cytotechnologist program. Must be Thin Prep certified and hold certification from an HHS-approved agency like the ASCP.
Market context
In Illinois, cytologist openings are typically driven by hospital and reference-lab needs for accurate specimen screening and timely pathology support. This role is competitive because employers usually want a bachelor’s degree, an accredited 12-month cytotechnologist program, Thin Prep certification, and HHS-approved agency credentialing such as ASCP. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification details and prepare examples of high-volume slide review experience before applying.
