Cytotechnologist

Position Overview

The Cytotechnologist performs complex, specialized screening of clinical specimens to identify cellular changes, detect cancer, and diagnose other pathological conditions. This position is essential in maintaining specimen accuracy, working closely with pathologists, and ensuring adherence to regulatory and safety standards. The Cytotechnologist supports high-quality patient care by delivering timely and reliable results.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $19.85 per hour.

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment – Work alongside dedicated professionals in a mission-driven healthcare system.

• Professional development – We support ongoing learning and career advancement through training and tuition reimbursement.

• Purpose-driven impact – Contribute to life-saving diagnoses that directly affect patient care.

• Lifestyle and location – Boone, NC offers a unique combination of natural beauty, a vibrant local culture, and top-rated schools.

• Education-friendly – Appalachian State University and strong public school systems make Boone an excellent place to live and grow.

• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $19.85 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position with shift differential.

• Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.

• Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.

• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.

• Paid time off – front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) – paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.

• Paid parental leave – qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child – to be taken consecutively.

• Employee Wellness program – Love Your Life – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.

• Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.

• Employee perks to include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities

• Screen and interpret cytologic slides to detect malignant and premalignant conditions.

• Ensure proper handling, staining, and documentation of cytology specimens.

• Collaborate with pathologists and laboratory personnel to ensure diagnostic accuracy.

• Maintain compliance with federal and institutional regulations regarding cytologic procedures.

• Participate in internal quality control and assurance programs.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s degree and successful completion of a CAHEA-accredited Cytotechnology Program.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of full-time cytology experience in a clinical setting under a licensed physician.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• CT (ASCP) or SCT (ASCP) certification (or equivalent) is required.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff using positive verbal and non-verbal skills.

• Expertise in evaluating cellular samples for diagnostic purposes.

• Commitment to regulatory compliance and patient safety.

• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and decision-making skills.

Physical Demands

• Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls, and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
• Manual dexterity and mobility
• Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
• Bending, squatting, twisting, and turning
• Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment, odorous chemicals, and specimens and unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays) and emergencies
• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave
• Frequently exposed to laboratory reagents

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system, operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents.

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.

Salary : $20