University of Kentucky OPT Eligible Jobs USA
University of Kentucky hires OPT students across research, academic administration, engineering, and healthcare-adjacent roles. As a major public research university, it supports the OPT-to-H-1B visa transition for qualifying employees and is a strong destination for F-1 graduates seeking education-sector work experience in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Respiratory Therapist Senior/UKHC
Requisition Number: RE54368
Working Title: Respiratory Therapist Senior - Golisano Children’s Hospital
Department Name: H3410:Respiratory Services
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 11
Salary Range: $30.00-45.70/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
AS
Required Related Experience:
No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification:
Licensure through the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care at time of hire.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires regularly sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; and lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to or over 50 pounds; intermittently standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); and occasionally working at heights above four feet and/or in confined spaces. Also involves some exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, radiation, burns, cuts/punctures, blood-borne or airborne pathogens, and combative/violent people.
Shift:
Must be able to work three 12.5-hour shifts per week (7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.). Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays.
Job Summary:
UK HealthCare is seeking a registered respiratory therapist dedicated to wellness, safety, and patient-centered care to join our team at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Respiratory Therapist Senior ensures competent care of patients through airway management, mechanical ventilator management, blood gases, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and other duties as it relates to assure the quality of patient care. The ideal candidate will perform proper documentation of patient care activities and interventions; record therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulatory agencies; and communicate with other healthcare teams to ensure the quality care of patients.
Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky is a hospital within a hospital, located on multiple floors of the Chandler Medical Center. Boasting state’s only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 70-beds, respiratory therapists are an integral part of the delivery team and the bedside care team. In acute and progressive care, respiratory therapists provide protocol guided care for bronchiolitis, asthma, and oxygen delivery. A great opportunity for new graduates, respiratory therapists will have the excellent opportunity to deliver a considerable range of services covered under their RT license.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
The ideal candidate will have patient care experience, strong computer skills, and excellent communication skills.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Pediatric respiratory experience in a hospital setting preferred.
Deadline to Apply:
05/18/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Respiratory Therapist Senior/UKHC
Requisition Number: RE54368
Working Title: Respiratory Therapist Senior - Golisano Children’s Hospital
Department Name: H3410:Respiratory Services
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 11
Salary Range: $30.00-45.70/hour
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education:
AS
Required Related Experience:
No experience required.
Required License/Registration/Certification:
Licensure through the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) through the National Board of Respiratory Care at time of hire.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires regularly sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time; standing or walking with objects weighing up to 10 pounds; and lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects weighing up to or over 50 pounds; intermittently standing or walking with objects weighing up to 25 pounds; performing tasks with repetitive motions (such as typing); and occasionally working at heights above four feet and/or in confined spaces. Also involves some exposure to risk of injury from moving, lifting, or positioning patients, equipment, or materials; and exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes including waste, radiation, burns, cuts/punctures, blood-borne or airborne pathogens, and combative/violent people.
Shift:
Must be able to work three 12.5-hour shifts per week (7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.). Will also be required to work some weekends and holidays.
Job Summary:
UK HealthCare is seeking a registered respiratory therapist dedicated to wellness, safety, and patient-centered care to join our team at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The Respiratory Therapist Senior ensures competent care of patients through airway management, mechanical ventilator management, blood gases, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and other duties as it relates to assure the quality of patient care. The ideal candidate will perform proper documentation of patient care activities and interventions; record therapy and results as required by hospital policy and regulatory agencies; and communicate with other healthcare teams to ensure the quality care of patients.
Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Kentucky is a hospital within a hospital, located on multiple floors of the Chandler Medical Center. Boasting state’s only Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 70-beds, respiratory therapists are an integral part of the delivery team and the bedside care team. In acute and progressive care, respiratory therapists provide protocol guided care for bronchiolitis, asthma, and oxygen delivery. A great opportunity for new graduates, respiratory therapists will have the excellent opportunity to deliver a considerable range of services covered under their RT license.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities:
The ideal candidate will have patient care experience, strong computer skills, and excellent communication skills.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience:
Pediatric respiratory experience in a hospital setting preferred.
Deadline to Apply:
05/18/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of Kentucky OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and STEM-designated roles first
University of Kentucky's research departments and STEM-adjacent units are where OPT hires are most common. Faculty labs, research centers, and engineering departments regularly bring on F-1 graduates, giving you the strongest pathway to a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer
For STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask University of Kentucky's HR team to confirm active enrollment before you sign. A gap here means you can't access the 24-month extension, regardless of your field of study.
Align your degree field to the posted job description
USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major. When applying to University of Kentucky roles, explicitly connect your degree program to the job duties in your cover letter and resume, not just your job title.
Search University of Kentucky's hiring history on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to review University of Kentucky's visa sponsorship history by role and department. This helps you identify which teams have hired international students before, so you spend your time on applications with a realistic path to employment.
Prepare your OPT EAD and I-20 before the offer stage
University of Kentucky's HR team will need to verify your EAD start date and employment authorization during onboarding. Have your EAD, current I-20 with OPT authorization, and your DSO contact information ready before your first HR conversation to avoid delays.
Position yourself for H-1B sponsorship from day one
Universities like University of Kentucky can sponsor H-1B visas for staff and researchers when the role meets specialty occupation standards. During your OPT period, document your contributions and build a case for continued employment ahead of the annual H-1B registration window.
University of Kentucky OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky sponsor OPT visas?
University of Kentucky does not sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization granted by USCIS to eligible F-1 students, not petitioned by employers. What University of Kentucky does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. For STEM OPT extensions, the university must be enrolled in E-Verify, which most large research universities maintain.
Which roles and departments at University of Kentucky typically hire OPT students?
Research positions, academic administration, engineering, information technology, and healthcare-related programs are the most common entry points for OPT students at University of Kentucky. Faculty-led research labs and grant-funded projects are particularly active, as they often have immediate hiring needs and familiarity with international student work authorization timelines.
How do I approach the offer process at University of Kentucky as an OPT student?
Start your application before your OPT EAD arrives, but confirm your authorized start date before accepting an offer. Bring your EAD, I-20 with OPT recommendation, and DSO contact details to onboarding. Use Migrate Mate to research which University of Kentucky departments have sponsored international employees before, so you target roles with the strongest precedent.
How do I time my OPT application to align with University of Kentucky's hiring cycle?
USCIS recommends applying for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. University of Kentucky follows an academic hiring calendar, with many staff and research roles posted in spring and fall. Apply for OPT early enough that your EAD is in hand before your target start date, and communicate your authorization window to recruiters upfront.
Does University of Kentucky sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
Yes, University of Kentucky sponsors H-1B visas for roles that meet the specialty occupation requirement under USCIS guidelines. If you are hired on OPT in a qualifying position, you can work with HR and an immigration attorney to pursue H-1B sponsorship. The annual H-1B registration window opens in March, so planning ahead is essential.
How does University of Kentucky hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. University of Kentucky can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check University of Kentucky's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.