OPT Certified Medical Assistant Jobs
Certified Medical Assistant jobs on OPT are available at physician offices, urgent care clinics, and hospital systems that routinely hire foreign-trained graduates. Most roles qualify as STEM-adjacent under healthcare science degrees, and many employers are familiar with the 12-month standard OPT authorization window.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
You’re not just applying for a job - you’re stepping into a role that matters and where YOU matter.
At Eastern Nephrology Associates, our Medical Assistants don’t just take vitals. They walk beside patients through some of the hardest days of their lives and help them feel seen. If you want meaningful work with a supportive team, generous benefits, and weekday hours, keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here’s what you’ll be doing each week:
- Give injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal) under a provider’s supervision and document it properly
- Take and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Perform fingerstick tests to check hemoglobin levels (after proper training and certification)
- Weigh patients and enter results into the electronic medical record (EMR)
SUMMARY
Performs routine clinical and administrative duties to support physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed clinical staff in delivering high-quality patient care. Responsible for vital signs, basic lab testing, injections, EMR documentation, and patient support throughout the clinical visit.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of a two-year associate degree from an accredited Medical Assistant program
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Preferred: Experience using Acumen and EPIC
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be proficient in obtaining vital signs, recording patient information accurately and keeping the nurse manager aware of any high-risk situations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and EMR systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills for patient and team interaction
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork
- Ability to demonstrate and uphold ENA’s core values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All essential functions listed below are expected to be performed on-site. ENA has determined that these duties cannot be effectively or securely executed in a remote environment without compromising patient care, data privacy, or operational standards.
- Administer subcutaneous, intermuscular, or intra-dermal injections under direct supervision of a physician as required by protocol and documented in the patient’s chart 25%
- Obtains vital signs, which includes blood pressure, temperature, and pulse (radial or apical) 25%
- Check HGB of patient via fingerstick after training and certification by qualified personnel. 25%
- Obtains patient weight and records the information in the chart via the EMR 25%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 10 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. The noise level is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. Work Schedule is Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with a one-hour lunch.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
INTRODUCTION
You’re not just applying for a job - you’re stepping into a role that matters and where YOU matter.
At Eastern Nephrology Associates, our Medical Assistants don’t just take vitals. They walk beside patients through some of the hardest days of their lives and help them feel seen. If you want meaningful work with a supportive team, generous benefits, and weekday hours, keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here’s what you’ll be doing each week:
- Give injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal) under a provider’s supervision and document it properly
- Take and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Perform fingerstick tests to check hemoglobin levels (after proper training and certification)
- Weigh patients and enter results into the electronic medical record (EMR)
SUMMARY
Performs routine clinical and administrative duties to support physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed clinical staff in delivering high-quality patient care. Responsible for vital signs, basic lab testing, injections, EMR documentation, and patient support throughout the clinical visit.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of a two-year associate degree from an accredited Medical Assistant program
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Preferred: Experience using Acumen and EPIC
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be proficient in obtaining vital signs, recording patient information accurately and keeping the nurse manager aware of any high-risk situations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and EMR systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills for patient and team interaction
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork
- Ability to demonstrate and uphold ENA’s core values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All essential functions listed below are expected to be performed on-site. ENA has determined that these duties cannot be effectively or securely executed in a remote environment without compromising patient care, data privacy, or operational standards.
- Administer subcutaneous, intermuscular, or intra-dermal injections under direct supervision of a physician as required by protocol and documented in the patient’s chart 25%
- Obtains vital signs, which includes blood pressure, temperature, and pulse (radial or apical) 25%
- Check HGB of patient via fingerstick after training and certification by qualified personnel. 25%
- Obtains patient weight and records the information in the chart via the EMR 25%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 10 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. The noise level is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. Work Schedule is Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with a one-hour lunch.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
See all 68+ OPT Certified Medical Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Certified Medical Assistant
Target multi-location healthcare employers
Large healthcare systems like Kaiser Permanente or HCA Healthcare have dedicated HR teams experienced with work authorization paperwork. They're far more likely to understand OPT than a solo physician's private practice with no prior international hires.
Lead with your CMA certification upfront
AAMA or NHA certification signals you've already cleared the credentialing hurdle employers care most about. Mentioning your CMA credential before your visa status reframes you as a qualified hire first, reducing hesitation around authorization logistics.
Clarify OPT authorization in your cover letter
Briefly explain that OPT grants 12 months of work authorization requiring no employer petition or USCIS filing. Many healthcare managers assume sponsorship is complicated. A single clear sentence removes that assumption before it becomes an objection.
Check whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Health sciences, clinical laboratory science, and related majors may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if listed on the STEM designated degree program list. This extends your authorized period to 36 months total, significantly improving your long-term hiring appeal.
Highlight clinical hours and patient volume experience
Employers hiring CMAs prioritize hands-on clinical exposure over academic credentials alone. Quantify your externship hours, the specialties you rotated through, and the patient volume you supported. Concrete numbers make your application stand out regardless of visa status.
Certified Medical Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Certified Medical Assistants legally?
Yes. OPT authorizes F-1 graduates to work in roles directly related to their field of study. Graduates of medical assisting, health sciences, or allied health programs qualify to work as Certified Medical Assistants during their OPT period. Your work must be in a role connected to your degree, which CMA positions clearly satisfy for most relevant programs.
Do employers need to file paperwork to hire me on OPT as a CMA?
No employer filing is required during your OPT period. Unlike H-1B sponsorship, OPT is pre-authorized through your DSO and USCIS before you start the job. Your employer just needs to verify your Employment Authorization Document. You do need to report your employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting work.
Does a medical assisting degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree and CIP code. Some health informatics, clinical laboratory science, and health sciences degrees are on the STEM designated degree program list, qualifying graduates for a 24-month extension beyond standard OPT. A general medical assisting certificate or associate degree often does not qualify. Check the official STEM list and confirm with your DSO early.
Where can I find Certified Medical Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-holding job seekers, so the employers listed there are already aware of work authorization requirements. Searching on Migrate Mate filters for roles where sponsorship or OPT acceptance is already part of the employer's hiring process, saving you from applying to positions that will screen you out immediately.
Can I work part-time as a CMA during the post-completion OPT period?
Yes, but with a restriction. Post-completion OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week to remain in valid status. Part-time CMA roles at 20 hours or more are permitted. Working fewer than 20 hours per week or being unemployed for more than 90 cumulative days during your OPT period puts your status at risk.