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 JobsEssential Functions
As a Medical Assistant working closely with physicians, you'll assess patient needs through history, observation, and analysis of diagnostic data. This includes performing direct patient care, preparing patients for examinations, and conducting specialized tests and procedures. Your role involves administering medications, providing patient education, scheduling appointments, and handling telephone consultations. Beyond nursing duties, you'll ensure clean and well-equipped examination rooms, manage medical supplies, and contribute to departmental QA projects. Your commitment to continuous learning and teamwork fosters a positive practice environment and supports multifaceted responsibilities.
Required Education/Experience
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Graduate from an accredited CMA program.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Must be Registered or State Certified as a Medical Assistant with accrediting board.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 6 months of hire.
If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not for profit organization supported by the strength of more than 900 members on its medical staff and more than 2,900 licensed nurses. McLeod Health is also composed of approximately 15,000 team members and more than 90 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. With seven hospitals, McLeod Health operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services. The system currently has 988 licensed beds, including Hospice and Behavioral Health. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon and McLeod Behavioral Health.
Essential Functions
As a Medical Assistant working closely with physicians, you'll assess patient needs through history, observation, and analysis of diagnostic data. This includes performing direct patient care, preparing patients for examinations, and conducting specialized tests and procedures. Your role involves administering medications, providing patient education, scheduling appointments, and handling telephone consultations. Beyond nursing duties, you'll ensure clean and well-equipped examination rooms, manage medical supplies, and contribute to departmental QA projects. Your commitment to continuous learning and teamwork fosters a positive practice environment and supports multifaceted responsibilities.
Required Education/Experience
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Graduate from an accredited CMA program.
Licenses & Certifications:
- Must be Registered or State Certified as a Medical Assistant with accrediting board.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 6 months of hire.
If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Founded in 1906, McLeod Health is a locally owned and managed, not for profit organization supported by the strength of more than 900 members on its medical staff and more than 2,900 licensed nurses. McLeod Health is also composed of approximately 15,000 team members and more than 90 physician practices throughout its 18-county service area. With seven hospitals, McLeod Health operates three Health and Fitness Centers, a Sports Medicine and Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, Hospice and Home Health Services. The system currently has 988 licensed beds, including Hospice and Behavioral Health. The hospitals within McLeod Health include: McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon, McLeod Health Loris, McLeod Health Seacoast, McLeod Health Cheraw, McLeod Health Clarendon and McLeod Behavioral Health.
See all 62+ 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.