Clinical Data Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Clinical Data Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in clinical research, biostatistics, or health informatics. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, CROs, and academic medical centers actively hire OPT candidates for data entry, validation, and EDC management work.
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If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One! We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South. The Clinical Data Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting clinical data within a specific clinical area. Ensures abstracted data is organized, aggregated, and reported to end users and/or third party registries as required. Manages and maintains the clinical benchmarking database used to capture and submit data. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values. Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief Overview
The Clinical Data Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting clinical data within a specific clinical area. Ensures abstracted data is organized, aggregated, and reported to end users and/or third party registries as required. Manages and maintains the clinical benchmarking database used to capture and submit data. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What You Will Do
- Collects clinical data for inclusion within a specific clinical database in support of organizational quality and safety initiatives.
- Applies database program criteria and protocols in the selection of encounters and data to be reported.
- Reviews and interprets medical record documentation to determine appropriate clinical information for accurate data collection.
- Collects follow-up data from other related sources when appropriate to ensure valid, reliable and complete data capture (i.e. physician, patients, post discharge outcomes, etc).
- Responsible for adherence to data quality standards set forth related to the assigned database.
- Analyzes, aggregates, and reports clinical data for communicating clinical performance metrics. Analyzes data for the quantitative evidence in support of organizational clinical metrics. Generates, publishes, and distributes quality and utilization reports from assigned database to portray meaningful trends and in support of quality and operational initiatives.
- Evaluates metrics related to quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness; works with the medical staff to evaluate data within assigned database, determine conclusions, make recommendations, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
- Manages and maintains assigned clinical database. Serves as primary liaison with third-party vendors, database end users, and clinical decision support department.
- Reviews, tests, and audits data submissions (when applicable) for errors or file integrity problems. Corrects errors and makes appropriate modifications; submits data according to published deadlines.
- Educates, trains, and supports front and back end users of the benchmarking database.
- Advises on performance metric reporting and clinical benchmarking related to quality and medical staff initiatives.
- Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.
Education/Formal Training Requirements
- Required - Bachelor's Degree Healthcare Administration
- Preferred - Associates Degree
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Health Information Management
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Nursing
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Respiratory Therapy
- Preferred - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Work Experience Requirements
- Required - Clinical healthcare with proven application of database knowledge 1-3 years
- Preferred - Substitutions Allowed: In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent with six (6) years of clinical healthcare experience with proven application of database knowledge. 5-7 years
- Preferred - Substitutions Allowed: In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have an Associate’s degree with four (4) years of clinical healthcare experience with proven application of database knowledge. 3-5 years
Licenses And Certifications Requirements
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Health Information Administrator - American Health Information Management Association
- Preferred - Registered Health Information Technician - American Health Information Management Association
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Basic knowledge and understanding of principles of quality improvement, patient safety, database data entry or management, and statistical principles.
- Applied knowledge and experience using tools/methods to perform clinical data abstraction, quality improvement, clinical outcomes research and analysis.
- Ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple tasks, organize tasks, and maintain control of workflow.
- Ability to work effectively and productively without close supervision and to exercise independent judgment in decision making.
- Excellent communication skills, written and oral, to all levels within the organization.
- Ability to comprehend moderately complex written materials (i.e. technical manuals, medicolegal documents, etc.).
- Must be proficient in the use of electronic medical records, clinical software applications, and Microsoft Office program or programs (Word, Excel, etc) as required for the specific function.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data to assist in decision-making.
Supervision Provided by this Position
There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job.
Physical Demands
- The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
- Must have good balance and coordination.
- The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
- The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
- The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.
Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity. Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

If you are looking to make an impact on a meaningful scale, come join us as we embrace the Power of One! We strive to be an employer of choice and establish a reputation for being a talent rich organization where Associates can grow their career caring for others. For over a century, we’ve served the health care needs of the people of Memphis and the Mid-South. The Clinical Data Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting clinical data within a specific clinical area. Ensures abstracted data is organized, aggregated, and reported to end users and/or third party registries as required. Manages and maintains the clinical benchmarking database used to capture and submit data. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values. Working at MLH means carrying the mission forward of caring for our community and impacting the lives of patients in every way through compassion, a deliberate focus on service expectations and a consistent thriving for excellence.
A Brief Overview
The Clinical Data Specialist is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting clinical data within a specific clinical area. Ensures abstracted data is organized, aggregated, and reported to end users and/or third party registries as required. Manages and maintains the clinical benchmarking database used to capture and submit data. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.
What You Will Do
- Collects clinical data for inclusion within a specific clinical database in support of organizational quality and safety initiatives.
- Applies database program criteria and protocols in the selection of encounters and data to be reported.
- Reviews and interprets medical record documentation to determine appropriate clinical information for accurate data collection.
- Collects follow-up data from other related sources when appropriate to ensure valid, reliable and complete data capture (i.e. physician, patients, post discharge outcomes, etc).
- Responsible for adherence to data quality standards set forth related to the assigned database.
- Analyzes, aggregates, and reports clinical data for communicating clinical performance metrics. Analyzes data for the quantitative evidence in support of organizational clinical metrics. Generates, publishes, and distributes quality and utilization reports from assigned database to portray meaningful trends and in support of quality and operational initiatives.
- Evaluates metrics related to quality, safety, and clinical effectiveness; works with the medical staff to evaluate data within assigned database, determine conclusions, make recommendations, and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
- Manages and maintains assigned clinical database. Serves as primary liaison with third-party vendors, database end users, and clinical decision support department.
- Reviews, tests, and audits data submissions (when applicable) for errors or file integrity problems. Corrects errors and makes appropriate modifications; submits data according to published deadlines.
- Educates, trains, and supports front and back end users of the benchmarking database.
- Advises on performance metric reporting and clinical benchmarking related to quality and medical staff initiatives.
- Performs other job functions as assigned or requested.
Education/Formal Training Requirements
- Required - Bachelor's Degree Healthcare Administration
- Preferred - Associates Degree
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Health Information Management
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Nursing
- Preferred - Bachelor's Degree Respiratory Therapy
- Preferred - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Work Experience Requirements
- Required - Clinical healthcare with proven application of database knowledge 1-3 years
- Preferred - Substitutions Allowed: In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent with six (6) years of clinical healthcare experience with proven application of database knowledge. 5-7 years
- Preferred - Substitutions Allowed: In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, the candidate must have an Associate’s degree with four (4) years of clinical healthcare experience with proven application of database knowledge. 3-5 years
Licenses And Certifications Requirements
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Tennessee - Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Registered Health Information Administrator - American Health Information Management Association
- Preferred - Registered Health Information Technician - American Health Information Management Association
- Preferred - Registered Nurse Arkansas - Arkansas State Board of Nursing
- Preferred - Licensed Practical Nurse - Mississippi - Mississippi Board of Nursing
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Basic knowledge and understanding of principles of quality improvement, patient safety, database data entry or management, and statistical principles.
- Applied knowledge and experience using tools/methods to perform clinical data abstraction, quality improvement, clinical outcomes research and analysis.
- Ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple tasks, organize tasks, and maintain control of workflow.
- Ability to work effectively and productively without close supervision and to exercise independent judgment in decision making.
- Excellent communication skills, written and oral, to all levels within the organization.
- Ability to comprehend moderately complex written materials (i.e. technical manuals, medicolegal documents, etc.).
- Must be proficient in the use of electronic medical records, clinical software applications, and Microsoft Office program or programs (Word, Excel, etc) as required for the specific function.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data to assist in decision-making.
Supervision Provided by this Position
There are no supervisory or lead responsibilities assigned to this job.
Physical Demands
- The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
- Must have good balance and coordination.
- The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
- The Associate is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
- The Associate is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.
Our Associates are passionate about what they do, the service they provide and the patients they serve. We value family, team and a Power of One culture that requires commitment to the highest standards of care and unity. Boasting one of the South's largest medical centers, Memphis blends a friendly community, a thriving and growing downtown, and a low cost of living. We see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people in our community.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Data Specialist
Target CROs and pharma companies first
Contract research organizations like large pharma and biotech firms hire Clinical Data Specialists at scale and have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship pipelines. These employers process visa sponsorship routinely and are far less likely to reject your application over work authorization concerns.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Clinical Data Specialist roles typically fall under STEM OPT if your degree is in biostatistics, health informatics, computer science, or a life science. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since your 24-month STEM extension eligibility depends entirely on this classification.
Lead with your EDC and clinical systems experience
Proficiency in Medidata Rave, Oracle Clinical, or Veeva Vault is a concrete differentiator that reduces employer hesitation around sponsorship. Specialized technical skills make the hiring decision about your qualifications, not your visa status, which shifts the conversation in your favor.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Hiring managers need lead time to clear legal and HR approval for OPT candidates. Starting your search at least three to four months before your authorization begins gives employers enough runway to process your paperwork without feeling rushed into a decision about sponsorship.
Address OPT directly and briefly in your cover letter
State your OPT authorization period and STEM extension eligibility in one sentence rather than avoiding the topic. Employers who see a clear 36-month window understand the timeline upfront and are more likely to proceed than those who discover work authorization details late in the process.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Searching broadly wastes time on employers who never sponsor. Migrate Mate surfaces Clinical Data Specialist roles from companies with a verified history of OPT and visa sponsorship, so your applications go to employers already open to hiring international candidates in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Data Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in biostatistics, health informatics, bioinformatics, computer science, or a qualifying life science with a STEM-designated CIP code, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension on top of your 12-month standard OPT. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles, since this determines your total authorized work period.
Which types of employers are most likely to hire Clinical Data Specialists on OPT?
Contract research organizations, large pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and academic medical centers with clinical trial units are the most consistent OPT hirers in this field. These employers run ongoing clinical data operations that require specialized skills, and many have existing immigration counsel and HR processes for handling OPT work authorization. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers with a sponsorship track record in clinical and life science roles.
Can I work as a Clinical Data Specialist as an independent contractor on OPT?
No. OPT requires a formal employer-employee relationship. You must be hired as a W-2 employee, not as a 1099 independent contractor. USCIS requires that your employer have the right to supervise and control your work. Contract or freelance arrangements do not satisfy this requirement and could jeopardize your OPT status and any future STEM extension eligibility.
What happens to my OPT status if my clinical research contract ends between projects?
Standard OPT allows a cumulative 90 days of unemployment across the full 12-month period. If you receive a STEM OPT extension, you get an additional 60 days, for a total of 150 days across the combined period. Gaps between clinical contracts count against this limit, so tracking your unemployment days carefully is important. Securing your next role before a contract ends is strongly advisable to protect your status.
Do I need to report a new Clinical Data Specialist job to my DSO while on OPT?
Yes. Any change in employer, position, or work location must be reported to your DSO within 10 days, and your DSO updates your record in SEVIS accordingly. For STEM OPT specifically, you must also submit a formal training plan with each new employer. Skipping these reporting steps is one of the most common compliance mistakes OPT students make and can affect your immigration record.
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