OPT Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs

Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related field. Most roles qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Hospitals, reference labs, and public health agencies regularly hire OPT candidates.

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Overview

Open Jobs862+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type97% On-site
Median Salary$56K
Top LocationBoston, MA
Most JobsQuest Diagnostics

Showing 5 of 862+ Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs

Revvity
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
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Revvity
New 22h ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Revvity
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Allied Health
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$25/hr - $29/hr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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CHRISTUS Health
Clinical Laboratory Scientist II
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CHRISTUS Health
Added 1d ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist II
CHRISTUS Health
Beaumont, Texas
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Laboratory Science
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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City of Hope
Clinical Laboratory Scientist I
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City of Hope
Added 3d ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist I
City of Hope
Corona, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$44/hr - $69/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Altasciences Preclinical Scranton, Inc.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
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Altasciences Preclinical Scranton, Inc.
Added 1w ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Altasciences Preclinical Scranton, Inc.
Cypress, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Laboratory Science
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Prime Healthcare Services
Clinical Laboratory Scientist I
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Prime Healthcare Services
Added 1w ago
Clinical Laboratory Scientist I
Prime Healthcare Services
Mesquite, Texas
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Laboratory Science
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 862+ Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs

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See all 862+ OPT Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT

Clinical laboratory science and medical technology degrees are on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can accurately represent your full three years of work authorization to employers.

Lead with your ASCP or AMT certification

Board certification from ASCP or AMT removes the biggest hiring hesitation employers have with OPT candidates. It signals you meet the same competency standard as any domestic applicant, which shifts the conversation away from your visa status.

Target hospital systems with established OPT hiring

Large hospital networks and national reference laboratories like Quest and LabCorp have HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork. Smaller independent labs may not. Prioritizing larger employers significantly improves your chances of a smooth sponsorship process.

Address your authorization timeline upfront

OPT students often lose interviews because employers discover timeline constraints late. State your STEM OPT eligibility and authorization end date clearly in your cover letter so employers can assess fit before investing time in multiple interview rounds.

Highlight state licensure status in every application

Many states require CLS licensure before you can work. If you already hold a state license or have applied, make that visible in your resume header. Employers worry about licensure delays more than OPT paperwork in regulated lab roles.

Use your clinical rotations as professional references

Clinical rotation supervisors carry significant weight as references because they have direct, hands-on evidence of your technical skills. Secure letters of recommendation from rotation sites before your OPT period starts and use them in applications proactively.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist on OPT?

Yes, provided your degree is directly related to clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a closely related field. Your OPT employment must be in a role consistent with your degree program. Most CLS positions qualify cleanly, but your DSO should confirm the connection between your specific degree and the job description before you accept an offer.

Do Clinical Laboratory Scientist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Most do. Clinical laboratory science and medical technology programs are generally classified under STEM-eligible CIP codes, which makes you eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor the extension, so confirm that before signing an offer. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to be certain.

How do I find Clinical Laboratory Scientist employers who are open to OPT candidates?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship status, so you can browse Clinical Laboratory Scientist openings from employers already familiar with OPT work authorization. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering mid-process that an employer won't proceed with OPT candidates.

Do I need ASCP certification to work as a CLS on OPT?

Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Many hospital laboratories require or strongly prefer ASCP Board of Certification credentials. If you completed a NAACLS-accredited program, you're eligible to sit for the exam. Holding certification before your OPT begins makes you more competitive and removes a common reason employers decline OPT candidates in clinical lab roles.

What happens to my CLS job if my OPT expires before I secure H-1B sponsorship?

If your OPT expires without an approved visa extension, you must stop working immediately. CLS roles can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as specialty occupations, but the annual lottery creates timing risk. STEM OPT students have more runway, with up to 36 months total. Discuss H-1B sponsorship timelines explicitly with your employer well before your STEM OPT end date.