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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UCI Health is one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health - Orange, UCI Health - Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties.
As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.
Position Summary:
Provides professional and technical skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and timely performance of clinical laboratory tests and reporting of results to responsible party. Performs other duties as requested. Reports to the Lab Manager and Director of Laboratory Services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate, timely testing of clinical specimens, preferably in multiple laboratory disciplines.
- Good clinical judgment and problem solving abilities.
- Possesses skills in leadership.
- Current California Laboratory Scientist or Specialty License. One-year internship in California approved program or equivalent.
- Hospital Mandatory Education Requirements: Orientation, Environment of Care, OSHA, Infection Control, Abuse/ Neglect, and Ethics, Tuberculosis Screening, Licensure renewal.
- Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
- Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer 2 years of previous clinical laboratory experience, preferably in a hospital setting.
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferred.
- Knowledge of University and Medical Center organizations, policies, procedures and forms.
TOTAL REWARDS
We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct*
- Legal Right to Work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Overview:
UCI Health is one of California's largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health - Orange, UCI Health - Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties.
As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.
Position Summary:
Provides professional and technical skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and timely performance of clinical laboratory tests and reporting of results to responsible party. Performs other duties as requested. Reports to the Lab Manager and Director of Laboratory Services.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to provide accurate, timely testing of clinical specimens, preferably in multiple laboratory disciplines.
- Good clinical judgment and problem solving abilities.
- Possesses skills in leadership.
- Current California Laboratory Scientist or Specialty License. One-year internship in California approved program or equivalent.
- Hospital Mandatory Education Requirements: Orientation, Environment of Care, OSHA, Infection Control, Abuse/ Neglect, and Ethics, Tuberculosis Screening, Licensure renewal.
- Must possess the skill, knowledge and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
- Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Ability to maintain a work pace appropriate to the workload.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prefer 2 years of previous clinical laboratory experience, preferably in a hospital setting.
- Bachelor's degree in biological sciences preferred.
- Knowledge of University and Medical Center organizations, policies, procedures and forms.
TOTAL REWARDS
We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct*
- Legal Right to Work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
See all 38+ OPT Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.