Clinical Laboratory Scientist Jobs for OPT Students
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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
El Camino Health is committed to hiring, retaining and growing the best and brightest professionals who will carry our mission and vision forward. We are proud of our reputation in the community: One built on compassion, innovation, collaboration and delivering high-quality care. Come join the team that makes this happen.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants MUST apply for position(s) by submitting a separate application for each individual job posting number they are interested in being considered for.
FTE
0
Scheduled Bi-Weekly Hours
0
Work Shift
All Shifts: 8 hours
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory testing that provides laboratory information to physicians and other healthcare professionals for the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist follows the Laboratory’s written policies and procedures in order to safely perform testing, ensure the quality of that testing. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist may also assist in the evaluation and selection of laboratory instrumentation, in process improvement projects, in maintaining laboratory accreditation, training CLS student interns and new CLS employees, and in providing expertise in other areas that are consistent with the CLS scope of practice.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent.
Previous CLS work experience preferred.
Must be available to work weekends on a rotational basis and holidays.
Available enterprise-wide and other shifts occasionally as needed for work assignments.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license
MT/MLS(ASCP) certification preferred
If required to drive to other sites; valid California Driver License and proof of automobile insurance
SALARY RANGE
$65.56 - $87.10 USD Hour
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions of this job are available. El Camino Health will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability if that will allow them to perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so creates an undue hardship for the hospital, or causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace which cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation.
Light Work - Walking or standing up to 49% of shift, duties require standard movement, may occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. - (Physical Requirements-United States of America)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
El Camino Health seeks and values a diverse workforce. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of qualifications and competencies. El Camino Health prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, ancestry, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, age, medical condition or any other status protected by law. In addition to state and federal law, El Camino Health also follows all applicable fair and equitable employment policies from the County of Santa Clara.
INTRODUCTION
El Camino Health is committed to hiring, retaining and growing the best and brightest professionals who will carry our mission and vision forward. We are proud of our reputation in the community: One built on compassion, innovation, collaboration and delivering high-quality care. Come join the team that makes this happen.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants MUST apply for position(s) by submitting a separate application for each individual job posting number they are interested in being considered for.
FTE
0
Scheduled Bi-Weekly Hours
0
Work Shift
All Shifts: 8 hours
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) performs accurate, reliable, and timely laboratory testing that provides laboratory information to physicians and other healthcare professionals for the diagnosis and treatment of their patients. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist follows the Laboratory’s written policies and procedures in order to safely perform testing, ensure the quality of that testing. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist may also assist in the evaluation and selection of laboratory instrumentation, in process improvement projects, in maintaining laboratory accreditation, training CLS student interns and new CLS employees, and in providing expertise in other areas that are consistent with the CLS scope of practice.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree in clinical laboratory science or equivalent.
Previous CLS work experience preferred.
Must be available to work weekends on a rotational basis and holidays.
Available enterprise-wide and other shifts occasionally as needed for work assignments.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Current California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license
MT/MLS(ASCP) certification preferred
If required to drive to other sites; valid California Driver License and proof of automobile insurance
SALARY RANGE
$65.56 - $87.10 USD Hour
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions of this job are available. El Camino Health will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability if that will allow them to perform the essential functions of a job unless doing so creates an undue hardship for the hospital, or causes a direct threat to these individuals or others in the workplace which cannot be eliminated by reasonable accommodation.
Light Work - Walking or standing up to 49% of shift, duties require standard movement, may occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. - (Physical Requirements-United States of America)
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
El Camino Health seeks and values a diverse workforce. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of qualifications and competencies. El Camino Health prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, ancestry, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, age, medical condition or any other status protected by law. In addition to state and federal law, El Camino Health also follows all applicable fair and equitable employment policies from the County of Santa Clara.
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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