OPT Clinical Medical Assistant Jobs
Clinical Medical Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in health sciences, medical assisting, or allied health. Most roles qualify under STEM-adjacent healthcare fields, giving you up to 12 months of OPT work authorization, with potential STEM OPT extension if your program is STEM-designated.
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Title: Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)
Reports to: Clinical Services Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Personnel Supervised: None
Position Summary:
The Clinical Medical Assistant is responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care in the clinic under the direction and supervision of the Nurse Manager. The CMA is expected to work well with every member of the clinical team in order to ensure optimal outcomes for patients’ health. This position requires strong teamwork and communication skills.
MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduate of a Medical Assistant Program from an accredited school
Certification: Clinical Medical Assistants must be Certified or Registered through one of the below accrediting bodies and must maintain current certification throughout employment:
+ American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - CMA
+ American Medical Technologists (AMT) - RMA
+ American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) – CMAC
+ National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) – NCMA
+ National Healthcareer Association (NHA) - CCMA
BLS Certification
Phlebotomy skills
Experience preferred
Computer literacy
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS include, but are not limited to, the following:
Be familiar with CFHC’s program philosophies, goals and objectives. Be cognizant of and comply with all CFHC’s policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of safety regulations and appropriate safety measures, OSHA / CLIA / COLA standards, etc.
Be competent in performing the duties of a medical assistant.
Understand the requirements of CFHC’s Exposure Control Plan. Personally, utilize universal precautions when practicing in a clinical setting.
Assist with Quality Control logs and documentation.
Perform “in-house” testing expediently, including EKGs. Date stamp and direct all lab results to Nursing staff for Provider review in a timely manner. Maintain back-up copies of all lab results.
Label all collected specimens and complete lab requisitions appropriately. Make necessary notation on encounter tickets for completed lab work.
Review all lab results for inconsistencies/errors, or problems. Follow-up with reference laboratory on any apparently erroneous lab results, requesting re-evaluation as necessary.
Participate in staff outreach and off-site health care programs as requested by the CCO or CEO. Represent CFHC in the community.
Report as needed to CMO any pertinent information or situations that impact on patient care or CFHC liability.
Attend and participate in mandatory CFHC meetings (Center Specific meetings, Corporate meetings, and other meetings as designated by the CMO or CEO).
Demonstrate ability to work cooperatively with other members of the clinical team. Be supportive of coworkers.
Always maintain a neat and professional appearance.
Carry out any other activities deemed appropriate by the CMO or CEO.
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health measures.
Knowledge of medical recording and reporting techniques (SOAP).
Knowledge of assisting with diagnostic and treatment procedures (example, colposcopy, LEEP, ultrasound, toenail removals).
Knowledge of patient teaching and education (example, self-breast examination, prenatal instruction, self-blood pressure taking, nutrition instruction, infant care instruction, diabetes self-care instruction).
Knowledge of patient examination procedure.
Knowledge of general patient care and treatment procedures, equipment, rules, regulations, and ethics.
Knowledge of making observations of general physical condition and needs of patients and when to confer with the physician about the emotional or physical condition of a patient.
Knowledge of the principles of aseptic and sterile techniques and infection control techniques.
Knowledge of the techniques of administration of common medications, including immunizations, inoculations, and allergy injections using sterile technique, and knowledge of the side effects of these medications.
Ability to function with a high degree of independence and collaboration with other health care providers.
Commitment to service, quality, and departmental core values.
Screen patients according to CFHC’s protocols (example, obtaining height, weight, vital signs, vision/hearing testing) and perform any other procedures directed by the supervising Clinician, Clinical Administrator, or Nurse Manager.
Accurately obtain patient’s medical history.
Perform accurate charting in patient’s medical record in accordance with CFHC’s policies and procedures.
Perform phlebotomy/finger stick as permitted by training.
Perform waived lab analysis and phlebotomy (example, urinalysis, pregnancy test, Hemocue).
Administer injections according to position requirements (example, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intradermal injections).
Prepare and administer medications as directed by provider.
Perform procedures, as ordered (example, EKGs, nebulizer treatments, ear lavage).
Counsel patients per treatment plan (example, diet, exercise, medication).
Understand all emergency protocols and respond accordingly.
Maintain exam rooms and work areas (example, keeping rooms well-stocked, orderly and clean, to include disinfecting exam tables between patients as per infection control policy).
Maintain strict infection control (example, sterilizing instruments, performing procedures, needle disposal).
Accurately make/cancel/reschedule appointments in the computer appointment system. Follow-up on appointment to determine patient compliance and contact patients to reschedule (no-show policy).
Understand and assist in the referral process of patients to outside services or providers, follow-up on patient referrals.
Complete all duties, responsibilities, and competencies in a manner that is appropriate to the age groups to whom care/services are being provided.
The job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by supervisor.
This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract or employment.
BENEFITS:
Competitive Salary
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness:
- PSLF – 10-year commitment, 120 loan payments and at the end of the commitment, the remaining loan is forgiven
Excellent medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy benefits
Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employer Paid Life Insurance equivalent to 1x your annual salary
Voluntary Short-Term Disability, additional Life and Dependent Life Insurance are available
Malpractice Insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO) – 4.4 weeks per year pro-rated
Holidays (9.5 paid holidays per year)
Paid Birthday Holiday
CME Reimbursement
401k Retirement Plan after 60 days of service (w/matching contributions)
* Staff productivity is recognized and rewarded
Physical Requirements:
Requires 80% or more time spent standing/walking.
Independently mobile.
Ability to lift weight equivalents that would be required with occasionally assisting and positioning patients, repositioning equipment, and lifting supplies.
Ability to adapt and function in varying environments of workload, patient acuity, worksites, and work shifts.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Clinical Medical Assistant
Verify your program's OPT eligibility before applying
Clinical Medical Assistant roles typically require a degree in medical assisting, health sciences, or a related field. Confirm your DSO has authorized OPT for your specific program before submitting applications to avoid complications with employers.
Clarify your authorization type upfront with employers
Many healthcare employers are unfamiliar with OPT. Come prepared to explain that OPT is USCIS-issued work authorization, requires no employer sponsorship for the initial period, and that you have a valid EAD card to prove it.
Target health systems and hospital networks over solo practices
Large hospital systems and multi-location health networks have HR teams experienced with international employees. They are more likely to understand OPT authorization and have processes in place for onboarding students on work authorization.
Start your job search at least 90 days before OPT begins
Clinical hiring in healthcare can move slowly due to background checks and credentialing requirements. Beginning your search early gives you enough runway to clear these steps before your OPT start date on your EAD.
Highlight any clinical certifications alongside your OPT status
Certifications like CMA or CCMA from AAMA or NHA strengthen your application and signal readiness to employers. Pair this with a clear, one-line explanation of OPT in your cover letter to reduce hesitation from hiring managers.
Track your OPT days carefully if you work part-time
OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week to maintain valid status. If you take a part-time clinical role, confirm it meets this threshold with your DSO, as falling below it can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Clinical Medical Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Clinical Medical Assistant on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in medical assisting, health sciences, or a closely related field, Clinical Medical Assistant roles qualify for OPT. The work must be directly related to your area of study. Your DSO will confirm this connection when authorizing OPT, so check with them before applying if you're unsure whether your degree aligns with this role.
Do Clinical Medical Assistant employers need to sponsor my OPT?
No. During your initial OPT period, employers do not file any petition or pay any fees. Your EAD card is your work authorization, and you present it during the I-9 process like any other employment document. Some employers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship, so be ready to clarify that no employer action is required to hire you.
Where can I find Clinical Medical Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students seeking U.S. jobs. You can browse Clinical Medical Assistant listings from employers who are already open to candidates on OPT work authorization, which removes the uncertainty of explaining your visa status to employers who have never hired international students before.
Does a Clinical Medical Assistant role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code, not the job title itself. If your medical assisting or health informatics program carries a STEM-designated CIP code, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm the CIP code with your DSO and verify the role still relates to your degree before applying for the extension.
What happens to my OPT if I leave a Clinical Medical Assistant job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period. If you leave a job or are let go, that clock starts running. For Clinical Medical Assistant roles specifically, finding a new position quickly matters because healthcare hiring involves credentialing and background checks that take time. Report any job changes to your DSO within 10 days to keep your SEVIS record current.