OPT CNS Jobs
CNS roles in clinical research, healthcare IT, and network infrastructure regularly appear on OPT job boards, and many employers are experienced with F-1 work authorization. Most CNS positions qualify as specialty occupations, making them strong candidates for H-1B visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Nationally certified Advanced Practice Provider who provides primary and/or specialty care in a variety of healthcare settings. Functions in collaboration with the health care team in accordance with certification and licensure. Practice emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Responsible for dissemination of knowledge through instructing, leading and developing educational programs.
Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital is seeking qualified APRN, PA or CNS for the General Surgery department. The Provider will help manage the pre-operative, including history and physicals. In addition, managing patients on the floor post-operatively by writing progress notations, removing drains, and attending to any wound or healing issues. Provider will also have opportunities to first or second assist in the operating room.
SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday, rotating weekends/holidays
4 10-hr shifts, shifts will vary between hours of 6:30am and 4:30pm.
No call requirements
Responsibilities:
- Conducts thorough medical histories, performs complete physical examinations (where indicated), initiates appropriate lab, radiology tests or other special tests required for evaluation of illness, and scrutinizes lab data to establish a record of the patient's current health status and to develop a working diagnosis and treatment plan. Works in collaboration with the health care team.
- Performs and interprets common laboratory, radiologic, cardiographic and other routine diagnostic procedures used to identify pathophysiologic processes as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
- Performs routine and specialized procedures as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
- May prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by license through applicable state board and Cleveland Clinic policies.
- Educates patients and answers questions regarding their disease, treatments, related drug and treatment side effects and hazards.
- Participates in medical team rounds; collaborates with nursing, medical and other healthcare team members regularly to ensure quality patient care.
- Refers patients to specialists as appropriate for consultation or for specialized health resources and treatment.
- Ensures continuity of care by serving as a liaison between patient and other members of the multi-disciplinary care team or with other specialty areas as necessary.
- Participates in quality monitoring thru the review of records and treatment plans for patient outcomes on a periodic basis to assure quality care.
- Facilitates appropriate length of stay, discharge planning and compliance with regulatory standards for inpatient management.
- Supports professional development of the health care team.
- Promotes translation of evidence-based practices, guidelines, and research.
- May conduct research studies. May assists in data collection and analysis.
- May serve as clinical preceptor for students. May onboard new caregivers.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education:
APRN
- Effective 05/01/2014: MSN required upon hire or within 3 years of hire for external hires and internal hires moving from a non-APRN licensed role to an APRN licensed role.
- Graduate of an accredited APRN program.
- If in neonatal care service area Master’s Degree is required upon hire.
PA
- Graduate of an A.R.C. approved Physician Assistant Program.
- Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and/or higher degree obtained from a program recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
CERTIFICATIONS:
NP
- Currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in applicable state(s).
- Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
- National certification as a Nurse Practitioner by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
PA
- Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
- If a candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
- Must have a Physician Supervision Agreement and signed addendum to Physician Supervision Agreement.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
CNS
- Currently licensed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in applicable state(s).
- Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
- National certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
LANGUAGES:
Oral and written communication in English
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
- If candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
COMPLEXITY OF WORK:
- Excellent analytical and decision-making skills are required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrated competency and the ability to perform advanced assessment and diagnosis.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize the electronic medical record.
- Demonstrates a high standard of moral and ethical behavior.
- Demonstrates compassion and professionalism and a commitment to excellent patient care.
- Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work independently.
- Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Related clinical experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Typical physical demands include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
- Manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform physical examinations.
- Requires corrected vision and hearing to a normal range.
- Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- May require exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
PAY RANGE
Minimum Annual Salary: $101,900.00
Maximum Annual Salary: $173,220.00
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. Actual compensation may be higher or lower than the standard range, depending on factors such as job responsibilities, relevant experience, skills, scheduling requirements, education, and area of licensure. Please note, the displayed pay range does not include additional pay practices or the value of Cleveland Clinic's comprehensive benefits package (including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings contributions, and more). The listed range is based on a full-time (1.0 FTE) with the exception of PRN positions, which have an hourly rate based on the position type.
INTRODUCTION
Nationally certified Advanced Practice Provider who provides primary and/or specialty care in a variety of healthcare settings. Functions in collaboration with the health care team in accordance with certification and licensure. Practice emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Responsible for dissemination of knowledge through instructing, leading and developing educational programs.
Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital is seeking qualified APRN, PA or CNS for the General Surgery department. The Provider will help manage the pre-operative, including history and physicals. In addition, managing patients on the floor post-operatively by writing progress notations, removing drains, and attending to any wound or healing issues. Provider will also have opportunities to first or second assist in the operating room.
SCHEDULE:
Monday-Friday, rotating weekends/holidays
4 10-hr shifts, shifts will vary between hours of 6:30am and 4:30pm.
No call requirements
Responsibilities:
- Conducts thorough medical histories, performs complete physical examinations (where indicated), initiates appropriate lab, radiology tests or other special tests required for evaluation of illness, and scrutinizes lab data to establish a record of the patient's current health status and to develop a working diagnosis and treatment plan. Works in collaboration with the health care team.
- Performs and interprets common laboratory, radiologic, cardiographic and other routine diagnostic procedures used to identify pathophysiologic processes as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
- Performs routine and specialized procedures as credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
- May prescribe and monitor medications as allowed by license through applicable state board and Cleveland Clinic policies.
- Educates patients and answers questions regarding their disease, treatments, related drug and treatment side effects and hazards.
- Participates in medical team rounds; collaborates with nursing, medical and other healthcare team members regularly to ensure quality patient care.
- Refers patients to specialists as appropriate for consultation or for specialized health resources and treatment.
- Ensures continuity of care by serving as a liaison between patient and other members of the multi-disciplinary care team or with other specialty areas as necessary.
- Participates in quality monitoring thru the review of records and treatment plans for patient outcomes on a periodic basis to assure quality care.
- Facilitates appropriate length of stay, discharge planning and compliance with regulatory standards for inpatient management.
- Supports professional development of the health care team.
- Promotes translation of evidence-based practices, guidelines, and research.
- May conduct research studies. May assists in data collection and analysis.
- May serve as clinical preceptor for students. May onboard new caregivers.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education:
APRN
- Effective 05/01/2014: MSN required upon hire or within 3 years of hire for external hires and internal hires moving from a non-APRN licensed role to an APRN licensed role.
- Graduate of an accredited APRN program.
- If in neonatal care service area Master’s Degree is required upon hire.
PA
- Graduate of an A.R.C. approved Physician Assistant Program.
- Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and/or higher degree obtained from a program recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
CERTIFICATIONS:
NP
- Currently licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in applicable state(s).
- Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
- National certification as a Nurse Practitioner by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
PA
- Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
- If a candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
- Must have a Physician Supervision Agreement and signed addendum to Physician Supervision Agreement.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
CNS
- Currently licensed as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in applicable state(s).
- Must be licensed as an RN in applicable state(s).
- National certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist by nationally accredited organization recognized by state Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) may be required based upon work setting.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
LANGUAGES:
Oral and written communication in English
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Certification as a Physician Assistant through the NCCPA or successor organization recognized by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- License to practice and prescribe issued by their practicing states Licensing Board.
- Current DEA License or DEA designee as required by NCQA.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association (AHA); or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) through the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); or Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) American Heart Association may be required based upon work setting.
- If candidate has held a license to prescribe within another jurisdiction and needs to obtain a master's degree in order to apply for prescribing privileges the candidate will be subject for review for eligibility for hiring within our system.
- Must have arrangements with at least one physician in accordance with requirements set forth by the State Board of Nursing in applicable states.
- Must be credentialed and privileged by the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Body of the applicable hospitals.
COMPLEXITY OF WORK:
- Excellent analytical and decision-making skills are required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrated competency and the ability to perform advanced assessment and diagnosis.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize the electronic medical record.
- Demonstrates a high standard of moral and ethical behavior.
- Demonstrates compassion and professionalism and a commitment to excellent patient care.
- Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, and the ability to work independently.
- Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Related clinical experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Typical physical demands include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
- Manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination to perform physical examinations.
- Requires corrected vision and hearing to a normal range.
- Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- May require exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
PAY RANGE
Minimum Annual Salary: $101,900.00
Maximum Annual Salary: $173,220.00
The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. Actual compensation may be higher or lower than the standard range, depending on factors such as job responsibilities, relevant experience, skills, scheduling requirements, education, and area of licensure. Please note, the displayed pay range does not include additional pay practices or the value of Cleveland Clinic's comprehensive benefits package (including healthcare, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings contributions, and more). The listed range is based on a full-time (1.0 FTE) with the exception of PRN positions, which have an hourly rate based on the position type.
See all OPT CNS Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT CNS Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in CNS
Verify your role qualifies as a specialty occupation
CNS positions typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science, nursing, or a related field. Confirm the job posting specifies a degree requirement, not just a preference. A preferred-only requirement can complicate your H-1B visa petition down the road.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many CNS employers begin the hiring process two to three months before a target start date. Applying early gives you time to negotiate sponsorship terms and allows your employer to file an LCA before your authorization begins.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer, as that is a hard requirement.
Target employers with a history of sponsoring F-1 workers
Healthcare systems, managed IT services firms, and federal contractors frequently hire CNS candidates on OPT. Employers already familiar with the process move faster and make fewer documentation mistakes during your authorization period.
Keep your employment authorization documents current
Your employer's HR team will need your EAD card, I-20 with OPT endorsement, and I-94 record before your start date. Organize these in advance so onboarding delays do not create gaps in your authorized employment period.
Clarify H-1B sponsorship intent before signing an offer
Ask directly whether the employer sponsors H-1B petitions for CNS roles. If they do, request written confirmation in your offer letter. Verbal assurances from a hiring manager carry no weight if HR policy later changes.
CNS OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a CNS on OPT without additional authorization?
Yes. If you have an approved EAD and your CNS role is directly related to your field of study, you can work without any additional authorization during your OPT period. Roles in clinical informatics, network systems, or healthcare IT typically satisfy the practical training requirement, but your job duties should align clearly with your degree program.
Do CNS jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information technology, or biomedical engineering, your CNS role may qualify for the extension. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file Form I-765 with USCIS before your initial OPT expires.
Where can I find CNS jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you can browse CNS roles from employers already familiar with work authorization requirements. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through general job boards where OPT eligibility is rarely stated upfront.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change CNS employers?
Your EAD remains valid, but you must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days and update your record in the SEVP Portal. If you are on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and you will need a new Form I-983 training plan submitted before you begin work.
How soon should I discuss H-1B sponsorship with a CNS employer?
Raise it before you accept an offer. The H-1B cap lottery opens in March for an October 1 start date, so if your OPT expires mid-year, timing matters significantly. Employers who have sponsored before will understand the urgency. If your role qualifies as cap-exempt through a nonprofit or university-affiliated system, the timeline is more flexible.