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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Central Nervous System Advanced Practice Provider
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Central Nervous System Advanced Practice Provider role supports the care of adult patients with central nervous system malignancies receiving radiation therapy. This Central Nervous System Advanced Practice Provider position is embedded within a specialized clinical team dedicated to delivering coordinated, patient-centered oncology care.
At UT MD Anderson, the Central Nervous System Advanced Practice Provider collaborates with physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary specialists to optimize outcomes for patients with brain and spine tumors. The department focuses on comprehensive care before, during, and after radiation therapy at the Texas Medical Center Main Campus.
The ideal candidate for this role is a compassionate, team-oriented clinician with education and licensure appropriate for advanced practice provider practice. Preferred experience includes at least one year as an inpatient advanced practice provider or two years in an outpatient clinical setting. Candidates should demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. Oncology experience is preferred but not required.
Minimum $56.49/hour - Midpoint $70.43/hour - Maximum $84.86/hour
The typical work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Work Location: Texas Medical Center (Main Campus)
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to directly impact the lives of patients with complex central nervous system cancers while contributing to a mission-driven organization focused on excellence in cancer care. Team members benefit from professional growth opportunities, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a work schedule that supports work-life balance.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Clinical Care
- Assess adult patients with brain and spine tumors before, during, and after radiation therapy.
- Diagnose and manage conditions associated with central nervous system malignancies.
- Evaluate and manage radiation therapy-related side effects.
- Participate in emergency patient care activities as needed.
- Deliver comprehensive, patient-centered clinical care across the treatment continuum.
Treatment Planning & Implementation
- Develop radiation treatment plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Monitor patient progress throughout treatment and follow-up care.
- Order diagnostic studies and clinical procedures as appropriate.
- Coordinate care across multiple specialties and clinical services.
- Adjust management plans based on patient response and clinical findings.
Procedural Support
- Participate in radiation treatment simulation activities.
- Assist with volume contouring processes.
- Support stereotactic body radiation therapy procedures.
- Participate in brachytherapy and other specialized radiation procedures.
- Collaborate with radiation oncology teams to ensure treatment accuracy and quality.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and timely medical records.
- Complete clinical documentation in accordance with institutional requirements.
- Manage prescriptions and medication-related documentation.
- Prepare and maintain radiation prescriptions.
- Adhere to institutional, regulatory, and state guidelines.
Education & Communication
- Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans and ongoing care needs.
- Serve as a clinical resource for patients and healthcare team members.
- Participate in professional development and continuing education activities.
- Precept and support newly hired advanced practice providers.
- Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate coordinated care.
Education
Required:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Master's Degree in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice. May be waived for applicants who obtained recognition as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse from the Texas State Board of Nursing prior to 1/1/2003. Graduate education and related Texas Board of Nursing authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population.
Physician Assistant
Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant (PA) program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), except for Physician Assistants who graduated from a PA program prior to 2013.
Experience
Preferred: One year of experience in Advanced Practice Provider role.
LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION
Required:
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
All of the following:
- Written authorization from the Texas Board of Nursing to function as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN or ACNP or ACNPC or ACAGNP or AGACNP or ACNPC-AG or AGACNP or AGNP or ACPNP or ANP or AGNP or AGPCNP or FNP or GNP or PNP or PMHNP or WHNP or APNP). Related authorization must be consistent with clinical practice area and patient population.
- Basic Life Support (BLS). Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) if working in the following departments: Pediatric - Patient Care (113100).
MAY BE REQUIRED: Authorization for limited prescriptive authority by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Physician Assistant
All of the following:
- PA certification by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants.
- Licensed by the Texas State Board of Physician Assistant Examiners.
MAY BE REQUIRED: Eligible to be granted limited prescriptive authority by the State of Texas.
Must meet the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) if working in one of following department: Pediatrics - Patient Care (113100).
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 182197
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 117,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 146,500
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 176,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
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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.