OPT Coding Specialist Jobs
Coding Specialist roles on OPT typically fall under computer science or health information management degree requirements, making them a strong fit for F-1 students in those fields. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension) gives employers a clear timeline to evaluate you for H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsBuilding Location:
Essentia Health Distribution Center
Department:
1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS
Job Description:
Will conduct documentation and coding reviews to ensure compliance with published coding standards, federal and state regulations and Essentia’s Coding Quality Review policy. This includes but is not limited to record reviews for APC, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes to determine overall coding/charge capture accuracy and identify documentation and educational gaps. This position is also responsible for mentoring, training and providing ongoing feedback and education to hospital outpatient coding staff. This position will work closely with the Coding Manager and Outpatient Coding Supervisor to help support the outpatient coders.
Education Qualifications:
Associates degree in healthcare or business related field and 3 years of coding experience
OR
Bachelors degree in healthcare or business related field and 2 years coding experience
Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
Certification/Licensure Requirements:
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information technician)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
FTE:
1
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Remote
Shift Rotation:
Day Rotation (United States of America)
Compensation Range:
$25.22 - $37.83
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.
Building Location:
Essentia Health Distribution Center
Department:
1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS
Job Description:
Will conduct documentation and coding reviews to ensure compliance with published coding standards, federal and state regulations and Essentia’s Coding Quality Review policy. This includes but is not limited to record reviews for APC, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes to determine overall coding/charge capture accuracy and identify documentation and educational gaps. This position is also responsible for mentoring, training and providing ongoing feedback and education to hospital outpatient coding staff. This position will work closely with the Coding Manager and Outpatient Coding Supervisor to help support the outpatient coders.
Education Qualifications:
Associates degree in healthcare or business related field and 3 years of coding experience
OR
Bachelors degree in healthcare or business related field and 2 years coding experience
Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
Certification/Licensure Requirements:
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information technician)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
FTE:
1
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Remote
Shift Rotation:
Day Rotation (United States of America)
Compensation Range:
$25.22 - $37.83
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.
See all 97+ OPT Coding Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Coding Specialist
Confirm your degree supports the role
Coding Specialist positions often require a background in health information management, computer science, or a related field. Verify your degree aligns before applying, as employers will need this match documented for any future visa sponsorship.
Prioritize STEM OPT-eligible employers
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, target employers enrolled in E-Verify. This doubles your authorized work period and gives sponsoring employers more time to file an H-1B visa petition on your behalf.
Ask about sponsorship timelines early
Bring up H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer, not after. Ask whether the company has sponsored before and how far in advance they begin the process. Late starts can leave your OPT expired before a petition is filed.
Pursue relevant certifications proactively
Credentials like the CPC or CCS signal technical competence to hiring managers. Earning one during your OPT period strengthens your case for sponsorship by demonstrating commitment to the field beyond your academic background.
Document your work authorization clearly
Prepare your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and any STEM extension approval before interviews. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often hesitate due to confusion. Clear documentation removes that friction and moves the conversation forward.
Focus on employers with established immigration programs
Healthcare systems, large coding vendors, and hospital networks are more likely to have existing immigration counsel and H-1B sponsorship infrastructure. Smaller practices may be willing but lack the administrative capacity to navigate the process.
Coding Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Coding Specialist on OPT?
Yes, as long as your job is directly related to your degree field. Coding Specialist roles typically qualify for students with degrees in health information management, health informatics, or computer science. Your position must fall within your authorized field of study, so confirm the alignment before accepting an offer.
Do Coding Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as health informatics or computer science, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Health information management degrees without a STEM designation generally do not qualify. Check your program's Classification of Instructional Programs code with your DSO.
How do I find Coding Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Coding Specialist roles from employers actively open to OPT candidates. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking during interviews. Focus on healthcare systems, medical billing companies, and hospital networks, as these organizations hire at scale and are more likely to have existing immigration support in place.
What happens to my OPT status if my Coding Specialist job ends?
You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of authorized employment. During that window, you can find a new qualifying position, transfer to a different visa status, or prepare to depart. You cannot work during the grace period. If you're on a STEM extension, the same 60-day rule applies, and unemployment accumulation limits still count.
Will Coding Specialist experience help me get H-1B sponsorship?
Coding Specialist roles can qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B if the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Employers in healthcare IT and large hospital networks are familiar with the H-1B process. Building a track record in a specialized coding area, such as inpatient coding or risk adjustment, strengthens the specialty occupation argument in a petition.