CPHT Jobs for OPT Students
CPHT jobs on OPT are available at retail pharmacy chains, hospital systems, and specialty pharmacies, all of which regularly hire Certified Pharmacy Technicians. Your 12-month OPT period is enough to build clinical hours, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree qualifies.
See All CPHT JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ CPHT jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 10+ CPHT jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPHT roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Provides support under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist. This includes: preparing medications to be dispensed, medication stock maintenance, record keeping, medication billing, and patient medication reconciliation.
REPORTS TO
- Director-Pharmacy
Job Requirements
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
License/Certification Required: Registration with the TN Board of Pharmacy required within 90 days of employment. State Board approved Technician Certification for CPhT status required
Minimum Work Experience: 12 months of previous pharmacy experience required; hospital pharmacy experience preferred
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Basic computer and typing skills
- Basic math skills
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- All under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who is beyond his or her probationary period:
- Demonstrates proficiency with math calculations. Prepares/selects age appropriate medication for compounding, filling, and dispensing. Provides a double or triple check to Pharmacists prior to dispensing. Prepackages and labels medications into unit doses from bulk supply. Maintains accurate records including all regulatory logs. Appropriately prioritizes medication orders. Ensures equipment operation and maintenance. Compounded non-sterile preparations. Appropriate use of automated dispensing cabinets and the Pharmacy carousel including discrepancy resolution & billing adjustments. Demonstrates clean and organized work flow. Follows policy concerning medications with “special” requirements. All annual competencies are maintained in a timely manner and do not go past due.
- Restocks medication rooms with medication inventory, reconciles un-administered patient doses.
- Communicates supply and medication needs to Pharmacy Purchasing staff.
- Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
- Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place at the hospital.
- Resolves questions with the Pharmacist, Nursing service, and/or Physician.
- Answers the phone promptly and appropriately.
- Promotes and maintains professional relationships with other departments.
- Effectively trains new Interns or Technicians when assigned.
- Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra- departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
- Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
- Reads, attends, and acknowledges Pharmacy and Hospital communications.
- Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
- Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.
- Minimizes waste by acquiring a complete understanding of specific mixing instructions prior to medication compounding.
- Stays aware of drug shortages and backorders.
- Provides par adjustment, additions, or deletion suggestions and checks for expiring inventory monthly.
- Bills and credits both departments and patients appropriately and in a timely manner.
Physical Requirements
- Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.
Come work where you can make a difference everyday.

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Provides support under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist. This includes: preparing medications to be dispensed, medication stock maintenance, record keeping, medication billing, and patient medication reconciliation.
REPORTS TO
- Director-Pharmacy
Job Requirements
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Minimum Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.
License/Certification Required: Registration with the TN Board of Pharmacy required within 90 days of employment. State Board approved Technician Certification for CPhT status required
Minimum Work Experience: 12 months of previous pharmacy experience required; hospital pharmacy experience preferred
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Basic computer and typing skills
- Basic math skills
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- All under the direct supervision of a pharmacist who is beyond his or her probationary period:
- Demonstrates proficiency with math calculations. Prepares/selects age appropriate medication for compounding, filling, and dispensing. Provides a double or triple check to Pharmacists prior to dispensing. Prepackages and labels medications into unit doses from bulk supply. Maintains accurate records including all regulatory logs. Appropriately prioritizes medication orders. Ensures equipment operation and maintenance. Compounded non-sterile preparations. Appropriate use of automated dispensing cabinets and the Pharmacy carousel including discrepancy resolution & billing adjustments. Demonstrates clean and organized work flow. Follows policy concerning medications with “special” requirements. All annual competencies are maintained in a timely manner and do not go past due.
- Restocks medication rooms with medication inventory, reconciles un-administered patient doses.
- Communicates supply and medication needs to Pharmacy Purchasing staff.
- Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
- Continuously displays a "can do" attitude within the department and across departmental lines to contribute to the overall customer service program in place at the hospital.
- Resolves questions with the Pharmacist, Nursing service, and/or Physician.
- Answers the phone promptly and appropriately.
- Promotes and maintains professional relationships with other departments.
- Effectively trains new Interns or Technicians when assigned.
- Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra- departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit’s ability to meet its goals and objectives.
- Fosters mature professional relationships with fellow employees in a courteous, friendly manner as measured by management observation and peer input.
- Reads, attends, and acknowledges Pharmacy and Hospital communications.
- Willingly accepts any other assignment that may be requested.
- Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.
- Minimizes waste by acquiring a complete understanding of specific mixing instructions prior to medication compounding.
- Stays aware of drug shortages and backorders.
- Provides par adjustment, additions, or deletion suggestions and checks for expiring inventory monthly.
- Bills and credits both departments and patients appropriately and in a timely manner.
Physical Requirements
- Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.
Come work where you can make a difference everyday.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in CPHT
Target hospital and health system pharmacies first
Hospital pharmacies and large health systems are more accustomed to sponsoring work visas than independent retail locations. Their HR infrastructure makes OPT paperwork far less intimidating, improving your chances of a smooth authorization process.
Confirm your OPT is directly related to your degree
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your field of study. A pharmacy technician role should align with your degree in pharmaceutical sciences, health sciences, or a related field. Document that connection clearly before accepting any offer.
Get your CPHT certification before you start applying
Most employers require active PTCB or NHA certification to hire a pharmacy technician. Holding your CPHT before applying removes a common hiring obstacle and signals you can contribute from day one without delays.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during later interview rounds
Raise the visa sponsorship question after you have demonstrated value, not in your first conversation. Pharmacy chains with large workforces often have established immigration processes, making the conversation easier once they want to hire you.
Track your OPT end date and plan your STEM extension early
If your degree qualifies for STEM OPT, file the extension at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Pharmacy employers appreciate candidates who understand their own timeline and can communicate it proactively without disrupting operations.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly pharmacy technician roles
Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa sponsorship history, saving you time you would otherwise spend researching each employer individually. Browse CPHT-relevant listings to identify employers already familiar with OPT and work authorization requirements.
CPHT jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find CPHT JobsSee all 10+ CPHT jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new CPHT roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a CPHT on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a CPHT on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree. A pharmacy technician position typically qualifies if your degree is in pharmaceutical sciences, health sciences, chemistry, or a closely related field. Keep documentation showing how the role connects to your course of study in case your employer or DSO asks.
Does a CPHT job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as pharmaceutical sciences or biological sciences, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program qualifies. The extension must be filed at least 90 days before your current EAD expires.
Do pharmacy employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for pharmacy technicians?
H-1B sponsorship for pharmacy technicians is less common than for pharmacists because the role does not always meet the specialty occupation threshold. Large hospital systems and some retail pharmacy chains do sponsor, but it depends on the employer and how the position is structured. Starting the conversation early, once you have an offer, gives you the best chance of getting a clear answer.
Where can I find CPHT jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters listings by visa sponsorship history, which saves significant research time. Many pharmacy employers do not advertise OPT friendliness in their job postings, so using a platform built for international students helps you focus on employers who already understand work authorization requirements.
What documents do I need to start a CPHT job on OPT?
You'll need your valid EAD card, your Form I-20 with OPT authorization endorsed by your DSO, your passport, and your CPHT certification from PTCB or NHA. Some employers also request your offer letter or employment verification. Make sure your EAD start date matches or precedes your first scheduled workday, as working before the EAD is active is a serious status violation.
See which CPHT employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search CPHT Jobs