OPT CRT Jobs
CRT roles in education and healthcare settings are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in respiratory therapy, health sciences, or related fields. Most CRT positions qualify for standard 12-month OPT, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
Under the leadership of the Director, Respiratory Therapy, the Respiratory Therapist – Certified is an active member of the Respiratory Therapy Department that assists in the delivery of respiratory care and services. The Respiratory Therapist - Certified provides age appropriate and culturally sensitive respiratory care, as well as cardiac and pulmonary diagnostic testing to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. The Therapist utilizes the Respiratory Therapy Protocols in the prevention of and intervention in life-threatening situations. The Therapist provides professional quality care that maximizes the patient’s respiratory function and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
Basic Qualifications:
Education:
Requires an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited school. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
Experience:
Requires up to one year of work related experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Licensure, Registrations & Certifications:
Requires and maintains a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification.
Requires and maintains a certification in Basic Life Saving (BLS, ACLS, PALS and NRP).
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- Utilizes Respiratory Protocols and performs appropriate cardiopulmonary assessments and treatment procedures.
- Plans, implements and evaluates the patient’s respiratory care.
- Documents in the medical record the patient’s respiratory care intervention, the patient response and educates the patient and family members of the respiratory care issues and care plan.
- Implements and documents patient responses to treatments and/or medications and modifies care plan based on patient progress.
- Sets and prioritizes appropriate respiratory care and support required for the patient.
- Operates, maintains and repairs the respiratory and cardiopulmonary equipment used in treating patients.
- Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the cardiopulmonary department.
- Organizes work and assigns priorities in testing and treating patients.
- Collects, reviews and analyzes treatment data to ensure ongoing quality in treating patients.
- Functions as part of an interdisciplinary team promoting positive interpersonal communication skills when communicating with patients, families, visitors, physicians, and staff in all departments of the organization.
- Complies with CRHS and department safety, infection control and performance improvement initiatives and sterile procedures, ensuring the delivery of products and services.
- Presents a professional image to CRHS nursing and medical staff members.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
Position Summary:
Under the leadership of the Director, Respiratory Therapy, the Respiratory Therapist – Certified is an active member of the Respiratory Therapy Department that assists in the delivery of respiratory care and services. The Respiratory Therapist - Certified provides age appropriate and culturally sensitive respiratory care, as well as cardiac and pulmonary diagnostic testing to neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. The Therapist utilizes the Respiratory Therapy Protocols in the prevention of and intervention in life-threatening situations. The Therapist provides professional quality care that maximizes the patient’s respiratory function and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.
Basic Qualifications:
Education:
Requires an Associate’s Degree in Respiratory Care from an accredited school. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
Experience:
Requires up to one year of work related experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Licensure, Registrations & Certifications:
Requires and maintains a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) certification.
Requires and maintains a certification in Basic Life Saving (BLS, ACLS, PALS and NRP).
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- Utilizes Respiratory Protocols and performs appropriate cardiopulmonary assessments and treatment procedures.
- Plans, implements and evaluates the patient’s respiratory care.
- Documents in the medical record the patient’s respiratory care intervention, the patient response and educates the patient and family members of the respiratory care issues and care plan.
- Implements and documents patient responses to treatments and/or medications and modifies care plan based on patient progress.
- Sets and prioritizes appropriate respiratory care and support required for the patient.
- Operates, maintains and repairs the respiratory and cardiopulmonary equipment used in treating patients.
- Maintains a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the cardiopulmonary department.
- Organizes work and assigns priorities in testing and treating patients.
- Collects, reviews and analyzes treatment data to ensure ongoing quality in treating patients.
- Functions as part of an interdisciplinary team promoting positive interpersonal communication skills when communicating with patients, families, visitors, physicians, and staff in all departments of the organization.
- Complies with CRHS and department safety, infection control and performance improvement initiatives and sterile procedures, ensuring the delivery of products and services.
- Presents a professional image to CRHS nursing and medical staff members.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in CRT
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
CRT positions require your OPT authorization to match your field of study. A degree in respiratory therapy or health sciences typically satisfies this. Unrelated degrees, even with clinical experience, can put your OPT status at risk.
Check STEM OPT eligibility before applying
Some health sciences and biomedical programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes, making you eligible for a 24-month extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify. This changes how long you can work without H-1B visa sponsorship.
Target employers with active USCIS filing history
Hospitals and healthcare networks that regularly hire international staff are more likely to support visa sponsorship long-term. Look for employers with established HR processes for work authorization rather than small clinics navigating it for the first time.
Disclose your OPT status early in the process
Respiratory therapy roles often involve credentialing timelines. Raising your OPT status early lets employers plan around authorization windows and avoids misalignment between your start date and when paperwork clears their HR system.
Secure state licensure before your OPT start date
Most states require CRT licensure before you can practice clinically. Delays in licensing directly affect when you can begin authorized employment. Start your state application immediately after graduation to avoid gaps in your OPT period.
Track your OPT end date against employer timelines
CRT hiring cycles in hospitals can run 8 to 12 weeks from application to start date. Know your OPT expiration before you apply so you and the employer have a realistic window to get you onboarded before your authorization expires.
CRT OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as a CRT in the United States?
Yes, F-1 students authorized for post-completion OPT can work as a Certified Respiratory Therapist if the role is directly related to their field of study. Your Employment Authorization Document must be active before your first day. The position must align with your degree, not just your clinical interests or prior experience.
Does a CRT role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program. Respiratory therapy programs typically fall under CIP code 51.0908, which is not STEM-designated. However, some health sciences, biomedical science, or kinesiology programs are STEM-eligible. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO and confirm with your school's international student office before counting on a 24-month extension.
How do I find CRT employers that support OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters CRT job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there surfaces employers who have hired international students before, which significantly improves your chances of finding a role where HR already understands OPT requirements and timelines.
What happens to my OPT if my CRT license is delayed?
Your OPT clock starts on the authorization start date you selected, regardless of whether your state license has been issued. If you cannot legally practice without a license, any unlicensed period may not count as authorized OPT employment. Work with your DSO immediately if licensure delays are pushing past your OPT start date.
Do CRT employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly large hospital systems and healthcare networks with dedicated immigration support. Smaller outpatient clinics and private practices are less likely to have the infrastructure for H-1B sponsorship. When evaluating offers, ask HR directly about their history of sponsoring international employees and whether they have an immigration attorney on retainer.