CRT Jobs for OPT Students

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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Overview

Open Jobs29+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Salary Range$18K – $25K
Top LocationHartford, CT
Most JobsTrinity Health

Showing 5 of 29+ CRT jobs

Endeavor Health
Patient Safety Observer - CRT - Nights
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Endeavor Health
Added 1d ago
Patient Safety Observer - CRT - Nights
Endeavor Health
Edh Main Hospital Naperville
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$35,360 - $49,484/yr
On-Site
High School

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Celestica
CRT Warehouse Supervisor
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Celestica
Added 1w ago
CRT Warehouse Supervisor
Celestica
Richardson, Texas
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Human Resources
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Trinity Health
Respiratory Therapist CRT / RRT
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Trinity Health
Added 2w ago
Respiratory Therapist CRT / RRT
Trinity Health
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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OSF HealthCare
Registered Nurse RN CRT Tier 1 Emergency Services
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OSF HealthCare
Added 3w ago
Registered Nurse RN CRT Tier 1 Emergency Services
OSF HealthCare
Princeton, Illinois
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$42/hr - $53/hr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
None
10,000+

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Geisinger
Respiratory Therapist Registered (RRT)/Respiratory Therapist Certified (CRT)
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Geisinger
Added 3w ago
Respiratory Therapist Registered (RRT)/Respiratory Therapist Certified (CRT)
Geisinger
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
None

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How to Get Visa 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 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.

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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.

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