OPT EMT Jobs
EMT jobs on OPT are available across hospital systems, fire departments, and private ambulance services, though most positions require active state EMT certification, which F-1 students can pursue while on OPT. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) should align with your certification timeline before applying.
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At Wegmans our commitment is to provide incredible service, to which the foundation is ensuring our customers, employees, and visitors feel safe and secure while operating on our grounds. As a security office with Wegmans, you will be part of the team of individuals who provide a safe environment throughout our facilities. Our security offices play a key role in maintaining the safety of the Wegmans grounds by being a highly trained security professional, skilled in key areas of Wegmans Asset Protection.
Click HERE to learn more and get a feel for the role!
- Respond to emergency situations providing clear, calm, and decisive direction while providing medical care to the appropriate level of training/certification as needed
- Manage access control; verify that vendors, contractors, and other visitors have a business purpose to be on site
- Protect company property, corporate assets and the welfare and safety of employees, visitors and vendors while maintaining a strong emphasis on customer service
- Proactively patrol the buildings and grounds of the complex and perform preliminary investigations involving safety and security events as necessary
Requirements
- 1+ years of related experience
- Technical aptitude with advanced computer skills
- Experience utilizing good judgement to effectively communicate and manage conflict in stressful situations that protect the well-being of others
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in criminal justice or related field
- Certified EMT
- Certified in CPR, AED, and FAC
- Military, security, loss prevention or asset protection experience
- Emergency response training/experience
At Wegmans, we’ve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.
Comprehensive benefits
- Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
- Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
- Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
- Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
- A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
- LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness
Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.
Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.
EARN A BONUS UP TO $2,500!
At Wegmans our commitment is to provide incredible service, to which the foundation is ensuring our customers, employees, and visitors feel safe and secure while operating on our grounds. As a security office with Wegmans, you will be part of the team of individuals who provide a safe environment throughout our facilities. Our security offices play a key role in maintaining the safety of the Wegmans grounds by being a highly trained security professional, skilled in key areas of Wegmans Asset Protection.
Click HERE to learn more and get a feel for the role!
- Respond to emergency situations providing clear, calm, and decisive direction while providing medical care to the appropriate level of training/certification as needed
- Manage access control; verify that vendors, contractors, and other visitors have a business purpose to be on site
- Protect company property, corporate assets and the welfare and safety of employees, visitors and vendors while maintaining a strong emphasis on customer service
- Proactively patrol the buildings and grounds of the complex and perform preliminary investigations involving safety and security events as necessary
Requirements
- 1+ years of related experience
- Technical aptitude with advanced computer skills
- Experience utilizing good judgement to effectively communicate and manage conflict in stressful situations that protect the well-being of others
- Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in criminal justice or related field
- Certified EMT
- Certified in CPR, AED, and FAC
- Military, security, loss prevention or asset protection experience
- Emergency response training/experience
At Wegmans, we’ve always believed we can achieve our goals only if we first fulfill the needs of our people. Putting our people first and offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a wide range of meaningful perks is just the beginning of what defines a rewarding career at Wegmans.
Comprehensive benefits
- Paid time off (PTO) to help you balance your personal and work life
- Higher premium pay rates for working overtime, on Sundays, or on a recognized holiday
- Health care benefits that provide a high level of coverage at a low cost to you
- Retirement plan with a 401(k) match
- A generous scholarship program to help employees meet their educational goals
- LiveWell Employee & Family program to support your emotional, work-life and financial wellness
Our employees have put us high on Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list every year since it was first produced in 1998. Discover what it means to work for a mission-driven, values-based company where YOU make the difference.
Certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied, and offerings may differ based upon area or the company and/or position.
See all OPT EMT Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT EMT Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in EMT
Get state-certified before applying
Most EMT employers require active state certification before hiring. Complete your NREMT exam and state licensing early in your OPT window so you're eligible on day one of your job search. Certification timelines vary by state.
Target hospital-based EMS programs
Hospital systems with large EMS divisions often have established HR processes for work authorization verification. They handle I-9 compliance regularly, making them more comfortable hiring OPT students than smaller independent ambulance companies.
Lead with your EAD card, not your visa
When discussing work authorization, present your Employment Authorization Document as your work permit. Employers verify eligibility through the I-9 process. Your EAD is the document that matters, not your F-1 visa status.
Research STEM OPT eligibility for your degree
Emergency Medical Services degrees may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under specific CIP codes. Confirm with your DSO whether your program qualifies before assuming you only have 12 months to secure a role.
Apply to fire departments with civilian EMT roles
Many municipal fire departments hire civilian EMTs separately from firefighters. These government positions often have structured HR onboarding familiar with I-9 requirements, reducing employer uncertainty around your OPT work authorization.
Track your OPT end date against certification renewals
EMT certifications require continuing education and periodic renewal. Plan renewal timelines around your OPT expiration and any H-1B visa or other visa transition. Letting certification lapse during a status change complicates future employment significantly.
EMT OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as EMTs in the United States?
Yes, F-1 students authorized for OPT can work as EMTs as long as the role is directly related to their field of study, such as Emergency Medical Services, Health Sciences, or a related program. You must have a valid EAD card before your first shift. Employers verify your authorization through the standard I-9 process, so bring your EAD and passport to onboarding.
Do EMT employers commonly hire OPT students?
It depends on the employer type. Hospital-based EMS programs and larger ambulance companies are generally more familiar with work authorization requirements and more willing to hire OPT students. Smaller volunteer or independent services may be less experienced with I-9 compliance for international hires. Browse OPT-friendly EMT listings on Migrate Mate, where employers have already indicated openness to sponsoring or hiring OPT candidates.
Does an EMT role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code. Emergency Medical Services programs classified under certain health science CIP codes may qualify, but this isn't universal across all EMS degrees. Speak with your Designated School Official to verify whether your program is on the STEM OPT eligible list before planning for a 24-month extension.
What happens if my OPT expires before I find an EMT job?
If your OPT period ends without a job offer, you enter the 60-day grace period. You cannot work during this time. If you haven't transitioned to another visa status by the grace period's end, you must leave the United States. This makes early applications critical. Starting your EMT job search at least three to four months before OPT expiration gives you realistic time to clear hiring, certification verification, and I-9 onboarding steps.
Can I work part-time as an EMT on OPT before graduating?
Before graduation, you may be eligible for pre-completion OPT, which limits you to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Many EMT shift schedules are compatible with part-time arrangements. Post-completion OPT allows full-time work. Confirm your authorization period and hours restriction with your DSO before accepting any EMT position to avoid violating your F-1 status.