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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our URC position is not a traditional "on call" position, meaning it is not reflective in the number of hours you are required for your FTE, but rather UnRestricted Call means that you are available to cover call and take 911 calls while within 5 minutes of the ambulance. You would not need to be stationed with the ambulance; however, you will need to be able to respond to the base if paged in a timely manner. We are looking to fill a backup ambulance with community members (5 miles from base) when the duty ambulance goes out on a call.
PURPOSE OF JOB:
This is a paid on-call position is responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency requests to provide efficient and immediate assessment, treatment and transportation of the non-critically ill and/or injured patient in the pre-hospital setting and other settings within the scope of training under a physician medical control authority.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides basic life support as needed in compliance with state, local and RMC procedures.
- Establishes positive rapport with each patient and patient’s family ensuring a gentle and attentive transport.
- Responds to emergencies by choosing route, observing traffic conditions, avoiding dangerous situations, and maintaining communications with dispatcher.
- Completes reports accurately.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventative maintenance, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions and reports necessary repairs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Must be at least 21 years of age in order to meet Ridgeview's insurability requirements
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Strong interpersonal, organizational and teambuilding skills
- Ability to meet and maintain the necessary background checks as aligned with position functions
- Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
- Ability to calculate weight and volume ratio’s
- Ability to employ discretion and confidentiality in sensitive areas
- Ability to maintain minimum qualified certifications and a good driving record
- Demonstrated map reading skills
- Accessibility via phone to contact for on-call, rotating shift, weekend and holiday shifts
- Ability to respond appropriately to unpredictable situations and diverse patient populations
- Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
License/Certifications
- Current state of MN EMT certification
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
- Valid MN driver's license and meets Ridgeview's insurability requirements
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Resides or works in the community of Gaylord or surrounding area.
COGNITIVE AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Time Awareness - Continuous
Writing - Continuous
Initiation of Work - Occasional
Memory - Continuous
Receptiveness to Change - Occasional
Reasoning - Continuous
Required Sequences in Work - Frequent
Problem Solving - Frequent
Attentiveness Duration - Continuous
Social Interactions - Frequent
Mathematical Aptitude - Frequent
Conflict Management - Occasional
Reading - Continuous
Detail Oriented - Continuous
Link to Employee Health Physical Demands
COMPENSATION
Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation such as: the requirements of the position, experience, education, knowledge, and skills along with location and internal equity. Pay listed does not include any shift, weekend, or other differentials.
BENEFITS
Ridgeview strives to provide comprehensive and market competitive benefits to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Click here to view the benefits available.
INTRODUCTION
Our URC position is not a traditional "on call" position, meaning it is not reflective in the number of hours you are required for your FTE, but rather UnRestricted Call means that you are available to cover call and take 911 calls while within 5 minutes of the ambulance. You would not need to be stationed with the ambulance; however, you will need to be able to respond to the base if paged in a timely manner. We are looking to fill a backup ambulance with community members (5 miles from base) when the duty ambulance goes out on a call.
PURPOSE OF JOB:
This is a paid on-call position is responsible for responding to emergency and non-emergency requests to provide efficient and immediate assessment, treatment and transportation of the non-critically ill and/or injured patient in the pre-hospital setting and other settings within the scope of training under a physician medical control authority.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides basic life support as needed in compliance with state, local and RMC procedures.
- Establishes positive rapport with each patient and patient’s family ensuring a gentle and attentive transport.
- Responds to emergencies by choosing route, observing traffic conditions, avoiding dangerous situations, and maintaining communications with dispatcher.
- Completes reports accurately.
- Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventative maintenance, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions and reports necessary repairs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE
- High school graduate or equivalent
- Must be at least 21 years of age in order to meet Ridgeview's insurability requirements
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Strong interpersonal, organizational and teambuilding skills
- Ability to meet and maintain the necessary background checks as aligned with position functions
- Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
- Ability to calculate weight and volume ratio’s
- Ability to employ discretion and confidentiality in sensitive areas
- Ability to maintain minimum qualified certifications and a good driving record
- Demonstrated map reading skills
- Accessibility via phone to contact for on-call, rotating shift, weekend and holiday shifts
- Ability to respond appropriately to unpredictable situations and diverse patient populations
- Ability to communicate in the English language for effective written and verbal correspondence in order to complete job functions as mentioned above
License/Certifications
- Current state of MN EMT certification
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
- Valid MN driver's license and meets Ridgeview's insurability requirements
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Resides or works in the community of Gaylord or surrounding area.
COGNITIVE AND MENTAL DEMANDS
Time Awareness - Continuous
Writing - Continuous
Initiation of Work - Occasional
Memory - Continuous
Receptiveness to Change - Occasional
Reasoning - Continuous
Required Sequences in Work - Frequent
Problem Solving - Frequent
Attentiveness Duration - Continuous
Social Interactions - Frequent
Mathematical Aptitude - Frequent
Conflict Management - Occasional
Reading - Continuous
Detail Oriented - Continuous
Link to Employee Health Physical Demands
COMPENSATION
Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation such as: the requirements of the position, experience, education, knowledge, and skills along with location and internal equity. Pay listed does not include any shift, weekend, or other differentials.
BENEFITS
Ridgeview strives to provide comprehensive and market competitive benefits to meet the needs of our employees and their families. Click here to view the benefits available.
See all 33+ 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.