OPT Flight Paramedic Jobs
Flight Paramedic jobs on OPT are available but require careful timing. Most positions require FAA medical certification and state EMS licensure, which can take months to obtain. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, needs to account for credentialing lead time before your start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join Our Life-Saving Team in West Lafayette, IN and take advantage of:
- Sign on bonus up to $25,000!
- $20,000 annual Travel Stipend!
We are on the lookout for passionate Flight Paramedics to join our elite crew!
If you've ever dreamt of making a real impact and being part of a life-saving mission, now is your chance! We are looking for talented paramedics to join our team of dedicated professionals. Join us in saving lives!
As a Flight Clinician with PHI Health, you'll be at the forefront of critical care, providing rapid response and advanced medical assistance to those in need. We need heroes like you to ensure swift and effective medical transport, especially in emergencies.
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Responsibilities Include:
- Performs a wide range of specialized functions and complex assessments, diagnoses, therapies and emergency treatment of patients transported by rotor-wing and/or fixed-wing and/or ground.
- Documents appropriate and accurate information for assessment and treatment during stabilization and transport.
- Documents accurate and complete billing information of patient transports.
- Maintains and facilitates effective and timely communication between management, internal and external customers.
- Participates in activities to support PR and marketing efforts.
- Maintains knowledge base for flight paramedic role by attending mandatory meetings, chart reviews, equipment reviews, skill labs, clinical rotations, and continuing education sessions related to the care and transport of critically ill and/or injured patients.
- Completes all annual recurrent competency requirements.
- Maintains an active paramedic certification and all other certifications required by policy.
- Clinically functions under the licensure of the program's Medical Director. Indirectly reports to the program's Manager of Clinical Services and the National Director of Clinical Standards.
- Responsible for knowledge of and performing within the regulations and scope of practice of the local Department of Health Services.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, Shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more.
- For our clinicians, you are eligible to receive our annual continuing education allowance.
Schedule/Location:
- Varied
- You will be required to travel to West Lafayette, IN
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Must have an active paramedic certification in the state employed.
- Minimum of three years (five years preferred) current Paramedic field experience in a busy 911/pre-hospital service.
- Current BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP and PHTLS/ITLS. NRP preferred. Instructor certifications preferred.
- FP-C within twenty-four months of hire.
- Flight or transport experience preferred.
- Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation program.
- Effective human relations skills required for interfacing with all levels of personnel and external customers.
- Must possess basic computer skills for e-mail, electronic charting, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare related field preferred.
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift up to 100 pounds), drug screening and background screen.
- Must maintain body weight below 235 lbs.
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
DISCLAIMER
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
INTRODUCTION
Join Our Life-Saving Team in West Lafayette, IN and take advantage of:
- Sign on bonus up to $25,000!
- $20,000 annual Travel Stipend!
We are on the lookout for passionate Flight Paramedics to join our elite crew!
If you've ever dreamt of making a real impact and being part of a life-saving mission, now is your chance! We are looking for talented paramedics to join our team of dedicated professionals. Join us in saving lives!
As a Flight Clinician with PHI Health, you'll be at the forefront of critical care, providing rapid response and advanced medical assistance to those in need. We need heroes like you to ensure swift and effective medical transport, especially in emergencies.
Who We Are:
PHI Health is the leading air ambulance provider in the United States. With an unmatched safety record and the best aviation, medical and communication specialists in the field, we set the standard in the air medical industry. We transport more than 22,000 patients each year from our more than 80 bases across the country, all while offering services and outreach education to local communities and leading healthcare systems. Our mission is simple: move communities to health while maintaining the highest standard of safety, period.
Responsibilities Include:
- Performs a wide range of specialized functions and complex assessments, diagnoses, therapies and emergency treatment of patients transported by rotor-wing and/or fixed-wing and/or ground.
- Documents appropriate and accurate information for assessment and treatment during stabilization and transport.
- Documents accurate and complete billing information of patient transports.
- Maintains and facilitates effective and timely communication between management, internal and external customers.
- Participates in activities to support PR and marketing efforts.
- Maintains knowledge base for flight paramedic role by attending mandatory meetings, chart reviews, equipment reviews, skill labs, clinical rotations, and continuing education sessions related to the care and transport of critically ill and/or injured patients.
- Completes all annual recurrent competency requirements.
- Maintains an active paramedic certification and all other certifications required by policy.
- Clinically functions under the licensure of the program's Medical Director. Indirectly reports to the program's Manager of Clinical Services and the National Director of Clinical Standards.
- Responsible for knowledge of and performing within the regulations and scope of practice of the local Department of Health Services.
Compensation and Benefits:
- We offer a range of competitive pay and benefits package to keep our teams happy, healthy, and invested.
- This package includes competitive pay, Shift bonuses, shift incentives, Annual Safety Bonus, Annual Employee Bonus, and much more.
- For our clinicians, you are eligible to receive our annual continuing education allowance.
Schedule/Location:
- Varied
- You will be required to travel to West Lafayette, IN
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Must have an active paramedic certification in the state employed.
- Minimum of three years (five years preferred) current Paramedic field experience in a busy 911/pre-hospital service.
- Current BLS, ACLS, PALS/PEPP and PHTLS/ITLS. NRP preferred. Instructor certifications preferred.
- FP-C within twenty-four months of hire.
- Flight or transport experience preferred.
- Must successfully complete the PHI Air Medical Group education/orientation program.
- Effective human relations skills required for interfacing with all levels of personnel and external customers.
- Must possess basic computer skills for e-mail, electronic charting, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in healthcare related field preferred.
- Must be able to pass pre-placement physical exam including functional capacity exam (strength and flexibility assessment, lift up to 100 pounds), drug screening and background screen.
- Must maintain body weight below 235 lbs.
Our Core Competencies:
- Safe. We are absolute in our belief in the tenets of Destination Zero and that Zero is not only achievable, but the only acceptable outcome.
- Efficient. We are focused on outcomes that are smart and responsible by making the best use of our resources to maximize overall productivity and achieve sustainable profitability as a high performing organization.
- Quality. We are committed to ensuring excellent organizational performance which produces sustainable and reliable outcomes.
- Service. We are dedicated to the service of our customers, our communities and each other.
The PHI Health Advantage:
For more than 40 years, our company has been providing critical air medical transport services across the country. As an organization, we outfit each aircraft we fly with the most advanced technology, subject our crews to the most rigorous protocols and training and pioneer the most-forward thinking safety program in the country.
Everything that we do comes back to the safety of our crew and our patients. Our accident rate is well below the national average and we were the first to receive the Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award. This belief has guided us towards a number of industry firsts and has given us the highest safety rating in the industry.
DISCLAIMER
The above Statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
PHI, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
See all 34+ OPT Flight Paramedic Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Flight Paramedic
Start credentialing before OPT begins
FAA medical exams and state paramedic licensure can take two to four months to process. Begin both before your OPT authorization starts so your first day of work isn't delayed by paperwork still in review.
Target air medical operators with dedicated HR teams
Larger air medical operators have immigration-experienced HR departments familiar with EAD-based work authorization. Smaller regional programs often lack that infrastructure, making OPT onboarding slower and more uncertain regardless of clinical qualifications.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Emergency Medical Services and related health science degrees may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO early. An extra two years significantly improves your timeline for securing employer H-1B visa sponsorship.
Apply before your graduation date, not after
Flight paramedic hiring cycles move slowly due to background checks, flight physicals, and training programs. Applying three to four months before OPT begins gives employers time to complete onboarding before your authorization window opens.
Document all clinical hours meticulously
Air medical employers and future visa sponsors will want verified records of flight hours, critical care transports, and advanced procedures performed. Organized documentation from day one strengthens both your application and any future H-1B or O-1 visa petition.
Communicate your EAD status clearly and early
Many air medical programs run federal contracts and conduct thorough employment verification. Presenting your EAD card with an accurate expiration date upfront avoids last-minute issues during the background check and security clearance stages of hiring.
Flight Paramedic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as flight paramedics in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students authorized for OPT can work as flight paramedics, provided their Employment Authorization Document is active and their position is directly related to their field of study. Most air medical employers treat the EAD the same as other employment authorization documents during onboarding. You can browse open positions on Migrate Mate to find operators actively hiring OPT-eligible candidates.
Does a flight paramedic role qualify as STEM OPT eligible?
It depends on your specific degree and its CIP code. Emergency Medical Services Management and some health informatics programs qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. A general paramedic certificate or non-STEM health science degree typically does not. Your Designated School Official can confirm eligibility based on your exact program. Confirm this before accepting any position, since the extension significantly affects your long-term work authorization timeline.
What certifications do I need before starting a flight paramedic OPT job?
At minimum, most programs require National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Paramedic certification, state licensure where you'll be based, Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Many programs also require Certified Flight Paramedic credentialing within a set timeframe post-hire. Some operators add CFRN equivalency expectations. Confirm exact requirements with each employer during the interview process, since certification standards vary by state and program.
How does the 60-day OPT grace period affect flight paramedic job searching?
If your OPT employment ends, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you can remain in the U.S. but cannot work. Flight paramedic hiring is slower than most fields due to flight physicals, background checks, and training academies, so 60 days is a tight window. Having applications active before your current employment ends is strongly advisable. The grace period is for job searching, not for employment itself.
Do flight paramedic employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Some large air medical networks have sponsored H-1B petitions for paramedics, but it is not standard practice across the industry. Flight paramedic roles must qualify as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher, which can be difficult to establish given the certificate-based nature of many EMS programs. Operators affiliated with hospital systems or larger healthcare networks tend to have more immigration infrastructure and are better candidates for sponsorship conversations.