Healthcare Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
Healthcare Assistant jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role, so a 12-month OPT timeline is standard. Many employers in healthcare are familiar with work authorization requirements and regularly hire international graduates.
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Hours
Shift Start Time: 7 PM
Shift End Time: 7:30 AM
AWS Hours Requirement: 12/36 - 12 Hour Shift
Additional Shift Information
Weekend Requirements: Every Other
On-Call Required: No
Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum)
$25.150 - $28.950 - $32.420
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SEIU-UHW. As part of the terms of employment, employees in this role are required to join the union within 31 days of hire and remain a member (e.g. dues paying, fee paying, religious exception contributor) for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement.
In alignment with the SEIU CBA, this position will be posted for 7 days internally from 03/13/26 to 03/20/26 and available only to existing members of the ratified SEIU Bargaining Unit with a contract expiration date of 9/30/2027.
What You Will Do
Collaborates with the interprofessional team in the delivery of quality patient/resident care under the direction of a licensed nurse. Delivers care with consideration to populations served including age specific needs/care. Contributes to overall unit functions.
Functions as the coordinator of communication for the unit and assumes primary responsibility for medical record management. Facilitates patient data management through transcription, order entry, and documentation. Supports best use of resources in management of equipment, supplies, and other department resources.
Required Qualifications
- AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association - REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
- H.S. Diploma or Equivalent
- Other Comparable to certified nursing assistant course.
- 1 Year recent experience in geriatric setting or recent experience in an acute care hospital.
- 1 Year experience as unit clerk/secretary.
Essential Functions
Teamwork and Communication
Greets and makes welcome a variety of customers by telephone and in-person.
Obtains information from visitors/callers, directs as appropriate or takes complete and accurate messages. Acts on requests for customer assistance.
Uses scripts as appropriate including answering phones, transferring calls and service recovery.
Answers call lights within four (4) rings or calls into patient rooms to validate request.
Answers phone within four (4) rings and transfers calls as indicated.
Responds to all inquiries with a timeliness that promotes customer satisfaction.
Coordinates with physicians and department team members via paging system or phones.
Assists in directing others during crisis intervention (codes, disasters, etc.).
Communicates effectively with all levels of staff and uses chain of command per unit guidelines.
Prioritizes workload in accordance with patient’s needs and staffing patterns, as appropriate.
Validates understanding of new patient needs or changes in assignment.
Communicates with other staff to develop plan for best use of resources.
Asks for assistance to get workload completed.
Reports to licensed nurse or supervisor when unable to respond to number of current demands.
Seeks feedback from co-workers about strategy to complete work more efficiently.
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Admissions, Discharge and Transfer Responsibilities
Ensures complete room set up for new admission (bedpan, urine container, tissue paper, basin, fresh water, etc.).
Meets and greets new patient/resident and family members on admission to the unit.
Orients patient/resident and family to the facility/room.
Inventories and documents patient’s personal belongings on inventory sheet upon admission and updates as needed.
Accounts for patient’s belongings during transfer and discharge process.
Transfers/transports patient to activities, therapies and other departments on time and in a safe manner.
Removes all patient’s equipment and supplies upon discharge.
D/c’s patient from IDX within expected timeframe of patient leaving unit.
As directed by RN, appropriately enters orders related to equipment, supplies and dietary needs; seeks RN clarification when needed to ensure accuracy.
Patient Care Activities
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Provides patient care within scope of responsibilities.
Provides and documents daily care of patient per unit standards.
In monitored units, follows telemetry process and collaborates with central telemetry for initiating/discontinuing monitoring.
Communicates or questions requests outside of scope of practice to licensed nurse.
Identifies and communicates new resident/patient care issues/concerns.
Communicates changes in patients/residents condition.
Takes rapid action in life threatening situations and immediately notifies the licensed nurse.
Communicates plans to transfer patients/residents to other departments or discharge to home.
Safety
Complies with universal precautions and hospital infection control policies.
Uses proper body mechanics and safe patient mobilization equipment to ensure patient’s safety and avoid personal injury.
Follows safety procedures required for equipment use.
Reports observed hazards and unsafe practices.
Reports personal injury within two hours after incident happened, and completes the ART and state claim forms.
Identifies and communicates patients who are at risk for injury to self and others.
Complies with hospital policy in management of patients in restraints.
Labels/stores, ensures safety of patient belongings (hearing aids, glasses, dentures).
Medical Record/Information Management
Obtains chart inserts for admissions and maintains charts, ensuring additional forms are available and placed in charts.
Obtains previous charts from medical records.
Dismantles charts to return to Medical Records, including old charts.
Requests Medical records, films, or other medical information from other facilities as needed.
Files interdisciplinary and diagnostic printouts in chart per standards.
Dates, times, and initials all entries.
Assists team members in locating patient data information.
Collects and prepares patient data necessary to support inter-facility transfers.
Accurately updates electronic information systems (i.e. tracking shell, Stafflink, NaviCare Hill-Rom systems).
Ensures timely teletracking updates/requests.
Enters accurate disposition of patient requiring admission, transfer, or discharge per unit time guidelines.
Coordinates scheduling of test and retrieving results to support patient progress.
Retrieves diagnostic study, lab results, and other relevant patient information supportive of patient assessment.
Prepares/stocks downtime packets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of basic patient/resident care skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform all baseline resident/patient care skills under guidance of licensed nurse.
- Fluent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class.

Hours
Shift Start Time: 7 PM
Shift End Time: 7:30 AM
AWS Hours Requirement: 12/36 - 12 Hour Shift
Additional Shift Information
Weekend Requirements: Every Other
On-Call Required: No
Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum)
$25.150 - $28.950 - $32.420
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SEIU-UHW. As part of the terms of employment, employees in this role are required to join the union within 31 days of hire and remain a member (e.g. dues paying, fee paying, religious exception contributor) for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement.
In alignment with the SEIU CBA, this position will be posted for 7 days internally from 03/13/26 to 03/20/26 and available only to existing members of the ratified SEIU Bargaining Unit with a contract expiration date of 9/30/2027.
What You Will Do
Collaborates with the interprofessional team in the delivery of quality patient/resident care under the direction of a licensed nurse. Delivers care with consideration to populations served including age specific needs/care. Contributes to overall unit functions.
Functions as the coordinator of communication for the unit and assumes primary responsibility for medical record management. Facilitates patient data management through transcription, order entry, and documentation. Supports best use of resources in management of equipment, supplies, and other department resources.
Required Qualifications
- AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association - REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
- H.S. Diploma or Equivalent
- Other Comparable to certified nursing assistant course.
- 1 Year recent experience in geriatric setting or recent experience in an acute care hospital.
- 1 Year experience as unit clerk/secretary.
Essential Functions
Teamwork and Communication
Greets and makes welcome a variety of customers by telephone and in-person.
Obtains information from visitors/callers, directs as appropriate or takes complete and accurate messages. Acts on requests for customer assistance.
Uses scripts as appropriate including answering phones, transferring calls and service recovery.
Answers call lights within four (4) rings or calls into patient rooms to validate request.
Answers phone within four (4) rings and transfers calls as indicated.
Responds to all inquiries with a timeliness that promotes customer satisfaction.
Coordinates with physicians and department team members via paging system or phones.
Assists in directing others during crisis intervention (codes, disasters, etc.).
Communicates effectively with all levels of staff and uses chain of command per unit guidelines.
Prioritizes workload in accordance with patient’s needs and staffing patterns, as appropriate.
Validates understanding of new patient needs or changes in assignment.
Communicates with other staff to develop plan for best use of resources.
Asks for assistance to get workload completed.
Reports to licensed nurse or supervisor when unable to respond to number of current demands.
Seeks feedback from co-workers about strategy to complete work more efficiently.
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Admissions, Discharge and Transfer Responsibilities
Ensures complete room set up for new admission (bedpan, urine container, tissue paper, basin, fresh water, etc.).
Meets and greets new patient/resident and family members on admission to the unit.
Orients patient/resident and family to the facility/room.
Inventories and documents patient’s personal belongings on inventory sheet upon admission and updates as needed.
Accounts for patient’s belongings during transfer and discharge process.
Transfers/transports patient to activities, therapies and other departments on time and in a safe manner.
Removes all patient’s equipment and supplies upon discharge.
D/c’s patient from IDX within expected timeframe of patient leaving unit.
As directed by RN, appropriately enters orders related to equipment, supplies and dietary needs; seeks RN clarification when needed to ensure accuracy.
Patient Care Activities
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Provides patient care within scope of responsibilities.
Provides and documents daily care of patient per unit standards.
In monitored units, follows telemetry process and collaborates with central telemetry for initiating/discontinuing monitoring.
Communicates or questions requests outside of scope of practice to licensed nurse.
Identifies and communicates new resident/patient care issues/concerns.
Communicates changes in patients/residents condition.
Takes rapid action in life threatening situations and immediately notifies the licensed nurse.
Communicates plans to transfer patients/residents to other departments or discharge to home.
Safety
Complies with universal precautions and hospital infection control policies.
Uses proper body mechanics and safe patient mobilization equipment to ensure patient’s safety and avoid personal injury.
Follows safety procedures required for equipment use.
Reports observed hazards and unsafe practices.
Reports personal injury within two hours after incident happened, and completes the ART and state claim forms.
Identifies and communicates patients who are at risk for injury to self and others.
Complies with hospital policy in management of patients in restraints.
Labels/stores, ensures safety of patient belongings (hearing aids, glasses, dentures).
Medical Record/Information Management
Obtains chart inserts for admissions and maintains charts, ensuring additional forms are available and placed in charts.
Obtains previous charts from medical records.
Dismantles charts to return to Medical Records, including old charts.
Requests Medical records, films, or other medical information from other facilities as needed.
Files interdisciplinary and diagnostic printouts in chart per standards.
Dates, times, and initials all entries.
Assists team members in locating patient data information.
Collects and prepares patient data necessary to support inter-facility transfers.
Accurately updates electronic information systems (i.e. tracking shell, Stafflink, NaviCare Hill-Rom systems).
Ensures timely teletracking updates/requests.
Enters accurate disposition of patient requiring admission, transfer, or discharge per unit time guidelines.
Coordinates scheduling of test and retrieving results to support patient progress.
Retrieves diagnostic study, lab results, and other relevant patient information supportive of patient assessment.
Prepares/stocks downtime packets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of basic patient/resident care skills.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform all baseline resident/patient care skills under guidance of licensed nurse.
- Fluent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Healthcare Assistant
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Large hospital systems and multi-site clinic networks hire international graduates regularly and have HR teams familiar with I-20 verification and OPT authorization. Smaller private practices may be less experienced with the process and require more upfront explanation.
Have your EAD card ready before your start date
Healthcare employers are required to complete I-9 verification before you begin work. Your Employment Authorization Document must be valid on day one. Do not accept a verbal offer without confirming your EAD will arrive before your scheduled start date.
Confirm your role qualifies as related to your degree
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your field of study. A Healthcare Assistant role must connect to your degree program, whether that is health sciences, nursing, biology, or a related field. Document this connection clearly in your records.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Not all healthcare employers sponsor H-1B visas, and this role is not STEM-eligible for a 24-month extension. Knowing a potential employer's sponsorship stance before accepting an offer prevents a difficult conversation six months into the job.
Report all employment changes to your DSO immediately
OPT requires reporting any change in employer, position, or hours to your Designated School Official within 10 days. Healthcare roles sometimes involve shift changes or facility transfers. Keep your SEVIS record current to stay in lawful status.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Healthcare Assistant on OPT?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in health sciences, nursing, public health, or a similar discipline, a Healthcare Assistant position generally satisfies that requirement. You should document the connection between your coursework and your job duties and be prepared to explain it to your DSO or a future H-1B sponsor.
Does a Healthcare Assistant role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. The 24-month STEM OPT extension is only available to graduates of STEM-designated programs, and healthcare assisting is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. You will have 12 months of OPT authorization. Planning ahead for H-1B sponsorship or an alternative visa pathway before your OPT expires is important in this field.
Do healthcare employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for this role?
It varies significantly. Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, and hospital networks affiliated with universities are more likely to have established H-1B sponsorship programs. Smaller clinics and private practices often do not. The best approach is to ask directly during the interview process and prioritize employers with a documented history of sponsoring international employees.
Where can I find Healthcare Assistant jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already open to OPT candidates rather than spending time on applications where your authorization will disqualify you before the first interview.
What happens to my OPT status if I change healthcare employers?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVIS record. Your EAD remains valid for the authorized period regardless of employer. However, your new role must still be related to your degree, and any gap in qualifying employment of 90 days or more can affect your OPT status.
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