OPT Laboratory Jobs
Laboratory jobs on OPT are common in biotech, pharmaceutical research, and university settings, many of which have experience sponsoring F-1 students. STEM OPT extension eligibility is strong here, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization if your degree is in biology, chemistry, or a related field.
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Summary:
The Catheterization Laboratory Technologist I has a critical role in supporting cardiac catheterization procedures by preparing the lab and operating essential equipment, including fluoro imaging and digital image acquisition. This role ensures the accurate documentation of patient information and hemodynamic measurements, while also maintaining stringent aseptic technique and patient safety standards. The Technologist I actively collaborates with the medical team to optimize patient care and departmental efficiency, serving as the radiation safety representative during X-ray usage and continually developing proficiency in specialized cath lab technologies.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Promotes Organizational Principles of Catholic Healthcare; Solidarity, Holistic Care, Respect for Human Life, Participatory Community of Work and Mutual Respect, Stewardship, Act in communion with the Church.
- Ensures major equipment is operational in assigned area(s) and documents as required for quality control; reports any issues through chain of command and per hospital process.
- Participates in daily room checks and stocking of supplies.
- Accesses daily patient schedule and appropriate patient information for assigned procedures.
- Ensures appropriate equipment, supplies, and room configuration for all procedures.
- Collaborates with procedure team and Cath Lab Lead/Coordinator to ensure appropriate patient care and departmental efficiency at all times.
- Ensures proper patient information is entered into cath lab computer and imaging systems.
- Ensures proper procedure documentation, hemodynamic measurements/recording, and ECG recognition during assigned procedures.
- Ensures patient position is appropriate and safely secured on procedure table per procedure type.
- Trains and completes competencies to set up and operate cath lab equipment including, but not limited to: Imaging (X-Ray, intravascular ultrasound-IVUS, intracardiac echo-ICE), contrast injector, hemodynamic system, intra-aortic balloon pump, rotational atherectomy, thrombectomy, left ventricular assist device, etc.
- Supports and anticipates the needs of the physician and ensures patient safety when scrubbing procedures; moves/pans table appropriately during fluoro and X-Ray acquisition.
- Adheres to aseptic technique 100% of the time during procedures and stops the line if a break in sterile technique is identified.
- Adheres to organizational policies and processes related to patient safety, patient privacy, infection control (hand hygiene), and patient communication before, during, and after procedure.
- Collaborates with others on the team in sharing knowledge; to gain and provide appropriate knowledge as appropriate; to foster teamwork and team cohesion.
- Supports department and team by engaging in patient transport as appropriate.
- Obtains and maintains proficiency in access site management.
- Acts as radiation safety representative for patients and team while X-Ray is used.
- Performs fluoro imaging and digital image acquisition as appropriate for procedure or as instructed by the physician.
- Adheres to the attendance policy and departmental productivity standards.
- Supports department and organization’s commitment to Zero Harm and Customer Service.
- Adheres to departmental and organizational dress code.
- Understands and upholds the CHRISTUS mission, vision, and purpose.
- Supports and promotes Unit based Councils, process improvement projects, and a nursing collaborative care model that meets requirements for magnet status.
- Promotes and serves with respect to the CHRISTUS core values; Dignity, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Stewardship.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Graduate from an accredited school of Radiology Technology, an associate’s degree in a healthcare-related field, or an acceptable equivalent required
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience
- 0-1 year of experience in an acute care setting preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is required within 6 months of hire to work/perform independently
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required within 6 months of hire to work/perform independently at Pediatric facilities
- One of the following certifications is preferred (individuals whose ARRT certification lapsed prior to June 1, 2023, may qualify under LSRTBE exemption criteria):
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) by CCI
- Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) by CCI
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by CCI
- Radiography (R) by ARRT
- Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) by ARRT
- Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography (CV) by ARRT
- Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) by ARRT
- Abdomen (AB) RDMS by ARDMS
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) RDMS by ARDMS
- Adult Echocardiography (AE) RDCS by ARDMS
- Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) by ARDMS
- State Licensure required based on modality
- Texas: MRT or LMRT by TMB
- Louisiana: LRT (R) or (F) by LSRTBE
- New Mexico: RRT or FUS by MIRTP NMED
In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.
Work Schedule:
4 Days - 10 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
Description
Summary:
The Catheterization Laboratory Technologist I has a critical role in supporting cardiac catheterization procedures by preparing the lab and operating essential equipment, including fluoro imaging and digital image acquisition. This role ensures the accurate documentation of patient information and hemodynamic measurements, while also maintaining stringent aseptic technique and patient safety standards. The Technologist I actively collaborates with the medical team to optimize patient care and departmental efficiency, serving as the radiation safety representative during X-ray usage and continually developing proficiency in specialized cath lab technologies.
Responsibilities:
- Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Promotes Organizational Principles of Catholic Healthcare; Solidarity, Holistic Care, Respect for Human Life, Participatory Community of Work and Mutual Respect, Stewardship, Act in communion with the Church.
- Ensures major equipment is operational in assigned area(s) and documents as required for quality control; reports any issues through chain of command and per hospital process.
- Participates in daily room checks and stocking of supplies.
- Accesses daily patient schedule and appropriate patient information for assigned procedures.
- Ensures appropriate equipment, supplies, and room configuration for all procedures.
- Collaborates with procedure team and Cath Lab Lead/Coordinator to ensure appropriate patient care and departmental efficiency at all times.
- Ensures proper patient information is entered into cath lab computer and imaging systems.
- Ensures proper procedure documentation, hemodynamic measurements/recording, and ECG recognition during assigned procedures.
- Ensures patient position is appropriate and safely secured on procedure table per procedure type.
- Trains and completes competencies to set up and operate cath lab equipment including, but not limited to: Imaging (X-Ray, intravascular ultrasound-IVUS, intracardiac echo-ICE), contrast injector, hemodynamic system, intra-aortic balloon pump, rotational atherectomy, thrombectomy, left ventricular assist device, etc.
- Supports and anticipates the needs of the physician and ensures patient safety when scrubbing procedures; moves/pans table appropriately during fluoro and X-Ray acquisition.
- Adheres to aseptic technique 100% of the time during procedures and stops the line if a break in sterile technique is identified.
- Adheres to organizational policies and processes related to patient safety, patient privacy, infection control (hand hygiene), and patient communication before, during, and after procedure.
- Collaborates with others on the team in sharing knowledge; to gain and provide appropriate knowledge as appropriate; to foster teamwork and team cohesion.
- Supports department and team by engaging in patient transport as appropriate.
- Obtains and maintains proficiency in access site management.
- Acts as radiation safety representative for patients and team while X-Ray is used.
- Performs fluoro imaging and digital image acquisition as appropriate for procedure or as instructed by the physician.
- Adheres to the attendance policy and departmental productivity standards.
- Supports department and organization’s commitment to Zero Harm and Customer Service.
- Adheres to departmental and organizational dress code.
- Understands and upholds the CHRISTUS mission, vision, and purpose.
- Supports and promotes Unit based Councils, process improvement projects, and a nursing collaborative care model that meets requirements for magnet status.
- Promotes and serves with respect to the CHRISTUS core values; Dignity, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Stewardship.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
- Graduate from an accredited school of Radiology Technology, an associate’s degree in a healthcare-related field, or an acceptable equivalent required
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Experience
- 0-1 year of experience in an acute care setting preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification is required within 6 months of hire to work/perform independently
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required within 6 months of hire to work/perform independently at Pediatric facilities
- One of the following certifications is preferred (individuals whose ARRT certification lapsed prior to June 1, 2023, may qualify under LSRTBE exemption criteria):
- Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) by CCI
- Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) by CCI
- Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) by CCI
- Radiography (R) by ARRT
- Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI) by ARRT
- Cardiovascular Interventional Radiography (CV) by ARRT
- Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) by ARRT
- Abdomen (AB) RDMS by ARDMS
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) RDMS by ARDMS
- Adult Echocardiography (AE) RDCS by ARDMS
- Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) by ARDMS
- State Licensure required based on modality
- Texas: MRT or LMRT by TMB
- Louisiana: LRT (R) or (F) by LSRTBE
- New Mexico: RRT or FUS by MIRTP NMED
In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.
Work Schedule:
4 Days - 10 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
See all 1,427+ OPT Laboratory Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Laboratory
Target STEM-designated degree holders first
If your degree is in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related STEM field, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Lead with this in applications, as it significantly reduces employer risk and extends your work authorization timeline.
Prioritize employers already familiar with OPT
Biotech companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and university research labs hire F-1 students regularly. These employers understand OPT timelines, know how to file H-1B visa petitions, and are far less likely to withdraw offers over visa concerns.
Address your OPT end date proactively
Laboratory hiring cycles can take months. Apply early enough that your OPT won't expire mid-process. Mention your authorization end date and STEM extension eligibility upfront so employers can plan H-1B sponsorship timelines around your situation.
Highlight hands-on technical skills clearly
Employers screening laboratory candidates focus on specific techniques: PCR, cell culture, mass spectrometry, HPLC, or histology. List every relevant method you've used. Technical specificity signals readiness and reduces the training burden employers weigh against sponsorship costs.
Understand the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT
To work under the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer. Most established biotech and research institutions already participate, but smaller private labs sometimes do not.
Use your university's research network strategically
Many laboratory roles are filled through academic connections before they're posted publicly. Contact professors, alumni in industry positions, and your university's career center. Internal referrals at research institutions often move faster and carry more weight than cold applications.
Laboratory OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a laboratory job on OPT without a STEM degree?
Yes, but your OPT work authorization will be limited to 12 months. A STEM-designated degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field unlocks the 24-month extension for a total of 36 months. Without it, you'll need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B before your initial OPT period ends.
Do laboratory jobs commonly lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and academic medical centers are among the more consistent H-1B sponsors in the country. Research-intensive employers file large volumes of H-1B petitions annually and often have dedicated immigration counsel. Smaller private labs and contract research organizations vary widely, so it's worth asking about their sponsorship history during interviews.
Where can I find laboratory jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT students and lists laboratory roles from employers experienced with sponsorship. Filtering by STEM-eligible positions helps you identify opportunities where the employer already understands OPT timelines and H-1B requirements, saving you the effort of screening out roles that won't work for your situation.
Does my laboratory job need to be directly related to my degree field for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. A chemistry graduate working in a pharmaceutical lab analyzing compounds clearly qualifies. A position with only peripheral connection to your degree may put your status at risk. When in doubt, consult your Designated School Official before accepting an offer.
What happens if my OPT expires while my H-1B is pending for a laboratory role?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have an unexpired EAD, you may be covered by a cap-gap extension through September 30 of that year. Your Designated School Official can issue a cap-gap I-20 confirming your continued authorized status. Do not stop working or travel internationally during this period without consulting an immigration attorney.