OPT Laboratory Manager Jobs
Laboratory Manager roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related sciences. Most positions require hands-on lab experience, which aligns well with STEM OPT extensions. Your 12-month standard OPT window, extendable to 36 months under STEM OPT, gives employers a meaningful runway.
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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 1,429+ OPT Laboratory Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Laboratory Manager
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Tell employers early that your STEM degree qualifies you for a 36-month OPT period. Many lab hiring managers don't know this distinction. Framing your authorization as a three-year window removes the common objection that OPT students are a short-term hire.
Highlight lab-specific technical credentials
Certifications in biosafety, chemical hygiene, or equipment calibration strengthen your application considerably. Employers hiring Laboratory Managers want proof of compliance knowledge, not just bench experience. List any safety training, SOPs you've authored, or audits you've supported directly on your resume.
Target research institutions and university labs
Academic and government research labs are experienced with OPT and CPT work authorization. They hire international students regularly and often have designated HR contacts who understand DSO reporting requirements, making the authorization conversation significantly smoother than with small private employers.
Show evidence of supervisory or coordination experience
Laboratory Manager roles require managing staff, budgets, and compliance, not just running experiments. Document any experience supervising lab assistants, ordering supplies, or coordinating between research teams. This differentiates you from candidates with strong technical skills but no operational background.
Understand your reporting obligations before interviews
OPT requires you to report employer changes to your DSO within 10 days. Know this process thoroughly so you can answer employer questions about your status confidently. Employers who are hesitant about OPT often relax when a candidate demonstrates they understand the compliance requirements.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not before
Raise the H-1B visa question after you have demonstrated your value through interviews. Laboratory Manager is a specialty occupation that qualifies for H-1B, so the pathway exists. Bringing it up too early can stall conversations before employers have seen what you bring to the role.
Laboratory Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Laboratory Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your underlying degree, not the job title itself. If your degree is in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, or another STEM field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your Laboratory Manager role is directly related to that field, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO must verify the connection between your degree and your job duties.
Can I work as a Laboratory Manager on standard 12-month OPT?
Yes. Laboratory Manager is a post-completion OPT-eligible position as long as the role is directly related to your degree field and you maintain valid OPT authorization throughout employment. You must report the employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you can apply for the extension before your standard OPT expires to stay authorized longer.
Do Laboratory Manager employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, research hospitals, and university settings. Laboratory Manager meets the specialty occupation standard because the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific scientific field. Employers in regulated industries, such as those operating under FDA or EPA oversight, are generally more familiar with H-1B sponsorship than smaller private labs.
How do I find Laboratory Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring or hiring international candidates. Searching there saves you from applying to positions where OPT status will immediately disqualify you, which is a common and time-consuming problem when using general job search platforms.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm between Laboratory Manager jobs?
You have a 90-day cumulative unemployment allowance during standard OPT, which is reduced to 60 days if you're on STEM OPT extension. Unemployment is tracked from your OPT start date, not from when you leave a job. If you exceed the limit, your OPT is automatically invalidated. Actively documenting your job search and maintaining contact with your DSO during any gap is essential.