OPT Medical Assistant Jobs
Medical Assistant jobs on OPT are available across hospitals, private practices, and urgent care clinics. Most roles qualify under STEM-adjacent healthcare classifications, and many employers are familiar with F-1 work authorization. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you meaningful time to build clinical experience and find long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
You’re not just applying for a job - you’re stepping into a role that matters and where YOU matter.
At Eastern Nephrology Associates, our Medical Assistants don’t just take vitals. They walk beside patients through some of the hardest days of their lives and help them feel seen. If you want meaningful work with a supportive team, generous benefits, and weekday hours, keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here’s what you’ll be doing each week:
- Give injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal) under a provider’s supervision and document it properly
- Take and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Perform fingerstick tests to check hemoglobin levels (after proper training and certification)
- Weigh patients and enter results into the electronic medical record (EMR)
SUMMARY
Performs routine clinical and administrative duties to support physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed clinical staff in delivering high-quality patient care. Responsible for vital signs, basic lab testing, injections, EMR documentation, and patient support throughout the clinical visit.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of a two-year associate degree from an accredited Medical Assistant program
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Preferred: Experience using Acumen and EPIC
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be proficient in obtaining vital signs, recording patient information accurately and keeping the nurse manager aware of any high-risk situations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and EMR systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills for patient and team interaction
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork
- Ability to demonstrate and uphold ENA’s core values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All essential functions listed below are expected to be performed on-site. ENA has determined that these duties cannot be effectively or securely executed in a remote environment without compromising patient care, data privacy, or operational standards.
- Administer subcutaneous, intermuscular, or intra-dermal injections under direct supervision of a physician as required by protocol and documented in the patient’s chart 25%
- Obtains vital signs, which includes blood pressure, temperature, and pulse (radial or apical) 25%
- Check HGB of patient via fingerstick after training and certification by qualified personnel. 25%
- Obtains patient weight and records the information in the chart via the EMR 25%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 10 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. The noise level is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. Work Schedule is Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with a one-hour lunch.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
INTRODUCTION
You’re not just applying for a job - you’re stepping into a role that matters and where YOU matter.
At Eastern Nephrology Associates, our Medical Assistants don’t just take vitals. They walk beside patients through some of the hardest days of their lives and help them feel seen. If you want meaningful work with a supportive team, generous benefits, and weekday hours, keep reading.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Here’s what you’ll be doing each week:
- Give injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal) under a provider’s supervision and document it properly
- Take and record vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse
- Perform fingerstick tests to check hemoglobin levels (after proper training and certification)
- Weigh patients and enter results into the electronic medical record (EMR)
SUMMARY
Performs routine clinical and administrative duties to support physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and licensed clinical staff in delivering high-quality patient care. Responsible for vital signs, basic lab testing, injections, EMR documentation, and patient support throughout the clinical visit.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of a two-year associate degree from an accredited Medical Assistant program
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Preferred: Experience using Acumen and EPIC
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be proficient in obtaining vital signs, recording patient information accurately and keeping the nurse manager aware of any high-risk situations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and EMR systems
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills for patient and team interaction
- Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and teamwork
- Ability to demonstrate and uphold ENA’s core values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Innovation
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
All essential functions listed below are expected to be performed on-site. ENA has determined that these duties cannot be effectively or securely executed in a remote environment without compromising patient care, data privacy, or operational standards.
- Administer subcutaneous, intermuscular, or intra-dermal injections under direct supervision of a physician as required by protocol and documented in the patient’s chart 25%
- Obtains vital signs, which includes blood pressure, temperature, and pulse (radial or apical) 25%
- Check HGB of patient via fingerstick after training and certification by qualified personnel. 25%
- Obtains patient weight and records the information in the chart via the EMR 25%
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Hearing, visual acuity, talking.
- Reaching, grabbing, holding – fine motor skills.
- Extended periods in a stationary or standing position.
- Repetitive motion such as entering data into computer-based programs.
- Lift or move up to 10 pounds. Employees are expected to use appropriate ergonomics and tools such as hand carts for heavier loads.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. The noise level is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. Work Schedule is Monday- Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with a one-hour lunch.
This position is designated as an on-site, patient-facing role. In-office presence is an essential function due to the need for real-time collaboration with providers, direct interaction with patients and caregivers, and secure handling of health data in compliance with HIPAA.
To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please see our Accessibility Statement or contact Human Resources at hr@easternnephrology.com or 252-864-2049.
See all 1,208+ OPT Medical Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Medical Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Medical Assistant
Target employers with a history of visa sponsorship
Large hospital systems and multi-location clinics are more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsorship than solo practices. Search Migrate Mate to filter for Medical Assistant roles at employers who have sponsored visas before.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Medical Assistant programs vary. If your degree is in health informatics, clinical laboratory science, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting a role.
Get certified before you apply
Holding a CMA (AAMA) or RMA credential signals clinical readiness and reduces employer hesitation around sponsoring international hires. Certified candidates are easier to sponsor because their qualifications are nationally standardized and clearly documented.
Be transparent about your OPT timeline upfront
Disclose your work authorization status and end date early in the hiring process. Employers who want to sponsor will ask about it anyway, and transparency avoids wasting time with employers who won't consider sponsorship at all.
Ask specifically about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Many healthcare employers assume medical assistants aren't H-1B visa eligible because the role doesn't always require a bachelor's degree. Come prepared to explain your educational background and why your role qualifies as a specialty occupation.
Build relationships with physicians and office managers
Sponsorship decisions in smaller practices often come down to personal advocacy. A physician who values your work is far more likely to push HR toward sponsoring you than a hiring manager who only knows you from a resume.
Medical Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Medical Assistant on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Medical Assistant roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in health sciences, medical assisting, or a related clinical field, you're eligible to work in this role during your OPT period. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Medical Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Medical assisting degrees are not typically on the STEM OPT extension list, but degrees in health informatics, biomedical science, or clinical laboratory science may qualify. Check with your DSO to confirm whether your specific program is STEM-designated before assuming you're eligible for the 24-month extension.
Which employers sponsor Medical Assistants for H-1B visas?
Large hospital networks, federally qualified health centers, and multi-site clinic groups are the most likely to sponsor Medical Assistants for H-1B visas because they have dedicated HR and legal teams to manage the process. Solo practices and small clinics rarely have the infrastructure to sponsor. Browse Medical Assistant roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with a documented history of visa sponsorship.
Is Medical Assistant considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
This is the core challenge. USCIS requires that H-1B specialty occupations normally require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Many Medical Assistant roles require only an associate degree or certificate, which can make H-1B eligibility difficult. Roles that require a bachelor's in health sciences or a related field, and where the employer can document that requirement, have a stronger case.
What should I do if my OPT is expiring before I find a sponsoring employer?
If you're running out of time, prioritize roles at larger healthcare employers who have sponsored before and apply early. If you're eligible for a STEM extension, file before your OPT expires to maintain work authorization. If H-1B isn't viable for your role, discuss other options like TN visa (for Canadian or Mexican nationals) or O-1 visa with an immigration attorney before your status lapses.