Medical Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsDescription: Performs assigned patient care and observation duties under the direction of a licensed provider, RN, or LPN. Responsible for performing routine and more complex medical assistant clinical duties to include, but not limited to, taking vital signs, administering a limited profile of medications per The Emory Clinic approved policy, performing simple diagnostic tests, collecting specimens, drawing blood, sterilizing and cleaning equipment, and maintaining examination rooms in an outpatient care setting. As part of a patient focused service, promotes a supportive and healing environment to enhance customer and staff satisfaction. Assists in emergency situations as directed by a licensed provider, RN, or LPN. May also be responsible for some administrative duties in support of patient and practice operations including patient check in/out, responding to patient requests, reinforcing patient and family education, and visitor/telephone reception. Maintains patients' charts and records data, ensuring proper identification, documentation, routing, and confidentiality. Maintains a clean and healthy environment in compliance with Universal Precaution guidelines and safety standards. Orders, verifies, and stores unit supplies. All duties and patient interaction performed in accordance with Emory Healthcare patient and family centered care standards. May participate in research projects impacting patient care areas. Performs other related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED required. Basic computer skills required. One year work experience preferred. Current AHA BLS certification is required for hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Current certification as one of the following is required: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Preferred certification is the CMA or RMA. Must successfully complete all medical assistant orientation and training requirements and annual skills competency.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium):
- 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally)
- 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently)
- 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly)
- Lifting 50 lbs max
- Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs
- Occasional to frequent standing & walking
- Occasional sitting
- Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing)
- Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:
- Blood-borne pathogen exposure
- Bio-hazardous waste
- Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors
- Communicable diseases
- Electrical shock
- Floor Surfaces
- Hot/Cold Temperatures
- Indoor/Outdoor conditions
- Latex
- Lighting
- Patient care/handling injuries
- Radiation
- Shift work
- Travel may be required.
Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
Description: Performs assigned patient care and observation duties under the direction of a licensed provider, RN, or LPN. Responsible for performing routine and more complex medical assistant clinical duties to include, but not limited to, taking vital signs, administering a limited profile of medications per The Emory Clinic approved policy, performing simple diagnostic tests, collecting specimens, drawing blood, sterilizing and cleaning equipment, and maintaining examination rooms in an outpatient care setting. As part of a patient focused service, promotes a supportive and healing environment to enhance customer and staff satisfaction. Assists in emergency situations as directed by a licensed provider, RN, or LPN. May also be responsible for some administrative duties in support of patient and practice operations including patient check in/out, responding to patient requests, reinforcing patient and family education, and visitor/telephone reception. Maintains patients' charts and records data, ensuring proper identification, documentation, routing, and confidentiality. Maintains a clean and healthy environment in compliance with Universal Precaution guidelines and safety standards. Orders, verifies, and stores unit supplies. All duties and patient interaction performed in accordance with Emory Healthcare patient and family centered care standards. May participate in research projects impacting patient care areas. Performs other related responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma or GED required. Basic computer skills required. One year work experience preferred. Current AHA BLS certification is required for hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Current certification as one of the following is required: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), or National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Preferred certification is the CMA or RMA. Must successfully complete all medical assistant orientation and training requirements and annual skills competency.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium):
- 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally)
- 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently)
- 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly)
- Lifting 50 lbs max
- Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs
- Occasional to frequent standing & walking
- Occasional sitting
- Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing)
- Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:
- Blood-borne pathogen exposure
- Bio-hazardous waste
- Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors
- Communicable diseases
- Electrical shock
- Floor Surfaces
- Hot/Cold Temperatures
- Indoor/Outdoor conditions
- Latex
- Lighting
- Patient care/handling injuries
- Radiation
- Shift work
- Travel may be required.
Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 (for Canadian or Mexican nationals) or O-1 with an immigration attorney before your status lapses.
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