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 JobsEMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full time
SHIFT:
Day Shift
DESCRIPTION:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well. MercyOne North Iowa is the largest provider of health care services in our region, and we are proudly the largest employer in Cerro Gordo County. Our hospital is a private, not-for-profit health care center, licensed for 346 beds, which serves more than 400,000 inpatients and outpatients each year. In addition, MercyOne North Iowa is a teaching institution. We conduct a Family Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and a School of Radiologic Technology. MercyOne North Iowa is a clinical training site for approximately 500 students from 127 different colleges enrolled in programs for medical laboratory, nursing, paramedic, rehabilitation, medical assistants, pastoral services, physicians and many other medical fields.
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Clinic Medical Assistant at the Forest Park Clinic.
As a Clinic Medical Assistant at MercyOne, you will provide support in the medical field by performing various medical and clerical activities to assure quality care and a more efficient workplace.
- Escorts patient to exam room. Obtains and documents data to include but not limited to chief complaint, allergies, vital signs, pain level, medication history, and fall risk. Obtains and reviews basic health history information. Anticipates and prepares exam room with equipment and supplies required for the visit. Assists with exams/procedures as requested.
- Utilizes written Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa policies/procedures and universal precautions when performing lab/diagnostic tests or procedures. Reports and documents all critical lab/diagnostic test values to provider. Performs, maintains and documents quality controls as applicable/requested, i.e., logs, proficiency tests, maintenance records, etc.
- Assists in scheduling patients for office appointments, lab/diagnostic tests/referrals. Reviews written test preparation handout with patient and documents in medical record. Refers patient to provider/registered nurse if patient education is required.
- Completes charge ticket/submits charges in electronic health record to include and obtain the diagnosis from the provider, identifying and initialing all billable supplies and services. Obtains ABN per e-LMRP as necessary.
- Utilizes proper procedure for administering medications with emphasis on patient safety. Documents administration of medications.
- Maintains competency in administering medications via the following routes: IM, SQ, ID, oral, inhalation, ocular, optic, topical, sublingual, and nasal.
- Documents notification/follow-up of phone messages under direct supervision of a provider.
SCHEDULE:
- Full Time
- Days M-F, 8am-5pm
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum of six months work experience in a health care facility performing duties relating to patient care is preferred.
- Additional experience involving computer knowledge.
Education:
- Graduate of an approved school for medical assistant required.
- Credentialed as a medical assistant is required (CMA, RMA, NCMA). CCMA certification is accepted with successful completion of a training program.
Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full time
SHIFT:
Day Shift
DESCRIPTION:
At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor’s visit or a place to go when you’re in need of medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities – that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well. MercyOne North Iowa is the largest provider of health care services in our region, and we are proudly the largest employer in Cerro Gordo County. Our hospital is a private, not-for-profit health care center, licensed for 346 beds, which serves more than 400,000 inpatients and outpatients each year. In addition, MercyOne North Iowa is a teaching institution. We conduct a Family Medicine Residency, Internal Medicine Residency, Cardiology Fellowship, Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship, PGY1 Pharmacy Residency and a School of Radiologic Technology. MercyOne North Iowa is a clinical training site for approximately 500 students from 127 different colleges enrolled in programs for medical laboratory, nursing, paramedic, rehabilitation, medical assistants, pastoral services, physicians and many other medical fields.
Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Clinic Medical Assistant at the Forest Park Clinic.
As a Clinic Medical Assistant at MercyOne, you will provide support in the medical field by performing various medical and clerical activities to assure quality care and a more efficient workplace.
- Escorts patient to exam room. Obtains and documents data to include but not limited to chief complaint, allergies, vital signs, pain level, medication history, and fall risk. Obtains and reviews basic health history information. Anticipates and prepares exam room with equipment and supplies required for the visit. Assists with exams/procedures as requested.
- Utilizes written Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa policies/procedures and universal precautions when performing lab/diagnostic tests or procedures. Reports and documents all critical lab/diagnostic test values to provider. Performs, maintains and documents quality controls as applicable/requested, i.e., logs, proficiency tests, maintenance records, etc.
- Assists in scheduling patients for office appointments, lab/diagnostic tests/referrals. Reviews written test preparation handout with patient and documents in medical record. Refers patient to provider/registered nurse if patient education is required.
- Completes charge ticket/submits charges in electronic health record to include and obtain the diagnosis from the provider, identifying and initialing all billable supplies and services. Obtains ABN per e-LMRP as necessary.
- Utilizes proper procedure for administering medications with emphasis on patient safety. Documents administration of medications.
- Maintains competency in administering medications via the following routes: IM, SQ, ID, oral, inhalation, ocular, optic, topical, sublingual, and nasal.
- Documents notification/follow-up of phone messages under direct supervision of a provider.
SCHEDULE:
- Full Time
- Days M-F, 8am-5pm
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum of six months work experience in a health care facility performing duties relating to patient care is preferred.
- Additional experience involving computer knowledge.
Education:
- Graduate of an approved school for medical assistant required.
- Credentialed as a medical assistant is required (CMA, RMA, NCMA). CCMA certification is accepted with successful completion of a training program.
Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 2,984+ OPT Medical Assistant Jobs
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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.