OPT Medical Coding Specialist Jobs
Medical Coding Specialist roles on OPT require F-1 students to secure employer authorization before their OPT start date. Most positions in this field qualify as STEM-adjacent through health informatics programs, and many hospital systems and coding firms actively hire candidates with CPC or CCS credentials.
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Get Access To All JobsBuilding Location:
Essentia Health Distribution Center
Department:
1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS
Job Description:
Will conduct documentation and coding reviews to ensure compliance with published coding standards, federal and state regulations and Essentia’s Coding Quality Review policy. This includes but is not limited to record reviews for APC, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes to determine overall coding/charge capture accuracy and identify documentation and educational gaps. This position is also responsible for mentoring, training and providing ongoing feedback and education to hospital outpatient coding staff. This position will work closely with the Coding Manager and Outpatient Coding Supervisor to help support the outpatient coders.
Education Qualifications:
Associates degree in healthcare or business related field and 3 years of coding experience
OR
Bachelors degree in healthcare or business related field and 2 years coding experience
Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
Certification/Licensure Requirements:
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information technician)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
FTE:
1
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Remote
Shift Rotation:
Day Rotation (United States of America)
Compensation Range:
$25.22 - $37.83
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.
Building Location:
Essentia Health Distribution Center
Department:
1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS
Job Description:
Will conduct documentation and coding reviews to ensure compliance with published coding standards, federal and state regulations and Essentia’s Coding Quality Review policy. This includes but is not limited to record reviews for APC, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes to determine overall coding/charge capture accuracy and identify documentation and educational gaps. This position is also responsible for mentoring, training and providing ongoing feedback and education to hospital outpatient coding staff. This position will work closely with the Coding Manager and Outpatient Coding Supervisor to help support the outpatient coders.
Education Qualifications:
Associates degree in healthcare or business related field and 3 years of coding experience
OR
Bachelors degree in healthcare or business related field and 2 years coding experience
Licensure/Certification Qualifications:
Certification/Licensure Requirements:
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information technician)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital)
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
FTE:
1
Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:
Remote
Shift Rotation:
Day Rotation (United States of America)
Compensation Range:
$25.22 - $37.83
Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at (218) 576-0000.
See all 97+ OPT Medical Coding Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Medical Coding Specialist
Lead with your coding credentials
CPC, CCS, or CCA certifications signal job-readiness faster than your degree alone. Employers hiring remote medical coders receive high applicant volume, so a visible credential in your resume headline immediately separates you from uncertified candidates.
Clarify your OPT authorization upfront
Medical coding roles often attract applicants who need H-1B visa sponsorship later. Being transparent that you have OPT work authorization now, with STEM extension eligibility if applicable, removes hiring hesitation before it becomes a rejection reason.
Target revenue cycle and health informatics employers
Large hospital networks, medical billing companies, and health IT firms process thousands of claims and hire coders consistently. These employers have HR infrastructure familiar with OPT authorization, making them more comfortable extending offers to F-1 students.
Emphasize remote work readiness
A significant share of medical coding positions are fully remote. Highlight any experience coding from home, using encoder software like Optum360 or 3M, and maintaining productivity independently. Remote roles also expand your employer pool beyond your current city.
Align your degree field to the STEM OPT extension
If your degree is in health informatics, biomedical science, or a related STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO and mention this eligibility to employers who ask about long-term work authorization.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Hiring timelines for coding roles can stretch four to eight weeks. Starting your search at least two months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers time to complete onboarding and background checks without your work authorization becoming a scheduling problem.
Medical Coding Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Medical Coding Specialist on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Medical Coding Specialist roles qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Common qualifying degree fields include health information management, health informatics, biomedical science, and related programs. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do medical coding employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly large hospital systems, health IT companies, and national medical billing firms. These employers hire coders at scale and often have HR teams experienced with OPT authorization. Smaller independent practices are less consistent. On Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for Medical Coding Specialist roles at employers open to OPT candidates.
Does a medical coding degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree and its CIP code. Health informatics and health information management programs are frequently STEM-designated, which would make you eligible for a 24-month extension after your initial 12 months of OPT. Check your program's CIP code with your international student office to confirm eligibility before making employment plans.
Can I work remotely as a Medical Coding Specialist on OPT?
Yes, and remote work is common in this field. For OPT purposes, your work authorization is tied to your employment relationship with a qualifying employer, not to a physical work location. You must still report your employer and any changes to your DSO through SEVP. Remote roles at OPT-friendly employers are a practical way to expand your options.
What should I tell employers about my OPT authorization timeline?
Be direct about your OPT start date, end date, and whether you're eligible for a STEM extension. Employers want to know how long you can work without additional filings on their part. If you have 12 months of standard OPT plus a potential 24-month STEM extension, saying so upfront gives employers a realistic picture of your availability and often reduces hesitation.