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.

See All OPT Medical Coding Specialist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs145+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type69% On-site
Median Salary$25K
Top LocationRemote
Most JobsPrisma Health

Showing 5 of 145+ Medical Coding Specialist jobs

OneOncology
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
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OneOncology
Added 1mo ago
Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
OneOncology
Nashville, Tennessee
Healthcare Administration
Medical Coding & Billing
Remote (US)
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Sanford Health
Release of Information Specialist
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Sanford Health
New 17h ago
Release of Information Specialist
Sanford Health
Bemidji, Minnesota
Healthcare Administration
Customer Service & Support
Medical Coding & Billing
$18/hr - $24/hr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's
10,000+

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R1 Rcm
HIM Specialist
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R1 Rcm
New 20h ago
HIM Specialist
R1 Rcm
Salem, Indiana
Healthcare Administration
Data Science & Analytics
Medical Coding & Billing
Not listed
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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Beacon Health System
Prior-Authorization Specialist
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Beacon Health System
Added 1d ago
Prior-Authorization Specialist
Beacon Health System
South Bend, Indiana
Customer Service & Support
Healthcare Administration
Medical Coding & Billing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Sanford Bismarck
Release of Information Specialist
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Sanford Bismarck
Added 1d ago
Release of Information Specialist
Sanford Bismarck
Bemidji, Minnesota
Healthcare Administration
Medical Coding & Billing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$37,904 - $51,199/yr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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See all 145+ Medical Coding Specialist Jobs

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See all 145+ OPT Medical Coding Specialist Jobs

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Tips 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.