OPT Medical Doctor Jobs

Medical Doctor jobs on OPT are rare but real. Most F-1 graduates pursue residency through the NRMP Match, which doesn't require employer-sponsored OPT separately. Your 12-month OPT clock typically starts after residency program acceptance. STEM extension doesn't apply to MD roles, so timeline planning is critical.

Find OPT Medical Doctor Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs2,830+
Work Type97% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsOptum

Showing 5 of 2,830+ Medical Doctor jobs

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
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New 5h ago
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Kroger
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$61 - $64/hr
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
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New 16h ago
Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
TANNER CLINIC
Layton, Utah
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Physician Office Manager
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New 20h ago
Physician Office Manager
Mount Sinai Medical Center
Miami Beach, Florida
Healthcare Administration
Human Resources
Customer Service & Support
Business Operations
Compliance & Legal
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Lead Physician Assistant
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New 20h ago
Lead Physician Assistant
Bristol Hospital Incorporated
Bristol, Connecticut
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$130k - $145k/yr
On-Site
Master's

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Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
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Added 1d ago
Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Access Medical Clinic
Warner Robins, Georgia
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
On-Site
Master's
201-500

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Medical Doctor

Understand how residency intersects with OPT

Residency programs are training positions, not standard employment. Confirm with your DSO whether your program qualifies as OPT-authorized practical training before you begin, since misclassification can jeopardize your status and future visa options.

Apply for OPT before your program end date

USCIS requires your OPT application to be filed no earlier than 90 days before your program ends. Most medical graduates miss the window by focusing on boards. File early and track your EAD card arrival date carefully.

Prioritize residency programs with J-1 or H-1B sponsorship history

Most residency programs sponsor physicians on J-1 visa or H-1B visas after OPT ends. Ask program coordinators directly about their sponsorship track record before ranking them, since not all programs sponsor international graduates equally.

Know your USMLE requirements won't change with visa status

ECFMG certification and all three USMLE steps are required regardless of your visa type. Completing these before OPT begins positions you as application-ready and removes a common concern program directors have about international medical graduates.

Use your OPT period strategically for observerships

If you're awaiting Match results or between placements, clinical observerships at teaching hospitals are OPT-eligible activities in most cases. They strengthen your application and maintain training continuity during gaps, but verify eligibility with your DSO first.

Target teaching hospitals with established international graduate pipelines

Academic medical centers at institutions like Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and Mayo Clinic regularly sponsor international physicians. These programs have dedicated HR processes for work authorization, reducing the administrative friction that delays OPT-to-visa transitions for medical graduates.

Medical Doctor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Medical Doctor in the United States on OPT?

Yes, but with important constraints. You must have an active EAD card authorizing OPT employment before starting any clinical work. Your OPT must be in a field directly related to your degree, so an MD graduate working in a non-clinical role may not qualify. Verify your specific position with your DSO before accepting any offer.

Does OPT work for residency programs?

Yes, residency is generally considered OPT-eligible practical training for medical graduates. However, the program must be directly related to your field of study. Most residency programs are familiar with OPT authorization, but you should confirm with the program's HR department and your DSO before your start date, since administrative delays are common.

What happens to my OPT status if I don't match in the NRMP?

If you don't match, your OPT clock continues running regardless. You have 90 days of unemployment allowed during your OPT period in total. Use that window to apply for SOAP, pursue observerships, or prepare for the next cycle. Letting OPT expire without employment or a new visa status creates a serious gap in lawful status.

Do Medical Doctor roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

No. Medicine is not a STEM-designated field under the DHS STEM list, so MD graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You have 12 months of standard OPT. Planning your J-1 or H-1B transition before OPT expires is essential. Browse residency programs sponsoring international physicians on Migrate Mate to identify your options early.

Can I do a fellowship on OPT after residency?

Only if you have remaining OPT time authorized for your current degree. OPT is tied to a specific degree program, and residency typically consumes most or all of your 12-month window. Many fellows transition to J-1 exchange visitor status through ECFMG sponsorship instead, which is the most common pathway for post-residency clinical training in the U.S.