OPT Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a related biomedical field. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Hospitals, reference labs, and public health agencies regularly hire MLS graduates on OPT.
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Job Summary
Under general supervision, performs analyses on a variety of sample types. Maintains proper records and utilizes independent judgement to generate acceptable test results. Responsible for quality, efficiency and safety in the performance of laboratory functions. Serves as a fully effective and participative member of the multidisciplinary patient care services team.
Primary Responsibilities
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.
- Independently performs waived, moderate and high complexity testing using manual and automated processes. Complies and participates with all regulatory agency guidelines (CLIA 88, TJC, CAP, FDA, etc.) and addresses concerns as needed.
- Independently identifies and resolves analytical problems, troubleshoots equipment issues and takes corrective action in evaluating testing procedures, patient results and specimen integrity; seeks guidance when necessary.
- Independently reviews and records quality control and determines the acceptability of testing, patient results, and instrument function by applying the principles of QA/QC daily.
- Responds to clinical and customer concerns, independently resolves customer issues in a confidential manner, employing integrity and discretion.
- Assists with development and modification of procedures and assumes additional responsibilities when appropriate.
- Independently troubleshoots and resolves problems and documents corrective actions.
- Attends/Leads mandatory education, training, and in-service meetings specific to department.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience - Required
Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, biology or related sciences required or; an Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, or completion of Military Laboratory Technology with a minimum of three years of experience.
No experience required with a Bachelor’s degree, or three years of experience in a clinical laboratory with an Associate’s degree or completion of Military Laboratory Technician program required.
Education & Experience - Preferred
Licensure/Certifications: ASCP or equivalent preferred.
Job Requirements
10K Sign On Bonus
Job Summary
Under general supervision, performs analyses on a variety of sample types. Maintains proper records and utilizes independent judgement to generate acceptable test results. Responsible for quality, efficiency and safety in the performance of laboratory functions. Serves as a fully effective and participative member of the multidisciplinary patient care services team.
Primary Responsibilities
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.
- Independently performs waived, moderate and high complexity testing using manual and automated processes. Complies and participates with all regulatory agency guidelines (CLIA 88, TJC, CAP, FDA, etc.) and addresses concerns as needed.
- Independently identifies and resolves analytical problems, troubleshoots equipment issues and takes corrective action in evaluating testing procedures, patient results and specimen integrity; seeks guidance when necessary.
- Independently reviews and records quality control and determines the acceptability of testing, patient results, and instrument function by applying the principles of QA/QC daily.
- Responds to clinical and customer concerns, independently resolves customer issues in a confidential manner, employing integrity and discretion.
- Assists with development and modification of procedures and assumes additional responsibilities when appropriate.
- Independently troubleshoots and resolves problems and documents corrective actions.
- Attends/Leads mandatory education, training, and in-service meetings specific to department.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience - Required
Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, biology or related sciences required or; an Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, or completion of Military Laboratory Technology with a minimum of three years of experience.
No experience required with a Bachelor’s degree, or three years of experience in a clinical laboratory with an Associate’s degree or completion of Military Laboratory Technician program required.
Education & Experience - Preferred
Licensure/Certifications: ASCP or equivalent preferred.
See all 752+ OPT Medical Laboratory Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Hospitals, hospital networks, and large reference laboratories like Quest and LabCorp are enrolled E-Verify employers. Confirm E-Verify enrollment before applying so your 24-month STEM OPT extension is actually usable from day one.
Lead with your ASCP certification status
MLS(ASCP) certification signals clinical competency to hiring managers and satisfies many state licensure requirements. If you're board-eligible but not yet certified, say so explicitly. Employers know new graduates often sit for boards after starting.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Lab hiring cycles can run 6 to 10 weeks. Tell recruiters your OPT start date and remaining authorized period early. This prevents late-stage rejections from employers who misunderstand how post-completion OPT timelines work.
Apply to teaching hospitals and academic medical centers
Academic medical centers affiliated with universities often have established international hiring pipelines and HR teams familiar with OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. They are more likely to retain high-performing OPT employees after authorization expires.
Highlight specialty rotations that match the job posting
Microbiology, hematology, and molecular diagnostics are high-demand specialties. Match your clinical rotation experience directly to the department listed in the posting. Specificity outperforms a generic list of laboratory competencies in competitive applicant pools.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Raise H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage, not after you start. Ask whether the employer has sponsored MLS roles before. A yes with prior experience is a stronger signal than a general willingness to consider it in the future.
Medical Laboratory Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Medical Laboratory Scientist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Medical Laboratory Scientist positions typically fall under CIP codes in clinical laboratory science, which is a STEM-designated field. That means you're eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before filing the extension.
Do I need a state license to work as an MLS on OPT?
It depends on the state. About half of U.S. states require a clinical laboratory scientist license to work independently, including California, Florida, and New York. Licensing requirements are separate from OPT authorization. You can often start working while your license application is pending, but verify this with your employer and state licensing board before your start date.
How can I find Medical Laboratory Scientist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't work with OPT. Search for Medical Laboratory Scientist roles directly on Migrate Mate to find positions at hospitals, reference labs, and public health organizations that are open to OPT candidates.
Will employers sponsor me for an H-1B after my OPT ends?
Many hospital systems and large reference laboratories have sponsored MLS professionals for H-1B visas, particularly in high-demand specialties like microbiology and molecular diagnostics. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and depends on the employer's size, HR infrastructure, and your performance. The best time to confirm a potential employer's H-1B track record is during the offer negotiation stage, not after you start.
Can I work in multiple laboratory departments on OPT, or am I restricted to one specialty?
OPT authorizes you to work in your field of study broadly, not in a single department or specialty. A Medical Laboratory Scientist on OPT can rotate through chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and other sections without violating work authorization, as long as the role aligns with your degree. However, your EAD must be valid and you must be employed in a role that directly relates to your program of study.