OPT Neurologist Jobs
Neurologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated programs in medicine or neuroscience, which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions are in academic medical centers or hospital systems that routinely sponsor H-1B visas, making neurology one of the more OPT-friendly physician specialties.
Find OPT Neurologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 88+ Neurologist jobs
See all 88+ Neurologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Neurologist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
This position will serve as a Hospitalist Neurologist in the Department of Neurology at the University of South Florida, at the rank of Assistant Professor, at Tampa General Hospital.
The Neurology Hospitalist provides comprehensive inpatient neurological care for patients admitted with acute and complex neurological conditions. This role focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of neurological disorders in the hospital setting, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely, high-quality, and evidence-based care.
This position is essential to maintaining efficient inpatient neurology services, improving patient flow, and delivering safe, patient-centered neurological care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Clinical- 90%- Responsible for providing medical care, inpatient hospital examinations/diagnosis and treatment/therapy. Prepares medical records and correspondence related to patient care. Conducts health counseling in preventative medicine for patients with the guidance of the attending doctor.
-
Teaching - 5%- Conducts teaching to Fellow, residents and medical students in the Department of Neurology.
-
Other duties as assigned- 5%
Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher-level administrator of a State university. Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities.
Responsible for academic advising and related activities. May represent the university, college/school, or department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Medical degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. For Associate/Full Professor - Normally will have produced creative work, professional writing or research in refereed and other professional journals and be a recognized authority in the field of specialization.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must hold or be eligible for a full, unrestricted Florida Medical License or foreign equivalent required. To perform this position, the candidate will need to obtain and maintain a full unrestricted FL Medical License, maintain credentials in the USF Health faculty practice plan, and be a medical staff member in good standing at the hospitals he/she is assigned to perform clinical duties. The candidate will participate in the teaching of residents, fellows, and medical students in clinical medicine.
MUST BE BOARD CERTIFIED/ELIGIBLE IN: Neurology Hospitalist
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
INTRODUCTION
This position will serve as a Hospitalist Neurologist in the Department of Neurology at the University of South Florida, at the rank of Assistant Professor, at Tampa General Hospital.
The Neurology Hospitalist provides comprehensive inpatient neurological care for patients admitted with acute and complex neurological conditions. This role focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of neurological disorders in the hospital setting, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure timely, high-quality, and evidence-based care.
This position is essential to maintaining efficient inpatient neurology services, improving patient flow, and delivering safe, patient-centered neurological care.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Clinical- 90%- Responsible for providing medical care, inpatient hospital examinations/diagnosis and treatment/therapy. Prepares medical records and correspondence related to patient care. Conducts health counseling in preventative medicine for patients with the guidance of the attending doctor.
-
Teaching - 5%- Conducts teaching to Fellow, residents and medical students in the Department of Neurology.
-
Other duties as assigned- 5%
Responsible to a Chair or other appropriate higher-level administrator of a State university. Responsible for teaching, research, service, and related administrative activities.
Responsible for academic advising and related activities. May represent the university, college/school, or department.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Medical degree from an accredited institution or the highest degree appropriate in the field of specialization with a demonstrated record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service. Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. For Associate/Full Professor - Normally will have produced creative work, professional writing or research in refereed and other professional journals and be a recognized authority in the field of specialization.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must hold or be eligible for a full, unrestricted Florida Medical License or foreign equivalent required. To perform this position, the candidate will need to obtain and maintain a full unrestricted FL Medical License, maintain credentials in the USF Health faculty practice plan, and be a medical staff member in good standing at the hospitals he/she is assigned to perform clinical duties. The candidate will participate in the teaching of residents, fellows, and medical students in clinical medicine.
MUST BE BOARD CERTIFIED/ELIGIBLE IN: Neurology Hospitalist
WORKING AT USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
ABOUT USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
COMPLIANCE AND FEDERAL NOTICES
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 88+ OPT Neurologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Neurologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Neurologist
Target academic medical centers first
Academic hospitals like university health systems sponsor international physicians at higher rates than private practices. They have established immigration infrastructure, dedicated HR teams, and are far more familiar with OPT-to-H-1B transitions for residents and fellows.
Confirm your program's STEM designation
Neurology and neuroscience doctoral programs are typically STEM-designated, unlocking a 24-month OPT extension beyond the standard 12 months. Verify your specific program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles with long hiring timelines.
Start your job search 6 months before OPT ends
Physician hiring cycles are long. Credentialing, privileging, and visa paperwork for neurologists can take three to five months. Beginning your search early gives you time to secure a role before your work authorization window closes.
Ask about J-1 waivers if applicable
If you completed residency or fellowship on a J-1 visa, ask potential employers about Conrad 30 or IHS waivers. Many hospital systems in underserved areas sponsor neurologists through waiver programs, which can transition directly into H-1B status.
Prioritize employers with existing H-1B filing history
Hospitals and health systems that have previously sponsored neurologists on H-1B visas understand the process and are unlikely to be deterred by it. Ask HR directly whether the organization has sponsored physicians in this specialty before.
Document your subspecialty clearly on applications
Epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, and neuromuscular medicine are in particularly high demand. Clearly stating your subspecialty and fellowship training strengthens your application and signals to employers that your skill set justifies the sponsorship investment.
Neurologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a neurologist on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes, during your OPT period you're authorized to work without your employer filing any petition on your behalf. However, OPT is temporary, and most physician roles require long-term authorization. You'll want an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or O-1 visa before your OPT expires, so confirming that willingness early in the hiring process is essential.
Does a neurology or neuroscience degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most neurology and neuroscience graduate programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes, which qualify graduates for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months. That gives you up to 36 months of OPT work authorization. Confirm your specific program's designation with your Designated School Official before relying on it for your job search timeline.
Where can I find neurologist jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who sponsor work visas, including H-1B. Searching for neurologist roles on Migrate Mate surfaces positions at hospitals and health systems that have a documented history of sponsoring international physicians, saving you from applying to employers who won't support your visa transition.
Can I do a neurology fellowship on OPT?
Yes, fellowship positions are considered authorized practical training in your field of study and are OPT-eligible. Many neurology fellowship programs at academic medical centers are accustomed to hosting international trainees on OPT or J-1 visas. Confirm that the fellowship program is willing to hire OPT students and ask about their H-1B sponsorship policy for when your fellowship concludes.
What happens to my OPT if I finish a neurology fellowship and need more time before my H-1B starts?
If your OPT expires before your H-1B takes effect on October 1, there is a cap-gap provision that automatically extends your work authorization if your H-1B was filed before your OPT expired. Your employer's immigration attorney should file early to ensure the cap-gap extension covers the gap between your OPT end date and the H-1B start date.