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.
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INTRODUCTION
Unity Health Network, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Physician in Neurology to join our team in Akron, OH. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live. As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.
At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS & PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Outpatient neurology (with minimal call and light rounding)
- Large referring base with backing through the Optum Centers of Excellence network
- Full-Time (1.0 FTE) working 5 days per week (40 hours) with some Telemedicine
- Growth, Leadership, and Teaching opportunities when timing aligns
- Practice would consist of 6-8 clinicians (Physicians and Advanced Practitioners)
- Ancillary services include Sleep, Neuro Diagnostics, Infusion, and Neuro Psych
- Team-based approach to best patient outcomes through value-based care
- Orders lab studies and imaging when indicated. Identifies differential diagnosis and assesses severity of patient's illness and establishes need/time for patient evaluation
- Consults with other health team members regarding proposed treatment guidelines as necessary - Implements plan in safe and effective manner. Utilizes sound judgment in the establishment of priorities in patient's care and management. Records visit in concise, clear, logical manner. Evaluates effectiveness of implemented plan.
What makes an Optum organization different?
- Be part of a best-in-class employee experience that enables you to practice at the top of your license
- We believe that better care for clinicians equates to better care for patients
- We are influencing change collectively on a national scale while still maintaining the culture and community of our local care organizations
- Practice medicine autonomously in an ambulatory setting partnering with primary care, with a sustainable and thriving national health care organization
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS:
- Competitive Compensation with Full-Time Benefits options (to be selected annually)
- ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan), Optum Credit Union, Partnership Track
- 401K: Robust Retirement Package (including employer funded contributions)
- Dedicated CME time and allowance as well as Paid Time Off (PTO) based on FTE
- Holiday time-off including a personal day of your choice
Careers at Unity Health Network, part of the Optum and UnitedHealth Group family of businesses. Unity Health Network is the largest independent physician network in Northeast Ohio. Our infrastructure enables us to provide extensive primary care services and diverse specialty care offerings while removing non-medical business functions from our clinical staff, allowing them to concentrate on care delivery. Our team is growing, and we are looking for more health care professionals who want to be part of an organization that is driven by excellence. You can be part of a dedicated health care team that provides high quality and timely patient-centered services. In return, we will provide you with competitive opportunities that are driven to change the future of health care delivery and your career. Together, we're making health care work better for everyone.
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Unrestricted medical licensure in the state of Ohio, or ability to obtain
- Board Certified in Neurology as a M.D. or D.O.
- DEA license for Ohio, or willing to obtain prior to start
- Light rounding at hospital
- Maintenance of privileges with no hospital restrictions where procedures will be performed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 2+ years of clinical experience, preferably in Neurology
- Experience working within a team-based model of care (collaborative)
- Fluency and adaptability in EMR systems & technology
- Experience in Neuro, Sleep Medicine, and/or Movement Disorders, etc.
- Comfortability making decisions, creating care plans, and designating responsibilities
The salary range for this role is $250,500 to $440,500 annually based on full-time employment. Salary Range is defined as total cash compensation at target. The actual range and pay mix of base and bonus is variable based upon experience and metric achievement. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements).
OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
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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.