OPT Nuclear Medicine Technologist Jobs
Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated programs in nuclear medicine technology or radiologic sciences, which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions are hospital-based and employer-sponsored, making early outreach to radiology and nuclear medicine departments critical during your OPT window.
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Location:
Avera McKennan Hospital
Worker Type:
Regular
Work Shift:
Rotating days/evenings/nights/weekends (United States of America)
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is listed below. Actual pay rate dependent upon experience.
$35.50 - $53.75
Position Highlights
May be eligible for a $30,000 sign on bonus with a 3-year commitment!
You Belong at Avera
Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of Moving Health Forward for you and our patients. Work where you matter.
A Brief Overview
Performs basic and complex in vivo and in vitro nuclear medicine procedures for outpatients. This position supports the function of nuclear medicine scans for the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases and disease processes.
What you will do
- Prepares diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals for administration. Operates imaging equipment and radiopharmaceutical calibration equipment and assists in the preventive maintenance of the departmental equipment. Performs quality control tests on both radiopharmaceuticals and imaging equipment.
- Assists in the development and implementation of new procedures.
- Follows all Nuclear Regulatory Commission Regulations.
- Completes all nuclear medicine exams according to written policy and procedure manual; i.e. correct patient doses, waiting periods, camera setup, processing and filming.
- Assists physicians in performing specific diagnostic Nuclear Medicine exams.
- Calculate and administer diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to patients (IV or oral) and maintain accurate records of radionuclides (patient dose, receipt and disposal of materials).
- Accurately operates nuclear medicine equipment and related computer data systems.
- Assists in radionuclide Rx procedures and performs the necessary monitoring for these procedures.
- Assists with brachytherapy implant procedures and leaks; performs necessary inventory, testing and monitoring procedures.
Essential Qualifications
The individual must be able to work the hours specified. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, hear, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements and those listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.
Required Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- Associate's Or a certificate of completion from an accredited School of Radiology or Nuclear Medicine
- Certified Nuclear Medical Technologist (CNMT) - Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) Upon Hire or
- Nuclear Medicine Technology (N) - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Upon Hire
Preferred Education, License/Certification, or Work Experience:
- Bachelor's
- 1-3 years experience as Radiologic Technologist or Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Expectations and Standards
- Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community.
- Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship.
- Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating work flow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment.
- Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.
Benefits You Need & Then Some
Avera is proud to offer a wide range of benefits to qualifying part-time and full-time employees. We support you with opportunities to help live balanced, healthy lives. Benefits are designed to meet needs of today and into the future.
- PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
- Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement
- Career development guided by hands-on training and mentorship
Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, Veteran Status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-605-504-4444 or send an email to talent@avera.org.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Confirm your program's STEM designation
Nuclear medicine technology programs at many accredited institutions carry a STEM CIP code, qualifying you for a 24-month extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so employers know you offer a longer work authorization window.
Target hospital systems with dedicated nuclear medicine departments
Large academic medical centers and regional hospital networks are the most consistent employers of nuclear medicine technologists. These institutions have established HR processes for sponsoring foreign workers and are more familiar with OPT documentation requirements than smaller outpatient clinics.
Get ARRT or NMTCB certified before applying
Most employers require board certification from ARRT or NMTCB before extending an offer. Completing certification during your OPT period demonstrates readiness and removes a common hiring barrier, making employers more willing to invest in your work authorization paperwork.
Raise OPT early in the conversation, not at the offer stage
Hiring managers in clinical settings often conflate OPT with complex visa sponsorship. Addressing your work authorization status early, and explaining that OPT requires no employer petition during initial authorization, reduces confusion and keeps your candidacy moving through the process.
Highlight clinical rotations at U.S. facilities on your resume
Domestic clinical rotation experience signals that you already understand U.S. patient care standards, equipment protocols, and regulatory compliance. This reassures employers skeptical about onboarding international candidates and shortens the perceived risk of hiring someone on work authorization.
Connect with nuclear medicine program directors for referrals
Program directors at JRCNMT-accredited schools maintain active relationships with hiring managers at affiliated hospitals. A direct referral from a clinical educator carries significant weight in a credentialed healthcare field and often bypasses the initial screening stage entirely.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist on OPT?
Yes, provided your position is directly related to your degree field in nuclear medicine technology, radiologic sciences, or a closely related STEM discipline. The work must align with your program of study as documented on your I-20. Most hospital-based nuclear medicine roles satisfy this requirement, but you should confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Does a nuclear medicine technology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many nuclear medicine technology programs are classified under STEM-eligible CIP codes, including those in radiologic technology and medical imaging sciences. However, not every program qualifies. Check the Department of Homeland Security's STEM CIP code list and confirm with your DSO whether your specific program and institution are eligible before counting on the 24-month extension.
Where can I find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship status and work authorization compatibility. Searching there gives you a focused list of Nuclear Medicine Technologist openings where employers have indicated openness to OPT candidates, saving time compared to filtering through general job listings not designed for international students.
How does the E-Verify requirement affect my OPT job search in healthcare?
Hospital systems and healthcare employers are frequently federal contractors or participate in government-funded programs, making E-Verify participation common in this sector. OPT students are eligible to work for E-Verify employers, but you must ensure your EAD is active and that your employer completes the I-9 process correctly. Delays in EAD receipt can create onboarding complications, so apply for your EAD as early as USCIS rules allow.
What happens to my OPT status if a hospital rescinds my offer before my start date?
Your OPT authorization is tied to your EAD approval, not to a specific employer. If an offer is rescinded, your EAD remains valid and you can begin working for another qualifying employer. However, OPT includes an unemployment limit of 90 days for standard OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT extension periods. Exceeding that accrued limit without authorized employment terminates your OPT status, so re-engage your job search immediately.