OPT Nursing Aide Jobs

Nursing Aide jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies across the U.S. Most employers require a state CNA certification, which you can obtain while on OPT. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role, so your 12-month window is what you have to work with.

See All OPT Nursing Aide Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs44+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationAmarillo, TX
Most JobsPrometric

Showing 5 of 44+ Nursing Aide jobs

Ivyrehab Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology, Pllc
Physical Therapy Aide/Tech
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Ivyrehab Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology, Pllc
Added 1w ago
Physical Therapy Aide/Tech
Ivyrehab Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology, Pllc
Brooklyn, New York
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Penn Highlands Healthcare
Certified Nurse Aide
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Penn Highlands Healthcare
Added 1w ago
Certified Nurse Aide
Penn Highlands Healthcare
Saint Marys, Pennsylvania
Nursing
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
CNA / Patient Care Tech
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
On-Site
None
11-50

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Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Health Aide
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Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Added 2w ago
Health Aide
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Columbus, Georgia
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
High School

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Ascension
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Rehabilitation
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Ascension
Added 2w ago
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Rehabilitation
Ascension
Nashville, Tennessee
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
High School
10,000+

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AccentCare
Hospice Aide - CNA
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AccentCare
Added 2w ago
Hospice Aide - CNA
AccentCare
Houston, Texas
Nursing
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
CNA / Patient Care Tech
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
$17/hr - $19/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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See all 44+ Nursing Aide Jobs

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See all 44+ OPT Nursing Aide Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Nursing Aide

Get your CNA certification before you graduate

Most Nursing Aide positions require a state-issued CNA certification. Completing your certification before OPT begins means you can start applying immediately and won't lose weeks of your authorization window waiting on exam results.

Target employers who already hire international workers

Large hospital systems and long-term care chains are more likely to have HR processes familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller private facilities may hesitate simply because they've never worked through the paperwork before, not because they're unwilling.

Be upfront about your OPT timeline on applications

Nursing Aide roles often have urgent hiring needs. Telling employers early that you're authorized to work for 12 months without employer sponsorship removes uncertainty and positions your OPT EAD as a straightforward arrangement rather than a legal complication.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship during later interview stages

Nursing Aide roles don't qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship, but transitioning into an RN or clinical coordinator role at the same employer could. Joining a large health system now and continuing your education keeps that pathway open before your OPT expires.

Research state-specific certification reciprocity before relocating

CNA certifications don't automatically transfer between states. If you're weighing positions in multiple states, confirm the reciprocity rules first so you don't accept a role only to discover you need to retest before your start date.

Use your OPT period to build clinical experience that supports future visa options

Hands-on patient care experience as a Nursing Aide strengthens applications for nursing programs, RN roles, or clinical positions that may qualify for visa sponsorship. Treat this role as a foundation, not a final destination, while your authorization is active.

Nursing Aide OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Nursing Aide on OPT?

Yes. Nursing Aide work is directly related to health sciences, nursing, and allied health degree programs, which satisfies the OPT requirement that your job be connected to your field of study. You'll need a valid EAD card before your start date and a state CNA certification before you begin patient care duties.

Does a Nursing Aide job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

No. Nursing Aide roles fall under healthcare support occupations, not STEM-designated fields. That means your standard OPT authorization is 12 months, with no 24-month extension available. Planning your next visa step before that window closes is important, whether that's returning to school, transitioning to an RN role, or exploring other pathways.

Do Nursing Aide employers sponsor H-1B visas?

Not for the Nursing Aide job title itself, as it doesn't meet the specialty occupation standard H-1B requires. However, large hospital systems and health networks sometimes sponsor H-1B visas for registered nurses and clinical roles. Working as a Nursing Aide while completing an RN program could position you for sponsorship at the same employer once you qualify.

Where can I find Nursing Aide jobs that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by employers with a history of hiring international workers. Browsing Nursing Aide listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus your applications on facilities that are already familiar with OPT work authorization, which reduces the back-and-forth during hiring.

What happens to my OPT authorization if I lose my Nursing Aide job?

You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT. If you lose your Nursing Aide position, that clock starts immediately. Report any changes in employment to your DSO as soon as possible and update your SEVP portal record. Finding a new position or enrolling in further education before the 90 days are up protects your F-1 status.