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.
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State of Location:
New York
Position Summary:
Our Therapy Aides are valued members of our clinic team. They ensure the equipment and clinic remain safe and clean for our patients, provide support to our front office team such as answering phones, collecting copays, checking in patients, and communicating with the patients and their family members. This is a great opportunity for students who are pursuing exercise science, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or anyone who loves being in healthcare and helping others.
Join Ivy Rehab’s dedicated team where you’re not just an employee, but a valued teammate! Together, we provide world-class care in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Our culture promotes authenticity, inclusion, growth, community, and a passion for exceptional care for every patient.
Job Description:
Physical Therapy Aide
Why Choose Ivy?
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Best Employer: A prestigious honor to be recognized by Modern Healthcare, signifying excellence in our industry and providing an outstanding workplace culture.
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Innovative Resources & Mentorship: Access to abundant resources, robust mentorship, and career advice for unparalleled success.
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Professional Development: Endless opportunities for career advancement through training programs centered on administrative excellence and leadership development.
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Exceeding Expectations: Deliver best-in-class care and witness exceptional patient outcomes.
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Incentives Galore: Eligibility for full benefits package beginning within your first month of employment. Generous PTO (Paid Time Off) plans, paid holidays, and bonus incentive opportunities.
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Exceptional Partnerships: Collaborate with leaders like Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) to strive for excellence in patient care.
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Empowering Values: Live by values that prioritize teamwork, growth, and serving others.
Position Qualifications:
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
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Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and bedside manner.
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Outstanding time management and ability to multi-task.
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Proven exceptional customer service and patient care experience.
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Self-motivated with the drive to exceed patient expectations.
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Flexibility to work varied shifts and possible weekends.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the recruiting and employment process. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and organizational need. Any listed salary range or contractual rate does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.