Nursing Aide Jobs for OPT Students
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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Works under the supervision of Nursing Manager, Supervisor, RN, LPN and is ultimately responsible to the Director and the Assistant Director of Nursing, as applicable. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) performs tasks essential to the direct care of the resident according to facility policy and procedures.
What you will do
- Attends to all resident/guest personal hygiene and personal care needs, including but not limited to grooming, hygiene, dining and nutritional, mobility, elimination, psychosocial and safety needs. Organizes all supplies necessary to complete the tasks. Observes residents/guests closely, identifying changing needs and conditions at first indication, and reports immediately to nursing or household leadership as appropriate.
- Follows universal precautions, proper infection control, sanitation and safety standards of practice in all work and activities.
- Demonstrates responsible, dependable and reliable behavior by being present for work as scheduled. Adheres to attendance policy.
- Participates actively in the care planning and/or care conference for residents and guests, serving as their closest advocate in directing their plan of care and honoring their choices and preferences.
- Assists residents/guests as needed to wash, iron, fold and sort their personal laundry to ensure personal laundry is maintained in quality condition.
- Maintains clean spaces in the Household, including resident/guest rooms, household common spaces, as well as support spaces and equipment. Participates in meal preparation and service.
- Seeks opportunities throughout the day to facilitate spontaneous activities of residents'/guest's choice and household preference; accompanies residents/guests in all activities of choice.
- Maintains appropriate documentation in support of caregiving, social service, medication administration and treatments, activities and dining functions in the Household.
- Ensures that Household participates in continuous Quality Improvement processes that identify questions and issues to be addressed in the household and that appropriate follow up is taken to assure quality outcomes.
Qualifications
Experience
- Less than 1 year Prior Nurse Aide work experience (Preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
- Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) - Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP) Upon Hire (Required)
- CPR/BLS Certification - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) within 30 Days (Required)
- First Aid - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) within 30 Days (Required)
LOCATION
Newport News, Virginia
Overview
Works under the supervision of Nursing Manager, Supervisor, RN, LPN and is ultimately responsible to the Director and the Assistant Director of Nursing, as applicable. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) performs tasks essential to the direct care of the resident according to facility policy and procedures.
What you will do
- Attends to all resident/guest personal hygiene and personal care needs, including but not limited to grooming, hygiene, dining and nutritional, mobility, elimination, psychosocial and safety needs. Organizes all supplies necessary to complete the tasks. Observes residents/guests closely, identifying changing needs and conditions at first indication, and reports immediately to nursing or household leadership as appropriate.
- Follows universal precautions, proper infection control, sanitation and safety standards of practice in all work and activities.
- Demonstrates responsible, dependable and reliable behavior by being present for work as scheduled. Adheres to attendance policy.
- Participates actively in the care planning and/or care conference for residents and guests, serving as their closest advocate in directing their plan of care and honoring their choices and preferences.
- Assists residents/guests as needed to wash, iron, fold and sort their personal laundry to ensure personal laundry is maintained in quality condition.
- Maintains clean spaces in the Household, including resident/guest rooms, household common spaces, as well as support spaces and equipment. Participates in meal preparation and service.
- Seeks opportunities throughout the day to facilitate spontaneous activities of residents'/guest's choice and household preference; accompanies residents/guests in all activities of choice.
- Maintains appropriate documentation in support of caregiving, social service, medication administration and treatments, activities and dining functions in the Household.
- Ensures that Household participates in continuous Quality Improvement processes that identify questions and issues to be addressed in the household and that appropriate follow up is taken to assure quality outcomes.
Qualifications
Experience
- Less than 1 year Prior Nurse Aide work experience (Preferred)
Licenses and Certifications
- Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) - Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP) Upon Hire (Required)
- CPR/BLS Certification - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) within 30 Days (Required)
- First Aid - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) within 30 Days (Required)
LOCATION
Newport News, Virginia
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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