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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
OTC is dedicated to creating a culture that promotes success and wellbeing for our students and employees. Every department and position throughout the college strives to maintain a student-centered focus to create a culture where our students and employees are welcomed and feel safe at every campus and center. OTC applies that same focus to its hiring practices starting with the application process, the onboarding, and new hire expectations. We are committed to understanding the needs of our students and employees and providing them with an experience that represents the OTC Cares culture.
Ozarks Technical Community College is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri TTY User:711 for Relay Missouri Services.
We appreciate your interest and desire to become a member of the OTC team! If you have any questions about job postings, the application process, or the status of an open position, you may reach out to Human Resources at 417-447-6641 or email jobs@otc.edu directly.
If you’re interested in adjunct/part-time teaching, please email your resume to jobs@otc.edu. Find information about adjunct teaching qualifications.
Full-Time Employee Benefits Summary
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Early Childhood Education Center Classroom Aide
Job no: 495065
Work type: Springfield Campus
Location: Springfield, MO
Categories: Technical Education, Full-Time Staff/Administration
JOB TITLE: ECEC CLASSROOM AIDE
DEPARTMENT: TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SALARY RANGE: $15.30 – $16.74
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Early Childhood Education Center Director
SCHEDULE DETAILS: Full-time (Scheduled hours will fall between 7:00am – 5:45pm, not to exceed 40 hours per week)/12-month position
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) Classroom Aide is responsible for working cooperatively with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers to implement the daily lesson plans and tasks for the classroom. The ECEC Classroom Aide helps create a classroom environment that ensures best practices which supports the development of the whole child.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher with supervision of infant, toddler and preschool children in an educational environment that is safe, clean, well-arranged, enriching, and conducive to the development of the whole child.
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher in developing and implementing learning approaches that incorporate play, inquiry, differentiation, children’s interests and the developmentally appropriate use of media and technology.
- Responsible for the classroom environment and supervision of children when the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher are not present.
- Demonstrate positive child guidance by consistently using Conscious Discipline skills and structures.
- Assist with directing practicum students, work-study assistants, and classroom volunteers.
- Work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher in preparing the learning environment (both indoors and outdoors), setting up learning centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies that are developmentally appropriate.
- Communicate with families in collaboration with the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher.
- Assist with child observations and assessments under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
- Demonstrate professional conduct, positive attitude, and supportive culture.
- Effectively collaborate with colleagues and families to build positive relationships within the preschool environment, the OTC environment, and the community.
- Work collaboratively with the ECEC Director and ECD Department Chair in managing the daily operations of the Center and promotion of the Early Childhood Development Program.
- Maintain a professional attitude and treat all children, families, and colleagues with dignity, anti-bias and respect.
- Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
- Maintain confidentiality of children, parents/guardians, fellow staff members, and practicum students, as well as records and all information.
- Know and adhere to the policies of the program in regard to:
- Licensing and accreditation guidelines.
- Communicable diseases and exclusion of sick children.
- First aid and medical emergency.
- Emergency procedures.
- Mandated reporting procedures.
- Center dress code, professionalism, and appropriate communication.
- Reporting personal illness when needing a sick day or requesting time off.
- MOve Smart guidelines.
- Required training and professional development.
- Inclusion of diverse children and families who may have special needs.
- Use of media and technology.
- NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
- FERPA and HIPPA confidentiality guidelines within the classroom and ECEC.
- Exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
- Comply with college policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including attending college functions, serving on committees, and attending community events.
Non-Essential Job Duties
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher with classroom curriculum and lesson plan implementation.
- Assist with the arrival of ECEC children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
- Exercise initiative by assisting with general housekeeping tasks.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Early Childhood Development Certificate or 30 college credit hours in the early childhood field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
- Know and understand early childhood concepts, curriculums and methods.
- Ability to pass a tuberculosis test (or provide proof of current test or risk assessment).
- Ability to be approved by the state Family Care Safety Registry and the Comprehensive Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
- Pass or provide transfer documentation of a medical examination, as required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Childhood.
- Perform physical activities and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to use information technology for professional productivity (such as Microsoft Office Suite).
Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Associate degree in early childhood development or early childhood education from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
- Classroom experience in an early childhood or early elementary setting.
- Experience working in a child development laboratory setting at an institution of higher learning.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger/touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee must be able to move around and about their area, and operate a computer as needed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Other physical requirements include visually supervising preschool children and practicum students and lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
*OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE INSTITUTION DESIRES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT-WILL.” THE AFOREMENTIONED JOB REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.
Advertised: 05 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 14 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
INTRODUCTION
OTC is dedicated to creating a culture that promotes success and wellbeing for our students and employees. Every department and position throughout the college strives to maintain a student-centered focus to create a culture where our students and employees are welcomed and feel safe at every campus and center. OTC applies that same focus to its hiring practices starting with the application process, the onboarding, and new hire expectations. We are committed to understanding the needs of our students and employees and providing them with an experience that represents the OTC Cares culture.
Ozarks Technical Community College is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri TTY User:711 for Relay Missouri Services.
We appreciate your interest and desire to become a member of the OTC team! If you have any questions about job postings, the application process, or the status of an open position, you may reach out to Human Resources at 417-447-6641 or email jobs@otc.edu directly.
If you’re interested in adjunct/part-time teaching, please email your resume to jobs@otc.edu. Find information about adjunct teaching qualifications.
Full-Time Employee Benefits Summary
Subscribe to OTC job alerts
Early Childhood Education Center Classroom Aide
Job no: 495065
Work type: Springfield Campus
Location: Springfield, MO
Categories: Technical Education, Full-Time Staff/Administration
JOB TITLE: ECEC CLASSROOM AIDE
DEPARTMENT: TECHNICAL EDUCATION
SALARY RANGE: $15.30 – $16.74
FLSA: NON-EXEMPT
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Early Childhood Education Center Director
SCHEDULE DETAILS: Full-time (Scheduled hours will fall between 7:00am – 5:45pm, not to exceed 40 hours per week)/12-month position
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) Classroom Aide is responsible for working cooperatively with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers to implement the daily lesson plans and tasks for the classroom. The ECEC Classroom Aide helps create a classroom environment that ensures best practices which supports the development of the whole child.
Essential Job Duties
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher with supervision of infant, toddler and preschool children in an educational environment that is safe, clean, well-arranged, enriching, and conducive to the development of the whole child.
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher in developing and implementing learning approaches that incorporate play, inquiry, differentiation, children’s interests and the developmentally appropriate use of media and technology.
- Responsible for the classroom environment and supervision of children when the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher are not present.
- Demonstrate positive child guidance by consistently using Conscious Discipline skills and structures.
- Assist with directing practicum students, work-study assistants, and classroom volunteers.
- Work cooperatively with the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher in preparing the learning environment (both indoors and outdoors), setting up learning centers, and preparing needed materials and supplies that are developmentally appropriate.
- Communicate with families in collaboration with the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher.
- Assist with child observations and assessments under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
- Demonstrate professional conduct, positive attitude, and supportive culture.
- Effectively collaborate with colleagues and families to build positive relationships within the preschool environment, the OTC environment, and the community.
- Work collaboratively with the ECEC Director and ECD Department Chair in managing the daily operations of the Center and promotion of the Early Childhood Development Program.
- Maintain a professional attitude and treat all children, families, and colleagues with dignity, anti-bias and respect.
- Maintain current CPR and First Aid certifications.
- Maintain confidentiality of children, parents/guardians, fellow staff members, and practicum students, as well as records and all information.
- Know and adhere to the policies of the program in regard to:
- Licensing and accreditation guidelines.
- Communicable diseases and exclusion of sick children.
- First aid and medical emergency.
- Emergency procedures.
- Mandated reporting procedures.
- Center dress code, professionalism, and appropriate communication.
- Reporting personal illness when needing a sick day or requesting time off.
- MOve Smart guidelines.
- Required training and professional development.
- Inclusion of diverse children and families who may have special needs.
- Use of media and technology.
- NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
- FERPA and HIPPA confidentiality guidelines within the classroom and ECEC.
- Exhibit exemplary attendance and punctuality.
- Comply with college policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including attending college functions, serving on committees, and attending community events.
Non-Essential Job Duties
- Assist the Lead Teacher and/or Assistant Teacher with classroom curriculum and lesson plan implementation.
- Assist with the arrival of ECEC children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
- Exercise initiative by assisting with general housekeeping tasks.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Early Childhood Development Certificate or 30 college credit hours in the early childhood field from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
- Know and understand early childhood concepts, curriculums and methods.
- Ability to pass a tuberculosis test (or provide proof of current test or risk assessment).
- Ability to be approved by the state Family Care Safety Registry and the Comprehensive Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
- Pass or provide transfer documentation of a medical examination, as required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Childhood.
- Perform physical activities and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to use information technology for professional productivity (such as Microsoft Office Suite).
Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities
- Associate degree in early childhood development or early childhood education from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
- Classroom experience in an early childhood or early elementary setting.
- Experience working in a child development laboratory setting at an institution of higher learning.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands to finger/touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee must be able to move around and about their area, and operate a computer as needed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Other physical requirements include visually supervising preschool children and practicum students and lifting up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
*OZARKS TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE INSTITUTION DESIRES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT-WILL.” THE AFOREMENTIONED JOB REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.
Advertised: 05 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: 14 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
See all 79+ OPT Nursing Aide Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Nursing Aide Jobs.
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.