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 JobsDays per Year: 187
Min: $24,310
Mid: $28,589
JOB TITLE: Adaptive Behavior (AB) Aide - Middle School
REPORTS TO: Principal
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Nonexempt
PAY GRADE: Para 4
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The AB Aide position will assist the special education teacher to provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting.
All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- 48 hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university
- Pass Spring Independent School District's NCLB test in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (Tests are administered after the recommendation for hire)
Preferred:
- One+ years experience working with children with disabilities
- Associate’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Ability to work well with children
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to work with children with disabilities
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Assist teacher in preparation of instructional materials and classroom displays
- Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom
- Assist teacher in preparing/maintaining records/reports required by Federal, State or local laws/regulations
- Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning
- Assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Assist teacher in intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
- Assist teacher in working with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills
- Assist in supervision of students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom
- Inform teacher of special needs or problems of individual students
- Participate in staff development and faculty meetings as assigned
- Perform all other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Multi-tasking efficiently in an environment that has frequent interruptions, while maintaining emotional control under stress. The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Participation or presence required at some district functions in the district and/or out of the district. There is heavy telephone responsibilities and prolonged use of computer. There may be occasional overtime or irregular hours.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may required.
Days per Year: 187
Min: $24,310
Mid: $28,589
JOB TITLE: Adaptive Behavior (AB) Aide - Middle School
REPORTS TO: Principal
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Nonexempt
PAY GRADE: Para 4
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The AB Aide position will assist the special education teacher to provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting.
All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, championing the needs of our students and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- 48 hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university
- Pass Spring Independent School District's NCLB test in the areas of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (Tests are administered after the recommendation for hire)
Preferred:
- One+ years experience working with children with disabilities
- Associate’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Ability to work well with children
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to work with children with disabilities
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Assist teacher in preparation of instructional materials and classroom displays
- Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom
- Assist teacher in preparing/maintaining records/reports required by Federal, State or local laws/regulations
- Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning
- Assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Assist teacher in intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
- Assist teacher in working with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills
- Assist in supervision of students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom
- Inform teacher of special needs or problems of individual students
- Participate in staff development and faculty meetings as assigned
- Perform all other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Multi-tasking efficiently in an environment that has frequent interruptions, while maintaining emotional control under stress. The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Participation or presence required at some district functions in the district and/or out of the district. There is heavy telephone responsibilities and prolonged use of computer. There may be occasional overtime or irregular hours.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may required.
See all 49+ OPT Nursing Aide Jobs
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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.