OPT Nursing Assistant Jobs

Nursing Assistant jobs on OPT are available at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies across the U.S. Most roles qualify under the CIP code for Health Sciences, supporting STEM OPT extension eligibility for graduates of accredited allied health programs. Clinical experience gained during OPT counts toward future licensure and credential requirements.

See All OPT Nursing Assistant Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs3,493+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type98% On-site
Median Salary$65K
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsAdvocate Aurora Health

Showing 5 of 3,493+ Nursing Assistant jobs

Kaweah Health
Certified Nursing Assistant-M/S Cardiac
We won't show you this job again
Kaweah Health
Added 5d ago
Certified Nursing Assistant-M/S Cardiac
Kaweah Health
Visalia, California
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$42,384 - $63,585/yr
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Prime Healthcare Foundation-Southern Regional
Certified Nursing Assistant - Telemetry
We won't show you this job again
Prime Healthcare Foundation-Southern Regional
Added 1w ago
Certified Nursing Assistant - Telemetry
Prime Healthcare Foundation-Southern Regional
Reno, Nevada
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
International SOS Government Medical Services
Licensed Nursing Assistant
We won't show you this job again
International SOS Government Medical Services
Added 1w ago
Licensed Nursing Assistant
International SOS Government Medical Services
Concord, New Hampshire
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
$31,200 - $41,600/yr
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Bayada Home Health Care
Certified Nursing Assistant
We won't show you this job again
Bayada Home Health Care
Added 2w ago
Certified Nursing Assistant
Bayada Home Health Care
Saint Augustine, Florida
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Support
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Kettering Independent Medical Group
Nursing Assistant - Med Surg
We won't show you this job again
Kettering Independent Medical Group
Added 2w ago
Nursing Assistant - Med Surg
Kettering Independent Medical Group
Centerville, Ohio
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)

See all 3,493+ Nursing Assistant Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Nursing Assistant roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all 3,493+ OPT Nursing Assistant Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Nursing Assistant Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Nursing Assistant

Confirm your CIP code supports the role

Nursing Assistant positions typically fall under Health Sciences CIP codes. Before applying, verify with your DSO that your degree program's CIP code aligns with the role to avoid authorization issues during OPT or STEM extension.

Target employers with established OPT hiring

Large hospital systems and nursing home chains have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller private clinics may lack the administrative capacity to handle the paperwork, so prioritize employers with structured onboarding processes.

Get your state CNA certification before you apply

Most states require a Certified Nursing Assistant credential to work legally in the role. Completing your state's certification exam before applying removes a key hiring barrier and signals you're ready to start work immediately.

Track your OPT end date against your job search timeline

OPT authorization has a firm expiration date. Begin your job search at least three months before your EAD end date so you have time to receive offers, complete onboarding, and begin work before your authorization lapses.

Clarify your work authorization early in conversations

Nursing employers often ask about authorization during the first interview. Be prepared to explain OPT clearly, including your EAD card, authorized start and end dates, and your employer's responsibility to report your hire to your DSO.

Document clinical hours carefully for licensure pathways

Hours worked as a Nursing Assistant on OPT can count toward RN licensure requirements in many states. Keep detailed records of your hours, supervisor credentials, and facility type throughout your OPT period for future applications.

Nursing Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Nursing Assistant on OPT?

Yes, as long as your position is directly related to your field of study. Nursing Assistant roles generally qualify for Health Sciences graduates. You must have a valid EAD before starting work, and your employer must be a legitimate U.S. business. Confirm the match with your DSO before accepting any offer to protect your OPT status.

Do Nursing Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code in health or biological sciences, and the Nursing Assistant role uses those skills, you may qualify. Confirm with your DSO and ensure your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for all STEM OPT extensions.

Will Nursing Assistant employers sponsor an H-1B visa after OPT?

H-1B visa sponsorship for Nursing Assistant roles is uncommon because the position does not typically meet the specialty occupation standard requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Graduates interested in long-term U.S. work authorization in healthcare should consider roles like Registered Nurse or healthcare administrator, which more commonly support H-1B petitions.

Do I need a CNA license to work as a Nursing Assistant on OPT?

In most states, yes. A Certified Nursing Assistant credential is legally required to work in licensed facilities including hospitals and nursing homes. Certification requirements vary by state but generally include a training program and a competency exam. Completing certification before your OPT period starts puts you in a much stronger position when applying.

Where can I find Nursing Assistant jobs that accept OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you identify Nursing Assistant openings at employers familiar with OPT, so you can focus your applications on roles where your authorization is understood and accepted from the start.