Nursing Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
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.
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Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Nurse Assistant will provide routine direct patient care within specific unit policies and procedures, report pertinent information to the Registered Nurse and respond to patient care needs.
Providence caregivers are not simply valued – they’re invaluable. Join our team at St. Jude Medical Center and thrive in our culture of patient-focused, whole-person care built on understanding, commitment, and mutual respect. Your voice matters here, because we know that to inspire and retain the best people, we must empower them.
Required Qualifications:
- H.S. Diploma or GED
- Coursework/Training and Completion of two (2) semesters of a Registered Nurse academic program. Or
- Coursework/Training and Completion of California Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
- Upon hire: California Nursing Assistant Certification License
- Upon hire: National Provider BLS - American Heart Association
Why Join Providence?
Our best-in-class benefits are uniquely designed to support you and your family in staying well, growing professionally, and achieving financial security. We take care of you, so you can focus on delivering our Mission of caring for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.
About Providence
At Providence, our strength lies in Our Promise of “Know me, care for me, ease my way.” Working at our family of organizations means that regardless of your role, we’ll walk alongside you in your career, supporting you so you can support others. We provide best-in-class benefits and we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone is essential, heard and respected. Together, our 120,000 caregivers (all employees) serve in over 50 hospitals, over 1,000 clinics and a full range of health and social services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. As a comprehensive health care organization, we are serving more people, advancing best practices and continuing our more than 100-year tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable.
Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well-being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.
Applicants in the Unincorporated County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
About the Team
The Sisters of Providence and Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange have deep roots in California, bringing health care and education to communities from the redwood forests to the beach shores of Orange county - and everywhere in between. In Southern California, Providence provides care throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, High Desert and beyond.
Our award-winning and comprehensive medical centers are known for outstanding programs in cancer, cardiology, neurosciences, orthopedics, women's services, emergency and trauma care, pediatrics and neonatal intensive care. Our not-for-profit network provides a full spectrum of care with leading-edge diagnostics and treatment, outpatient health centers, physician groups and clinics, numerous outreach programs, and hospice and home care, and even our own Providence High School.
Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle that every workforce member has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We believe diversity makes us stronger, so we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive workforce, learning from each other, and creating equal opportunities for advancement.
Requisition ID: 423770
Company: Providence Jobs
Job Category: Nursing-Patient Facing
Job Function: Nursing
Job Schedule: Full time
Job Shift: Day
Career Track: Nursing
Department: 7510 SJMC 5NW 2
Address: CA Fullerton 101 E Valencia Mesa Dr
Work Location: St Jude Medical Center
Workplace Type: On-site
Pay Range: $24.00 - $33.73
The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Description
Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Nurse Assistant will provide routine direct patient care within specific unit policies and procedures, report pertinent information to the Registered Nurse and respond to patient care needs.
Providence caregivers are not simply valued – they’re invaluable. Join our team at St. Jude Medical Center and thrive in our culture of patient-focused, whole-person care built on understanding, commitment, and mutual respect. Your voice matters here, because we know that to inspire and retain the best people, we must empower them.
Required Qualifications:
- H.S. Diploma or GED
- Coursework/Training and Completion of two (2) semesters of a Registered Nurse academic program. Or
- Coursework/Training and Completion of California Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
- Upon hire: California Nursing Assistant Certification License
- Upon hire: National Provider BLS - American Heart Association
Why Join Providence?
Our best-in-class benefits are uniquely designed to support you and your family in staying well, growing professionally, and achieving financial security. We take care of you, so you can focus on delivering our Mission of caring for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.
About Providence
At Providence, our strength lies in Our Promise of “Know me, care for me, ease my way.” Working at our family of organizations means that regardless of your role, we’ll walk alongside you in your career, supporting you so you can support others. We provide best-in-class benefits and we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone is essential, heard and respected. Together, our 120,000 caregivers (all employees) serve in over 50 hospitals, over 1,000 clinics and a full range of health and social services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. As a comprehensive health care organization, we are serving more people, advancing best practices and continuing our more than 100-year tradition of serving the poor and vulnerable.
Posted are the minimum and the maximum wage rates on the wage range for this position. The successful candidate's placement on the wage range for this position will be determined based upon relevant job experience and other applicable factors. These amounts are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
Providence offers a comprehensive benefits package including a retirement 401(k) Savings Plan with employer matching, health care benefits (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, disability insurance, time off benefits (paid parental leave, vacations, holidays, health issues), voluntary benefits, well-being resources and much more. Learn more at providence.jobs/benefits.
Applicants in the Unincorporated County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
About the Team
The Sisters of Providence and Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange have deep roots in California, bringing health care and education to communities from the redwood forests to the beach shores of Orange county - and everywhere in between. In Southern California, Providence provides care throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, High Desert and beyond.
Our award-winning and comprehensive medical centers are known for outstanding programs in cancer, cardiology, neurosciences, orthopedics, women's services, emergency and trauma care, pediatrics and neonatal intensive care. Our not-for-profit network provides a full spectrum of care with leading-edge diagnostics and treatment, outpatient health centers, physician groups and clinics, numerous outreach programs, and hospice and home care, and even our own Providence High School.
Providence is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principle that every workforce member has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, veteran, military status, religion, age, creed, national origin, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We believe diversity makes us stronger, so we are dedicated to shaping an inclusive workforce, learning from each other, and creating equal opportunities for advancement.
Requisition ID: 423770
Company: Providence Jobs
Job Category: Nursing-Patient Facing
Job Function: Nursing
Job Schedule: Full time
Job Shift: Day
Career Track: Nursing
Department: 7510 SJMC 5NW 2
Address: CA Fullerton 101 E Valencia Mesa Dr
Work Location: St Jude Medical Center
Workplace Type: On-site
Pay Range: $24.00 - $33.73
The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities.
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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