OPT Nursing Instructor Jobs
Nursing Instructor jobs on OPT are available at community colleges, university nursing programs, and vocational schools. Most positions require an active RN license and a graduate degree in nursing. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role, so your 12-month timeline is firm.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Luther College seeks applications for part-time, spring semester positions as Clinical Instructors in Nursing with responsibilities to implement and evaluate learning experiences in the clinical setting under supervision of a course coordinator. Seeking instructors with direct client care experience to teach a Monday or Wednesday day shift medical/surgical clinical in the Decorah, IA area beginning February 2027.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The clinical instructors will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill as a clinical practitioner appropriate to the course
- Support a course coordinator in course planning, development and revision
- Utilize contemporary and innovative teaching methodologies in inpatient clinical settings in an effective manner
- Provide for an environment conducive to learning and foster the development of teacher-learner relationships which enhance learning
- Utilize appropriate channels to communicate effectively with appropriate individuals and agencies
- Participate in selected departmental activities
- Collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other disciplines
- Participate in activities to improve the quality of nursing care to the consumer
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in nursing education and nursing service
- Participate in activities for self-improvement of nursing skills and/or teaching skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of Master’s Degree preferred; baccalaureate nursing degree from an accredited program will be considered if actively taking classes towards a Master’s Degree or are a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- Prior teaching experience is preferred
- Evidence of competence in direct patient care with minimum of two years of clinical experience preferred
- Evidence of potential for leadership in nursing and nursing education
- Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.
With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may be asked to participate in program development. Our primary goal is to serve students in the program.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $4,400 to $5,100 per semester clinical section; range is dependent on degree credentials and applicable experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until all clinical positions are filled. Applicants’ dossier should include:
- Cover letter describing interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone); references will only be contacted for candidates under serious consideration with prior notification to the candidate
Questions about the positions may be directed to Laurie Bouska, DNP, RN, Department Head, Department of Nursing, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101; phone: (563) 387-1453; email: laurie.bouska@luther.edu.
Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website and/or the departmental website. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.
INTRODUCTION
Luther College seeks applications for part-time, spring semester positions as Clinical Instructors in Nursing with responsibilities to implement and evaluate learning experiences in the clinical setting under supervision of a course coordinator. Seeking instructors with direct client care experience to teach a Monday or Wednesday day shift medical/surgical clinical in the Decorah, IA area beginning February 2027.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The clinical instructors will:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill as a clinical practitioner appropriate to the course
- Support a course coordinator in course planning, development and revision
- Utilize contemporary and innovative teaching methodologies in inpatient clinical settings in an effective manner
- Provide for an environment conducive to learning and foster the development of teacher-learner relationships which enhance learning
- Utilize appropriate channels to communicate effectively with appropriate individuals and agencies
- Participate in selected departmental activities
- Collaborate with colleagues in nursing and other disciplines
- Participate in activities to improve the quality of nursing care to the consumer
- Demonstrate knowledge of current trends in nursing education and nursing service
- Participate in activities for self-improvement of nursing skills and/or teaching skills
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of Master’s Degree preferred; baccalaureate nursing degree from an accredited program will be considered if actively taking classes towards a Master’s Degree or are a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- Prior teaching experience is preferred
- Evidence of competence in direct patient care with minimum of two years of clinical experience preferred
- Evidence of potential for leadership in nursing and nursing education
- Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Iowa required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Luther College, inclusion and belonging are central to our educational mission and values. We are committed to the institutional change required for visioning and realizing a more equitable and socially just college and society. Strong candidates will have experience and vision regarding teaching and mentorship of students of multiple and diverse backgrounds with attention to structural barriers that limit access to educational opportunities.
With support from departmental colleagues and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the successful candidate may be asked to participate in program development. Our primary goal is to serve students in the program.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $4,400 to $5,100 per semester clinical section; range is dependent on degree credentials and applicable experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until all clinical positions are filled. Applicants’ dossier should include:
- Cover letter describing interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate and undergraduate transcripts
- Contact information for three references (name, affiliation, email and phone); references will only be contacted for candidates under serious consideration with prior notification to the candidate
Questions about the positions may be directed to Laurie Bouska, DNP, RN, Department Head, Department of Nursing, Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA, 52101; phone: (563) 387-1453; email: laurie.bouska@luther.edu.
Additional information about the college is available by visiting the college website and/or the departmental website. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to hr@luther.edu.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Nursing Instructor
Confirm your RN license transfers across states
Most Nursing Instructor positions require an active RN license in the state where you'll teach. Apply for licensure by endorsement early, the process can take six to ten weeks and must be complete before your start date.
Target community colleges with ongoing faculty shortages
Community colleges face persistent nursing faculty shortages and often have more flexibility in hiring international candidates. Positions at these institutions tend to move faster and are more likely to lead to H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT ends.
Highlight clinical and classroom experience separately
Hiring committees want instructors who can manage both bedside simulation labs and classroom theory. List clinical hours and teaching experience in distinct sections of your CV so reviewers can quickly verify you meet both requirements.
Check that your degree field matches the role
H-1B sponsorship after OPT requires your degree to align with the specialty occupation. A Master of Science in Nursing or Nursing Education directly supports this. A general healthcare administration degree may complicate the eventual petition.
Ask about sponsorship intent before accepting an offer
OPT employment authorization ends. Raise the H-1B question during the offer stage, not after. Ask whether the institution has sponsored faculty visas before and whether HR has an immigration attorney on retainer.
Document your OPT authorization clearly for HR
Many HR teams at educational institutions are unfamiliar with OPT employment eligibility. Bring your EAD card, current I-20 with OPT authorization, and a brief written summary of your work authorization period to streamline the onboarding process.
Nursing Instructor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Nursing Instructor on F-1 OPT?
Yes, Nursing Instructor roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your nursing or nursing education degree. Your EAD card authorizes full-time employment. Because this role is not classified as a STEM occupation, the standard 12-month OPT period applies with no extension available.
Does the STEM OPT extension apply to Nursing Instructor positions?
No. The STEM OPT 24-month extension only applies to degrees on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Nursing and nursing education programs are not on that list. This means your total OPT authorization is 12 months, and timing your job search and any visa sponsorship conversation is important.
Where can I find Nursing Instructor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to work with international candidates. Browsing Migrate Mate by job title lets you focus on Nursing Instructor postings at institutions that have a history of sponsoring or accommodating OPT employment, which saves significant time.
What visa can sponsor me after my OPT ends as a Nursing Instructor?
The H-1B visa is the most common path. Nursing Instructor roles at accredited colleges and universities generally qualify as specialty occupations requiring a relevant graduate degree. Cap-exempt H-1B petitions are available if the institution is a nonprofit university or affiliated research organization, which many hiring schools qualify for.
Do I need a U.S. nursing license to work as a Nursing Instructor on OPT?
Most positions require an active RN license in the state of employment, even for faculty roles that are primarily classroom-based. Some programs distinguish between clinical and didactic faculty and may have different licensure requirements, but assuming you need a state license is the safer approach when evaluating whether you are eligible to start.