OPT Oncology Specialist Jobs
Oncology Specialist roles on OPT require STEM designation in most cases, since the underlying degree is typically in biology, chemistry, or a health sciences field. Your 12-month standard OPT window can extend to 36 months with a STEM extension if your program qualifies. Employers in clinical research, pharmaceuticals, and cancer treatment centers regularly sponsor international graduates.
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Position Overview
The Patient Care Pharmacist at United Health Services (UHS) applies clinical expertise to review, prepare, dispense, and monitor medication therapies that support safe, effective patient care. This role collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and other care team members to provide medication recommendations, patient education, and evidence-based interventions. The Patient Care Pharmacist ensures medication safety, regulatory compliance, and accurate medication management while contributing to quality improvement efforts and supporting the development of pharmacy staff and learners. Through every connection, this role helps improve outcomes for patients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.
Primary Department, Division, or Unit:
UHS Medical Oncology
Primary Work Shift:
Day
Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Compensation Range:
$54.17 - $81.25 per hour, depending on experience
Job Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Perform clinical pharmacy services, including medication order review, verification, and dispensing to ensure safe, accurate, and effective medication therapy
- Interpret and clarify prescriptions and provider orders, making clinically appropriate interventions to improve patient safety and outcomes
- Deliver patient counseling and medication education, promoting adherence, understanding, and continuity of care
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary care teams to optimize medication therapy and enhance patient outcomes
- Prepare and oversee the preparation of sterile and non-sterile medications, ensuring compliance with professional and safety standards
- Supervise and guide pharmacy technicians, interns, and learners to maintain accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery
- Maintain accurate documentation and utilize pharmacy systems to support clinical decision-making and regulatory compliance
Scope and Impact:
- Apply advanced clinical knowledge to resolve complex medication management issues, supporting improved patient outcomes and care quality
- Exercise sound judgment in clinical decision-making and provider interventions within established guidelines
- Influence team performance through mentorship, collaboration, and workflow oversight in a dynamic healthcare environment
- Contribute to departmental and organizational goals by supporting quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
- Operate with a high degree of accountability for medication safety, regulatory compliance, and patient-centered care delivery
Compliance and Professional:
- Maintain a current New York State Pharmacist license in good standing, ensuring legal authorization to perform all Pharmacist duties; those hired with a Limited (Intern) Permit must obtain Pharmacist licensure within 6 months of hire
- Comply with the New York State Board of Pharmacy regulations, federal laws, and organizational policies governing medication management and patient care
- Maintain required continuing education (CE) and competency standards to support safe, effective, and evidence-based pharmacy practices
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA and patient privacy regulations, safeguarding sensitive health information in all clinical and operational activities
- Manage controlled substances, documentation, and medication storage practices in accordance with DEA requirements and regulatory standards
- Complete required training, certifications, and competency validations within established timeframes to maintain clinical readiness
- Participate in quality assurance, medication safety, and regulatory readiness activities, supporting continuous improvement and accreditation standards
- Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
- As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks
Additional Expectations:
- Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
- Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs
Position Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
- NYSED-OP Pharmacist License (may be obtained with 6 months of hire for those with a NYS Pharmacy Intern Limited Permit)
- Up to 1 year of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function
- Up to 1 year of customer/patient-facing experience directly interacting and communicating with the public
- Up to 1 year of experience in the same work environment or setting (hospital, practice, department/division)
Preferred:
- Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Completion of PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency
- At least 1 year of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function
- Up to 1 year of project/operations leadership experience leading projects, workflows, or operational processes
Why You’ll Love Working at UHS
At United Health Services (UHS), we believe every connection—to patients, to purpose, to each other—makes a difference. That’s why we’re intentional about supporting our team in ways that go beyond the job. Whether through meaningful benefits, personal growth, or fun along the way, we’re here to help you thrive in work and life.
A Culture of Connection – We support each other like family and create space for every voice to be heard. Engagement Councils, peer recognition, and initiatives like Walk in my Shoes for senior leaders are just a few ways we foster belonging and collaboration. Outside of work, we stay connected through team events like trivia, trunk-or-treat, volunteer days, our staff choir, or seasonal celebrations.
Comprehensive Benefits for Life & Family – We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire for employees working 24+ hours/week. With flexible plan options and coverage tiers, you can choose what fits your life best. Additional perks include discounted childcare through Bright Horizons and voluntary benefits like pet insurance, legal services, and identity theft protection.
Well-Being & Financial Security – From day one, PTO starts accruing so you can take time to recharge. We support your long-term wellness with a 403(b) retirement plan and company match, flexible spending accounts, access to financial advisors, and up to $400/year in wellness rewards. When life gets tough, we’re here with 24/7 EAP counseling, virtual mental health support, a food pantry, PTO donation program, and professional attire through the Classy Closet.
Growth That Moves with You – With access to 100,000+ online courses, leadership programs, tuition reimbursement, clinical ladders, and internal mobility, we help you grow wherever your passion leads. We also continuously review compensation to ensure market competitiveness and internal equity, so you can feel confident your work is valued and rewarded fairly.
A Place to Call Home – Located in New York’s Southern Tier, UHS offers more than a career—we offer a lifestyle. Enjoy four-season recreation, affordable living, top-rated schools, minor league sports, craft brews, a close-knit community, and more, all within reach of the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and major Northeast cities.
About United Health Services
United Health Services (UHS) is a locally owned, not-for-profit healthcare system in New York’s Southern Tier comprising four hospitals, long-term care and home care services, and physician practices in Broome and surrounding counties. UHS provides healthcare and medical services for two-thirds of the region’s population, produces $1.3 billion a year in total economic impact, and boasts a workforce of more than 6,300 employees and providers.
At UHS, our work is guided by our Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation. Whether you provide direct patient care or support behind the scenes, you are part of a shared purpose: to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Every employee plays a meaningful role in fulfilling our mission—we’d love for you to consider joining us!
United Health Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
United Health Services, Inc. and the members of the UHS System neither are affiliated with, sponsored, endorsed nor approved by, nor otherwise associated with, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS), UHS of Delaware, Inc. nor their affiliates.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Oncology Specialist
Target STEM-designated programs first
Confirm your degree program has a STEM CIP code before applying. A STEM-designated degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field unlocks the 24-month OPT extension, giving employers a longer runway to sponsor your H-1B visa.
Focus on employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Large academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and cancer research institutes sponsor the most oncology-related visas. Search Department of Labor LCA disclosure data to verify that a specific employer has filed for similar roles before.
Frame your OPT timeline proactively with employers
Mention your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early in conversations. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it is short-term. Clarifying the 36-month window removes a common objection before it becomes one.
Prioritize roles with a clear H-1B sponsorship path
Oncology Specialist positions at research universities, NIH-funded labs, and large health systems routinely sponsor H-1B visas. Roles at small private practices less commonly do. Filter your search toward institutions with established international hiring infrastructure.
Align your application to the specialty occupation standard
H-1B approval for oncology roles requires the position to qualify as a specialty occupation. Ensure your resume and job description both emphasize degree-level requirements in a specific scientific or clinical field, not just general healthcare experience.
Start your STEM OPT extension application 90 days before expiration
STEM extension applications must be filed before your current OPT expires. Submit at least 90 days in advance to account for DSO processing, USCIS timelines, and any requests for additional documentation from your international student office.
Oncology Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Oncology Specialist on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a related field such as biology, biochemistry, clinical laboratory science, or a health sciences discipline. Your OPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study. A molecular biology graduate working in oncology drug development, for example, would meet this requirement. Roles in clinical research, cancer diagnostics, or pharmaceutical oncology all commonly qualify.
Does an Oncology Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your undergraduate or graduate program carries a qualifying STEM CIP code, such as biological sciences, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, you are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM extension. Many oncology-related graduate programs do qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your designated school official before applying.
How do I find Oncology Specialist employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find oncology roles where employers are open to sponsoring OPT and H-1B visas. Beyond that, academic medical centers affiliated with universities, NCI-designated cancer centers, and large pharmaceutical companies with oncology pipelines are the most consistent sponsors. Avoid small private oncology practices if visa sponsorship is a firm requirement, as they rarely have the legal infrastructure in place.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Oncology Specialist contract ends?
You enter a 60-day grace period once your employment ends. During that window you cannot work, but you can seek a new OPT-qualifying position, transfer to a new visa status, or prepare to depart. If you find a new role, the new employer must be listed on your updated employment authorization record. Starting your job search immediately when any contract end date becomes clear is the safest approach.
Does an Oncology Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Most oncology roles do qualify, provided the position genuinely requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific scientific field as a minimum condition of entry. Roles in clinical research, oncology data analysis, pharmaceutical development, and cancer diagnostics consistently meet this standard. Problems arise when job descriptions list a degree as preferred rather than required. Reviewing the job posting language before applying and working with an immigration attorney before your H-1B filing is advisable.