OPT Operating Room Technician Jobs

Operating Room Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with surgical technology or allied health degrees. Most positions require BLS certification and NBSTSA credentials. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to complete a full contract cycle, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree qualifies.

Find OPT Operating Room Technician Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs316+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationPhiladelphia, PA
Most JobsBanner Health

Showing 5 of 316+ Operating Room Technician jobs

UCHealth
RN Operating Room
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UCHealth
New 2h ago
RN Operating Room
UCHealth
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$38 - $60/hr
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Presbyterian Healthcare Services
RN - Operating Room
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Presbyterian Healthcare Services
New 2h ago
RN - Operating Room
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Ruidoso, New Mexico
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$39 - $58/hr
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Baylor Scott & White Health
Operating Room RN
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Baylor Scott & White Health
New 4h ago
Operating Room RN
Baylor Scott & White Health
Pflugerville, Texas
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Fairview Health Services
RN Operating Room
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Fairview Health Services
New 6h ago
RN Operating Room
Fairview Health Services
Burnsville, Minnesota
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
$44 - $75/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Owens & Minor
Operating Room Program Technician
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Owens & Minor
New 12h ago
Operating Room Program Technician
Owens & Minor
Ontario, California
Procurement & Supply Chain
Supply Chain
Logistics & Fleet Management
$75k - $80k/yr
Hybrid
Associate's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operating Room Technician

Target hospital systems with established OPT hiring pipelines

Large hospital networks and academic medical centers hire OPT students more regularly than independent surgical centers. Focus your search on health systems with dedicated HR teams familiar with work authorization paperwork and OPT reporting obligations.

Get your NBSTSA certification before you apply

Most OR departments require Certified Surgical Technologist credentials before extending an offer. Having your CST in hand before applying removes a common hiring objection and signals you're ready to work without delay once onboarded.

Be upfront about your OPT end date in early conversations

Surgical departments plan staffing months in advance. Disclosing your authorization timeline early helps hiring managers assess fit and gives compliance teams enough lead time to begin any visa sponsorship process if they choose to pursue it.

Pursue travel OR tech contracts to extend your network

Travel surgical technologist roles expose you to multiple hospital systems quickly. Each placement builds relationships with OR directors who may advocate for permanent sponsorship, and contract work is fully compatible with OPT authorization during your valid period.

Highlight scrub experience across multiple surgical specialties

Employers sponsoring OPT students want versatile candidates. Documenting hands-on experience in orthopedics, cardiovascular, and general surgery makes you a stronger hire and reduces the training burden that sometimes causes employers to hesitate on authorization paperwork.

Ask specifically about H-1B and green card sponsorship history

Before accepting a role, ask HR whether the facility has sponsored surgical technologists for H-1B visa or employment-based green cards before. Prior sponsorship experience is the strongest predictor of willingness to repeat the process for you.

Operating Room Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can F-1 OPT students work as Operating Room Technicians in the United States?

Yes. Operating Room Technician roles are compatible with F-1 OPT authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study, typically surgical technology, health sciences, or a closely related allied health program. You must maintain a valid EAD and report your employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting.

Do Operating Room Technician jobs typically lead to H-1B visa sponsorship?

Some do, but it depends on the employer. Large hospital systems and academic medical centers are more likely to have sponsored surgical technologists for H-1B visas than smaller outpatient facilities. The OR Tech role generally qualifies as a specialty occupation, but you should confirm with individual employers before accepting a position. Migrate Mate lists OR tech roles filtered by sponsorship history to help you find the right fit.

Does a surgical technology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Most surgical technology programs are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, which means a standard 24-month STEM OPT extension is unlikely. However, if your degree is in biomedical science, health informatics, or another STEM-adjacent field, check your program's CIP code with your DSO. The extension depends on the specific degree, not the job title.

What happens to my OPT status if I move between hospitals or surgical centers?

Each employer change must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. OPT allows you to change employers freely during your valid authorization period, but you must be actively working in a role related to your degree. A gap longer than 90 cumulative days of unemployment during OPT can jeopardize your status, so minimize time between positions.

Are contract or travel Operating Room Technician positions allowed under OPT?

Yes. OPT permits contract, per diem, and travel surgical technologist roles as long as the work is related to your field of study and you are receiving compensation. Each new assignment or contract employer must be reported to your DSO. Short-term contracts between placements count toward your unemployment day limit, so track gaps carefully throughout your OPT period.