OPT OR Tech Jobs
OR Tech jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with surgical technology, allied health, or biology backgrounds. Most roles require hands-on clinical training, which counts toward your practical training hours. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, with STEM extensions available for qualifying degree programs.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Status:
Full time
Shift:
Second Shift (Evenings - Less than 12 hours per shift) (United States of America)
Hours per week:
40
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
Medical Laboratory Scientists perform a wide range of laboratory tests that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Their primary responsibility involves conducting analyses on patient samples using varied laboratory equipment and techniques. They operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment and ensure accurate test results. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to facilitate accurate diagnoses and treatments. They assume responsibility for problem resolution across the continuum of testing (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical).
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. Persons in the process of completing a NAACLS-accredited MLS/CLS program may be eligible. Required
Experience Qualifications
- 1 year Experience performing specimen collecting or testing. Preferred
Skills and Abilities
- Follows all applicable OSHA guidelines. Follows all hospital and departmental safety procedures. (Required proficiency)
- Proficient in scientific principles, procedures, and protocols. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to organize work and establish priorities. (Required proficiency)
- Strong attention to detail. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to follow directions accurately. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Scientist - ASCP Required or
- Persons licensed by a state requiring laboratory personnel licensure may be accepted. Required or
- Single discipline technologist or specialist certification in Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology may be considered depending on the position. Required or
- Certification - eligible persons may be considered. Required
What you will do
- Processes and handles blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures. Good understanding of specimen collection and other pre-analytical considerations for quality testing.
- Performs and results a variety of clinical laboratory tests in the areas of hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis and immunohematology. Performs quality control on analytical systems and recognizes systems that are out of control.
- Understands the theory involved in procedures and troubleshoots when questionable or erratic results occur. Takes proper remedial action in response to test systems being out of control limits. Reports unusual or erratic results to laboratory leadership.
- Maintains equipment as directed by manufacturers' recommendations, laboratory policy procedure manual and/or laboratory leadership. Operates equipment properly. Thoroughly reads manual before using equipment. Has a clear understanding of the equipment, how it functions, what its limitations are when it is malfunctioning.
- Participates in the proficiency testing program (as assigned).
- Researches and sets up new procedures/analytical equipment. Writes, reviews and edits laboratory documents in the document management system.
- Inventory supplies as directed by lab leadership. Alert to situations or new techniques which will conserve supplies or improve efficiency. Evaluates new products and supplies as directed by lab leadership.
- As directed by department leadership, provides education and training to new team members, students, and interns. Provides a welcoming environment to learners by practicing open communication, constructive feedback tailored to specific behaviors, goal-setting, and competency evaluation. Assists learner with documentation and competency as required. Prepares lectures and study material for clinical interns as needed.
- Assesses competency of other technical staff on non-waived test systems as directed by lab leadership, in accordance with federal rules under CLIA.
Required for All Jobs
- Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health
- Performs other duties as assigned
Patient Facing Options
- Position is Not Patient Facing
Remote Work Guidelines
- Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.
- Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.
- Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.
- Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.
- Abide by Stormont Vail’s Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.
Remote Work Capability
- On-Site; No Remote
Scope
- No Supervisory Responsibility
- No Budget Responsibility
Physical Demands
- Balancing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Climbing (Ladders): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crawling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crouching: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Driving (Standard): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Feeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Grasping (Fine Motor): Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Grasping (Gross Hand): Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Handling: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Hearing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Kneeling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Pulling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Pushing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Reaching (Forward): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Reaching (Overhead): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Repetitive Motions: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Sitting: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Standing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Stooping: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Talking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Walking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
Working Conditions
- Burn: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Chemical: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Combative Patients: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Dusts: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Electrical: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Explosive: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Extreme Temperatures: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Infectious Diseases: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Mechanical: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Needle Stick: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Noise/Sounds: Continuously greater than 5 hours
- Other Atmospheric Conditions: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Poor Ventilation, Fumes and/or Gases: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Risk of Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Continuously greater than 5 hours
- Hazards (other): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Vibration: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Wet and/or Humid: Rarely less than 1 hour
Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.
Position Status:
Full time
Shift:
Second Shift (Evenings - Less than 12 hours per shift) (United States of America)
Hours per week:
40
Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
Medical Laboratory Scientists perform a wide range of laboratory tests that aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Their primary responsibility involves conducting analyses on patient samples using varied laboratory equipment and techniques. They operate and maintain complex laboratory equipment and ensure accurate test results. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to facilitate accurate diagnoses and treatments. They assume responsibility for problem resolution across the continuum of testing (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical).
Education Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field. Persons in the process of completing a NAACLS-accredited MLS/CLS program may be eligible. Required
Experience Qualifications
- 1 year Experience performing specimen collecting or testing. Preferred
Skills and Abilities
- Follows all applicable OSHA guidelines. Follows all hospital and departmental safety procedures. (Required proficiency)
- Proficient in scientific principles, procedures, and protocols. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to organize work and establish priorities. (Required proficiency)
- Strong attention to detail. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to follow directions accurately. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Medical Laboratory Scientist - ASCP Required or
- Persons licensed by a state requiring laboratory personnel licensure may be accepted. Required or
- Single discipline technologist or specialist certification in Blood Bank, Chemistry, Hematology, Molecular Biology, or Microbiology may be considered depending on the position. Required or
- Certification - eligible persons may be considered. Required
What you will do
- Processes and handles blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures. Good understanding of specimen collection and other pre-analytical considerations for quality testing.
- Performs and results a variety of clinical laboratory tests in the areas of hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis and immunohematology. Performs quality control on analytical systems and recognizes systems that are out of control.
- Understands the theory involved in procedures and troubleshoots when questionable or erratic results occur. Takes proper remedial action in response to test systems being out of control limits. Reports unusual or erratic results to laboratory leadership.
- Maintains equipment as directed by manufacturers' recommendations, laboratory policy procedure manual and/or laboratory leadership. Operates equipment properly. Thoroughly reads manual before using equipment. Has a clear understanding of the equipment, how it functions, what its limitations are when it is malfunctioning.
- Participates in the proficiency testing program (as assigned).
- Researches and sets up new procedures/analytical equipment. Writes, reviews and edits laboratory documents in the document management system.
- Inventory supplies as directed by lab leadership. Alert to situations or new techniques which will conserve supplies or improve efficiency. Evaluates new products and supplies as directed by lab leadership.
- As directed by department leadership, provides education and training to new team members, students, and interns. Provides a welcoming environment to learners by practicing open communication, constructive feedback tailored to specific behaviors, goal-setting, and competency evaluation. Assists learner with documentation and competency as required. Prepares lectures and study material for clinical interns as needed.
- Assesses competency of other technical staff on non-waived test systems as directed by lab leadership, in accordance with federal rules under CLIA.
Required for All Jobs
- Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health
- Performs other duties as assigned
Patient Facing Options
- Position is Not Patient Facing
Remote Work Guidelines
- Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.
- Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.
- Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.
- Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.
- Abide by Stormont Vail’s Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.
Remote Work Capability
- On-Site; No Remote
Scope
- No Supervisory Responsibility
- No Budget Responsibility
Physical Demands
- Balancing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Climbing (Ladders): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crawling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Crouching: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Driving (Standard): Rarely less than 1 hour
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Feeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Grasping (Fine Motor): Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Grasping (Gross Hand): Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Handling: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Hearing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Kneeling: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs
- Pulling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Pushing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Reaching (Forward): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Reaching (Overhead): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 25 lbs
- Repetitive Motions: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Sitting: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Standing: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Stooping: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Talking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Walking: Frequently 3-5 Hours
Working Conditions
- Burn: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Chemical: Frequently 3-5 Hours
- Combative Patients: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Dusts: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Electrical: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Explosive: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Extreme Temperatures: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Infectious Diseases: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Mechanical: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Needle Stick: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Noise/Sounds: Continuously greater than 5 hours
- Other Atmospheric Conditions: Rarely less than 1 hour
- Poor Ventilation, Fumes and/or Gases: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Risk of Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Continuously greater than 5 hours
- Hazards (other): Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Vibration: Occasionally 1-3 Hours
- Wet and/or Humid: Rarely less than 1 hour
Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.
See all OPT OR Tech Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT OR Tech Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in OR Tech
Lead with your clinical training credentials
Hospitals and surgical centers prioritize candidates with CST certification or accredited surgical tech program completion. Listing your clinical hours and credentialing status upfront signals job readiness and reduces employer hesitation around your OPT work authorization timeline.
Target health systems with established foreign national hiring
Large hospital networks like HCA Healthcare, Ascension, and CommonSpirit regularly hire international staff. These systems have HR infrastructure familiar with OPT work authorization, making the process smoother than approaching smaller independent surgical centers or specialty clinics.
Clarify your OPT timeline in your cover letter
State your OPT start date, expiration date, and whether you qualify for a STEM extension. Employers often decline OPT candidates due to timeline confusion, not unwillingness to hire. Proactive transparency removes that barrier before the interview stage.
Obtain CST certification before your OPT period begins
Certified Surgical Technologist credentials through NBSTSA significantly strengthen your candidacy. Many hospitals require or strongly prefer CST-certified candidates, and holding the credential shifts the conversation from visa logistics to your clinical qualifications.
Pursue roles at teaching hospitals and academic medical centers
Teaching hospitals affiliated with universities often have more experience navigating visa sponsorship and OPT transitions. They also tend to offer structured onboarding and mentorship, which supports international hires adjusting to U.S. surgical protocols and documentation standards.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly surgical tech openings
Browse OR Tech listings on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves time and connects you directly with surgical centers and hospitals that actively hire international candidates.
OR Tech OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an OR Tech on F-1 OPT?
Yes, OR Tech roles qualify as practical training under F-1 OPT when the work is directly related to your field of study. Surgical technology, allied health, and biology degree holders commonly qualify. Your DSO confirms eligibility, and you must have your EAD card in hand before your start date.
Do OR Tech employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
Sponsorship varies by employer. Large health systems and academic medical centers are more likely to sponsor H-1B visa or other visas than smaller surgical centers. OR Tech roles can qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B if the position requires a degree in a specific field, though this is assessed case by case.
Does OR Tech work qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program such as biomedical science, biology, or health informatics, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. A surgical technology degree is typically not STEM-designated. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies.
Where can I find OR Tech jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers. You can browse OR Tech listings from employers who are open to hiring international candidates, saving you from applying to roles where your work authorization status will disqualify you before the first interview.
Is CST certification required to work as an OR Tech on OPT?
Many hospital systems require or strongly prefer Certified Surgical Technologist credentials through NBSTSA, though requirements vary by state and employer. Holding CST certification before your OPT period begins strengthens your candidacy significantly and reduces employer concerns about training investment for a time-limited work authorization period.