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.
Find OPT OR Tech JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ OR Tech jobs
See all OR Tech Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OR Tech roles.
Get Access To All JobsWelcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you’ll find other important information about this position.
Provides intraoperative care to patients by functioning as the scrub person assisting the surgical team during an operative procedure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR LICENSURE:
- Current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse AND two (2) years of previous scrub experience,
OR Completion of a Surgical Technology Program AND surgical technologist certification,
- Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
-
One year of Surgical Technology experience.
-
Advanced knowledge in desired specialty.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
-
Utilizes quality aseptic technique when working in an unsterile or sterile role in the OR.
-
Assists the circulating RN in monitoring technique of all persons in the OR to maintain a sterile field.
-
Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts with the circulating RN following established guidelines.
-
Assists with gowning and gloving surgeons and positioning equipment and instruments.
-
Passes sterile instruments to the surgical team during a surgical procedure.
-
Assists with transportation and positioning of the patients to include assisting the surgical team by holding retractors and position of operative limb under direction of surgeon.
-
Prepares supplies and equipment for surgical procedure following preference cards.
-
Assists with sterilization and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment.
-
Monitors inventory; orders; and restocks supplies, instruments, and equipment.
-
Removes out-of-date items and discards or reprocesses following established guidelines.
-
Assists with the general cleaning duties of the department.
-
Performs equipment checks as assigned.
-
Assists with the proper recording of patient charges.
-
Call with a response time of 30 minutes.
-
Serves as a mentor to the team and supports the development of level one technologists.
For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements:
- Completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards. Training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, In-services, and competency validation.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
-
Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs.
-
Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
-
Ability to wear lead for extended periods of time.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Job Description:
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Shift:
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
WH Wheeling Hospital Inc.
Cost Center:
72 WH Nursing Operating Room
Address:
1 Medical Park Drive
Wheeling
West Virginia
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
Welcome! We’re excited you’re considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you’ll find other important information about this position.
Provides intraoperative care to patients by functioning as the scrub person assisting the surgical team during an operative procedure.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, AND/OR LICENSURE:
- Current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse AND two (2) years of previous scrub experience,
OR Completion of a Surgical Technology Program AND surgical technologist certification,
- Obtain certification in Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
-
One year of Surgical Technology experience.
-
Advanced knowledge in desired specialty.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
-
Utilizes quality aseptic technique when working in an unsterile or sterile role in the OR.
-
Assists the circulating RN in monitoring technique of all persons in the OR to maintain a sterile field.
-
Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts with the circulating RN following established guidelines.
-
Assists with gowning and gloving surgeons and positioning equipment and instruments.
-
Passes sterile instruments to the surgical team during a surgical procedure.
-
Assists with transportation and positioning of the patients to include assisting the surgical team by holding retractors and position of operative limb under direction of surgeon.
-
Prepares supplies and equipment for surgical procedure following preference cards.
-
Assists with sterilization and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment.
-
Monitors inventory; orders; and restocks supplies, instruments, and equipment.
-
Removes out-of-date items and discards or reprocesses following established guidelines.
-
Assists with the general cleaning duties of the department.
-
Performs equipment checks as assigned.
-
Assists with the proper recording of patient charges.
-
Call with a response time of 30 minutes.
-
Serves as a mentor to the team and supports the development of level one technologists.
For facilities with specialty accreditation requirements:
- Completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards. Training may be completed through CBLs, trainings, In-services, and competency validation.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-
Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
-
Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs.
-
Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
-
Ability to wear lead for extended periods of time.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Additional Job Description:
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Shift:
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Company:
WH Wheeling Hospital Inc.
Cost Center:
72 WH Nursing Operating Room
Address:
1 Medical Park Drive
Wheeling
West Virginia
Equal Opportunity Employer
West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
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.