OPT Orthopedic Physician Assistant Jobs
Orthopedic Physician Assistant jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a PA degree and NCCPA certification. Most roles require state licensure, which can affect your start date, so factor that into your OPT timeline. Standard OPT gives you 12 months; STEM OPT extension is not available for PA programs.
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Get Access To All JobsWhat We Offer:
This PA will support our total joint surgeon. Surgical experience required, Total joint hip and Knee preferred. The team member’s Number One job responsibility is to deliver the most remarkable patient experience, in every dimension, every time, and understands how to contribute to the health system’s vision of achieving that commitment to patients and families. At Novant Health, people are our business. We treat each other with respect and compassion. We embrace the differences in our strengths while fostering an environment of inclusion, empowerment, inspiration and courage. The team member will use Novant Health’s First Do No Harm (NHFDNH) safety behaviors/error prevention tools and high reliability strategies as appropriate to ensure a safe, remarkable patient experience. Come join a remarkable team where quality care meets quality service, in every dimension, every time. #JoinTeamAubergine #NovantHealth #NHMGAPPs Let Novant Health be the destination for your professional growth.
What We're Looking For:
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Education: Graduate Degree, required. Graduate of an NCCPA accredited physician assistant program, required.
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Experience: One to three years of experience working in a physician practice setting, preferred.
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Licensure/Certification:
- Current PA license in appropriate state, required.
- NCCPA Certification and current DEA registry, required.
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Additional Skills Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skills validation and competency testing. Ability to work with management team and physicians; demonstrated customer service skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills.
What You'll Do:
It is the responsibility of every Novant Health team member to deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time. Our team members are part of an environment that fosters teamwork, team member engagement and community involvement.
-
The successful team member has a commitment to leveraging diversity and inclusion in support of quality care.
-
All Novant Health team members are responsible for fostering a safe patient environment driven by the principles of "First Do No Harm".
What We Offer:
This PA will support our total joint surgeon. Surgical experience required, Total joint hip and Knee preferred. The team member’s Number One job responsibility is to deliver the most remarkable patient experience, in every dimension, every time, and understands how to contribute to the health system’s vision of achieving that commitment to patients and families. At Novant Health, people are our business. We treat each other with respect and compassion. We embrace the differences in our strengths while fostering an environment of inclusion, empowerment, inspiration and courage. The team member will use Novant Health’s First Do No Harm (NHFDNH) safety behaviors/error prevention tools and high reliability strategies as appropriate to ensure a safe, remarkable patient experience. Come join a remarkable team where quality care meets quality service, in every dimension, every time. #JoinTeamAubergine #NovantHealth #NHMGAPPs Let Novant Health be the destination for your professional growth.
What We're Looking For:
-
Education: Graduate Degree, required. Graduate of an NCCPA accredited physician assistant program, required.
-
Experience: One to three years of experience working in a physician practice setting, preferred.
-
Licensure/Certification:
- Current PA license in appropriate state, required.
- NCCPA Certification and current DEA registry, required.
-
Additional Skills Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skills validation and competency testing. Ability to work with management team and physicians; demonstrated customer service skills, interpersonal skills and communication skills.
What You'll Do:
It is the responsibility of every Novant Health team member to deliver the most remarkable patient experience in every dimension, every time. Our team members are part of an environment that fosters teamwork, team member engagement and community involvement.
-
The successful team member has a commitment to leveraging diversity and inclusion in support of quality care.
-
All Novant Health team members are responsible for fostering a safe patient environment driven by the principles of "First Do No Harm".
See all 100+ OPT Orthopedic Physician Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant
Apply before your OPT start date
State PA licensure can take 6 to 12 weeks after graduation. Start your license application immediately after passing the PANCE so your authorization is in place before your OPT work period begins and you avoid losing authorized days.
Target orthopedic surgery groups and hospital systems
Large hospital systems and orthopedic surgery practices are more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsoring work visas. Independent single-physician offices rarely have experience with H-1B visa or TN visa sponsorship and may decline without a clear process in place.
Know your visa path before your 12 months run out
PA roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they require a master's degree in a specific field. Confirm your employer is willing to file an H-1B petition well before your OPT expires, as USCIS processing timelines require early planning.
Understand that STEM OPT does not apply to PA programs
Physician Assistant programs are classified under health sciences, not STEM fields eligible for the 24-month extension. Your OPT window is 12 months. Factor this hard deadline into every job offer negotiation and visa sponsorship conversation with employers.
Highlight your NCCPA certification prominently
Orthopedic employers expect active NCCPA certification as a baseline requirement. Leading your resume and cover letter with your certification status and CAQ in orthopedics, if applicable, removes a common employer concern about international candidate qualifications early in the screening process.
Ask about sponsorship intent during the first interview
Do not wait until an offer is extended to raise visa sponsorship. Ask directly whether the employer has sponsored H-1B or other work visas before. An employer with no prior experience may still sponsor, but you need lead time to educate them.
Orthopedic Physician Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Orthopedic Physician Assistant roles qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. If your degree is in Physician Assistant Studies or a closely related health sciences field, you can work as an Orthopedic PA under standard OPT for up to 12 months. The role must be directly related to your field of study, which is straightforward for PA graduates entering clinical practice.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for Physician Assistant graduates?
No. PA programs are classified under health sciences, not STEM, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension does not apply. You have 12 months of standard OPT. After that, you need a different work authorization category, most commonly an H-1B visa sponsored by your employer. Planning for this transition early is essential.
Does an Orthopedic PA role qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Yes. Physician Assistant is a recognized H-1B specialty occupation because it requires a specific master's-level degree and active NCCPA certification. Orthopedic practices and hospital systems have successfully sponsored PAs under H-1B. Your employer needs to file a Labor Condition Application with the DOL and submit an I-129 petition to USCIS on your behalf.
How does state licensure affect my OPT start date as an international PA?
State PA licensure typically takes 6 to 12 weeks after passing the PANCE, and most employers cannot allow you to work without it. If your OPT authorization is approved before your license arrives, those days still count against your 12-month window. Apply for licensure immediately after graduation to minimize the gap between OPT start and actual work start.
Where can I find Orthopedic Physician Assistant jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsoring international candidates. Browsing Orthopedic PA listings on Migrate Mate helps you focus your applications on employers already familiar with OPT and H-1B sponsorship, rather than spending time on roles where sponsorship is not on the table.