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 JobsEmployment Type:
Part time
Shift:
12 Hour Night Shift
Description:
Position Purpose
In the Orthopedic Department at Saint Francis Hospital, the Registered Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in caring for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, joint replacement, spinal disorders and sport injuries.
What You Will Do:
- Dynamic work environment in a fast-paced unit, catering to patients with orthopedic conditions, including post-surgical recovery and trauma cases.
- Administer medications, including analgesics, and use non-pharmacological techniques to manage pain while also monitoring and caring for surgical wounds and dressings.
- Assist patients in early ambulation, provide education on movement restrictions, and collaborate with physical therapists. Educate patients on pre-op and post-op procedures, including what to expect during recovery.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Graduation from an accredited nursing school
- Valid RN license in Connecticut
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing
- The ideal candidate will have two or more years of Orthopedic or Surgical experience in an acute inpatient setting.
- BLS/CPR certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
Position Highlights:
- Part Time: 24hrs/week-Night Shift
- Rotating 4th Weekend/ Every other Holiday
Ministry/Facility Information
Saint Francis Hospital has been an anchor institution in Connecticut since 1897. Saint Francis, a member of Trinity Health Of New England and Trinity Health, is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Saint Francis Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, is a 617-bed hospital and a major teaching hospital. Other Saint Francis entities include the Comprehensive Women’s Health Center, the Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute, and the Smilow Cancer Hospital.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type:
Part time
Shift:
12 Hour Night Shift
Description:
Position Purpose
In the Orthopedic Department at Saint Francis Hospital, the Registered Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in caring for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including fractures, joint replacement, spinal disorders and sport injuries.
What You Will Do:
- Dynamic work environment in a fast-paced unit, catering to patients with orthopedic conditions, including post-surgical recovery and trauma cases.
- Administer medications, including analgesics, and use non-pharmacological techniques to manage pain while also monitoring and caring for surgical wounds and dressings.
- Assist patients in early ambulation, provide education on movement restrictions, and collaborate with physical therapists. Educate patients on pre-op and post-op procedures, including what to expect during recovery.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- Graduation from an accredited nursing school
- Valid RN license in Connecticut
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree in Nursing
- The ideal candidate will have two or more years of Orthopedic or Surgical experience in an acute inpatient setting.
- BLS/CPR certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
Position Highlights:
- Part Time: 24hrs/week-Night Shift
- Rotating 4th Weekend/ Every other Holiday
Ministry/Facility Information
Saint Francis Hospital has been an anchor institution in Connecticut since 1897. Saint Francis, a member of Trinity Health Of New England and Trinity Health, is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. Saint Francis Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, is a 617-bed hospital and a major teaching hospital. Other Saint Francis entities include the Comprehensive Women’s Health Center, the Connecticut Joint Replacement Institute, and the Smilow Cancer Hospital.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
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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.