OPT Paramedic Jobs
Paramedic jobs on OPT are available but require careful timing, most EMS employers need state licensure before you start, and the credentialing process can take weeks. Your 90-day unemployment limit means you should begin applications and licensing steps before your program ends.
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Paramedic Emergency Department
Job Description
Overview
Full Time, 3, 12 Hours Preschedule Shifts (10am-10: 30pm), White Hospital Emergency Department
Responsible for the care, transport, and treatment of ill/injured patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Responsible for relaying and receiving information regarding the patient and patient condition. Responsible for complying with all regulatory requirements, departmental policy and practice, safety policies and practice, hospital policies, and operating within the scope of a Paramedic as defined by the state of Indiana. Must possess the required knowledge and skills to appropriately care for and manage neonatal, infant, pediatric, adult, and elderly patients.
- Requires graduate of Emergency Medical Technician certification program and graduate of a Paramedic Training Program with current Paramedic licensure as specified by Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission.
- Requires Basic Life Support, (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification through the AHA.
- Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
- Following successful completion of a recognized Paramedic Training Program as approved by the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; this position requires experience (obtainable through ambulance service; hospital or military experience) plus an appropriate period of orientation to perform assigned tasks and duties within the Emergency Department.
- Requires knowledge of both routine and special procedures.
- Requires knowledge of pharmacology and recognizes side effects of medications administered.
- Requires familiarity with designated pieces of equipment and supplies.
- Requires a good basic understanding of the concepts of good personal hygiene; aseptic and sterile techniques to prevent spread of infection to patients; self and others.
- Requires sufficient knowledge to observe and report changes in patient condition.
- Requires general awareness and understanding of legal implication of patient care activities and self performance as a Paramedic within the Emergency Department.
- Requires knowledge of EMTALA.
We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Qualifications for the Paramedic Emergency Department Role
Overview
Full Time, 3, 12 Hours Preschedule Shifts (10am-10: 30pm), White Hospital Emergency Department
Responsible for the care, transport, and treatment of ill/injured patients in both emergency and non-emergency situations. Responsible for relaying and receiving information regarding the patient and patient condition. Responsible for complying with all regulatory requirements, departmental policy and practice, safety policies and practice, hospital policies, and operating within the scope of a Paramedic as defined by the state of Indiana. Must possess the required knowledge and skills to appropriately care for and manage neonatal, infant, pediatric, adult, and elderly patients.
- Requires graduate of Emergency Medical Technician certification program and graduate of a Paramedic Training Program with current Paramedic licensure as specified by Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission.
- Requires Basic Life Support, (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification through the AHA.
- Other advanced life support certifications may be required per unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
- Following successful completion of a recognized Paramedic Training Program as approved by the Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; this position requires experience (obtainable through ambulance service; hospital or military experience) plus an appropriate period of orientation to perform assigned tasks and duties within the Emergency Department.
- Requires knowledge of both routine and special procedures.
- Requires knowledge of pharmacology and recognizes side effects of medications administered.
- Requires familiarity with designated pieces of equipment and supplies.
- Requires a good basic understanding of the concepts of good personal hygiene; aseptic and sterile techniques to prevent spread of infection to patients; self and others.
- Requires sufficient knowledge to observe and report changes in patient condition.
- Requires general awareness and understanding of legal implication of patient care activities and self performance as a Paramedic within the Emergency Department.
- Requires knowledge of EMTALA.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Paramedic
Start your state paramedic license early
State EMS licensure is a prerequisite at most employers and takes four to eight weeks to process. Begin your application before your OPT start date so credentialing delays do not eat into your authorized work period.
Target large hospital systems and fire departments
Major health systems and municipal fire departments have dedicated HR infrastructure and are more familiar with OPT work authorization than small private EMS agencies. Their hiring timelines also tend to be more predictable.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
Standard paramedicine programs are typically not STEM-designated, meaning you get 12 months of OPT. If your degree was in emergency health sciences or a related STEM field, confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Get your NREMT certification documented clearly
Employers will ask about your National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians certification alongside your state license. Keep both certificates current and readily available to share during the hiring process to avoid delays.
Apply to employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Some paramedic employers, particularly large integrated health systems, have sponsored H-1B visas for clinical staff before. Prioritizing those employers improves your chances of long-term sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
Paramedic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a paramedic on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a paramedic on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Your employer does not need to file any petition on your behalf during the OPT period. You must have a valid EAD card before your first day and maintain state licensure throughout your employment.
Is paramedicine considered a STEM field for STEM OPT extension purposes?
Most paramedic and emergency medical services degree programs are not STEM-designated under the DHS STEM OPT list, which means graduates typically receive a 12-month OPT period rather than 36 months. If your program was in emergency health sciences, health informatics, or another STEM-designated field, verify your program's CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility.
How do the 90-day unemployment rules affect paramedic job searching?
F-1 OPT students may not exceed 90 days of unemployment during their authorized period. Paramedic licensing and credentialing can take four to eight weeks after you receive a job offer, which means the clock is running while you wait. Starting your state license application before your OPT begins is the most effective way to reduce this gap.
Do paramedic employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
H-1B sponsorship for paramedics is uncommon because the occupation does not always meet the specialty occupation standard, which requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific field. However, large hospital systems and integrated health networks that employ paramedics in advanced clinical or supervisory roles have sponsored H-1B petitions in some cases. You can browse employers with sponsorship history on Migrate Mate.
What documents does a paramedic employer need to verify my OPT work authorization?
Your employer will complete Form I-9 and needs to see your valid EAD card along with a List B identity document, or alternatively your unrestricted U.S. passport alone. They do not need to see your I-20 or any USCIS approval notice. Keep a copy of your EAD and confirm the authorized employment dates match the role start date before your first day.