OPT Pathologist Jobs
Pathologist roles on OPT require STEM-designated programs in pathology, laboratory medicine, or a related biological science field, which qualifies you for up to 36 months of work authorization. Most hospital systems and academic medical centers file H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified pathologists, making this one of the stronger OPT-to-visa pipelines in medicine.
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Why Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.
Benefits Highlights
- Medical: Multiple plan options.
- Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
- Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
- Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
- Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.
Responsibilities
The Division of Anatomic Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is seeking an Academic Pathologist with expertise in pulmonary pathology (including pleural and mediastinal pathology).
Mayo Clinic is known for its team approach and multidisciplinary work to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. Our primary value is “the needs of the patient come first.” Innovation is one of our core values, and faculty are encouraged and supported to energize the practice with creative ideas.
Mayo Clinic provides extraordinary career opportunities, including numerous active research programs in pulmonary pathology with unique opportunities for clinical practice, innovation, education, leadership, and research-related activities. Our pulmonary pathology section is composed of a diverse and collegial team of 7 experienced pathologists with a track record of academic productivity, as well as national and international involvement in the field of pulmonary and thoracic pathology.
Our Anatomic Pathology practice is multispecialty-based and highly complex, encompassing a high-volume of consultation cases as well as cases from patients seen at the Mayo Clinic. Due to our integrated practice model, candidates with multiple skills are highly desirable. We seek a colleague who demonstrates integrity, teamwork, and excellence in their work. The successful candidate will desire to bring bold new ideas to the practice and develop a thriving academic career.
The position carries an academic appointment in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, rank commensurate with experience.
Qualifications
Board certification in Anatomic Pathology is required. Fellowship in pulmonary pathology and at least two years of post-fellowship experience with a track record of academic publications is preferred.
Applications should include a CV and cover letter.
Exemption Status
Exempt
Compensation Detail
The minimum starting salary for Laboratory specialties may range from $289,000 to $433,750. This range reflects full-time total base compensation prior to consideration of additional experience or duties. Pay for the selected candidate will vary based on specialty, experience, FTE, internal equity, or external market data.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
80
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is.
Equal Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the "EOE is the Law". Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Recruiter
Kim Cota-Robles
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pathologist
Target academic medical centers first
University hospitals and academic health systems hire pathologists most frequently and have established H-1B visa sponsorship processes. Their HR teams are familiar with OPT timelines and can move through immigration paperwork without the delays common at smaller private practices.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Pathology, biomedical sciences, and clinical laboratory science programs are typically STEM-designated, giving you 36 months total. Verify your specific program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the extension window affects how employers plan your H-1B filing timeline.
Apply 6 to 12 months before your OPT expires
Pathology hiring cycles move slowly due to credentialing and licensing requirements. Starting your search early gives employers enough runway to file an H-1B petition before the April lottery deadline without feeling rushed by your authorization end date.
Address board certification status upfront
Many pathologist positions require or strongly prefer ABP board certification. If you're in residency or fellowship, clarify your expected certification timeline during interviews so employers can assess whether your OPT period aligns with when you'll be fully credentialed and productive.
Pursue subspecialty fellowship training strategically
Subspecialties like hematopathology, neuropathology, and molecular pathology face national shortages, making employers significantly more willing to sponsor visas. Fellowship programs at sponsoring institutions often transition directly into attending roles with H-1B support built into the hiring pathway.
Get your medical credentials verified early
Foreign medical graduates need ECFMG certification and state licensure before practicing as pathologists. Starting credential verification through the relevant medical board immediately maximizes the productive months within your OPT window and removes a common employer hesitation about hiring international candidates.
Pathologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a pathologist on OPT without an employer filing for H-1B?
You can work as a pathologist on OPT without an immediate H-1B commitment, but most positions require one eventually. OPT work authorization is tied to your degree program and lasts up to 36 months on STEM extension. After that, you'll need a different status, so most employers in pathology plan for H-1B sponsorship from the start.
Do pathologist roles typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, most pathology-related graduate degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total after your initial 12 months. Programs in pathology, biomedical sciences, and clinical laboratory sciences typically carry STEM-designated CIP codes. Confirm your program's designation with your DSO before relying on this timeline in job negotiations.
Where can I find pathologist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find pathologist roles open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Rather than filtering through general job boards where sponsorship willingness is unclear, Migrate Mate surfaces positions from employers already familiar with F-1 OPT work authorization, saving you time and reducing the risk of applying to roles that won't move forward with international candidates.
Do I need to be board-certified to work as a pathologist on OPT?
Board certification requirements vary by employer. Academic medical centers and hospital systems often require or strongly prefer ABP certification, while some research or laboratory roles are more flexible. If you're completing residency or fellowship during your OPT period, be transparent with employers about your expected certification date so they can plan credentialing and sponsorship timelines accordingly.
Can I work in a pathology fellowship on OPT?
Yes, pathology fellowship positions are eligible for OPT work authorization provided your employment is directly related to your degree program. Most accredited fellowships in subspecialties like surgical pathology, hematopathology, or molecular pathology satisfy this requirement. Confirm with your DSO that the fellowship role is properly reported to SEVP through your university to maintain valid status throughout the program.