OPT Pet Groomer Jobs
Pet Groomer jobs on OPT are available at veterinary clinics, pet retail chains, and independent grooming salons across the U.S. Your OPT work authorization lets you work full-time for any qualifying employer, but grooming roles rarely come with H-1B visa sponsorship, so planning your next visa step early matters.
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Get Access To All JobsOverview: To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.
At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.
Under the supervision of the Imaging Supervisor and Practice Manager, performs a wide variety of technical and professional duties utilizing complex imaging equipment to produce quality images as requested for subsequent interpretation by the nuclear physician. All duties are performed according to departmental and organizational policies and procedures. Promotes service excellence in all interactions as outlined in the Key Behaviors in the YNHH Core Success Factors. Additionally, the PET CT Tech is expected to work independently in problem solving and be the super user of the PET CT system.
Responsibilities:
- Performs high quality PET CT imaging procedures utilizing appropriate age specific standards to obtain the desired diagnostic patient information for the referring physician.
- Performs high quality General and PET imaging procedures utilizing appropriate age specific standards to obtain the desired diagnostic patient information for the referring physician. Uses technical skill and knowledge of cross section anatomy to perform CT protocols appropriate and efficiently.
- Performs various radiopharmacy duties including receipt, preparation, administration and storage of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals to ensure safety and integrity of the agents used. Properly recording all duties according to departmental policy.
- Obtains radionuclides by eluting generator systems or from bulk shipments maintaining sterile technique and shielding. All radioactive materials received are checked for leakage and activity according to departmental procedure as observed by supervisor or radiation safety officer.
- Performs quality control procedures to ensure optimal performance of gamma cameras, computers and other related auxiliary equipment (dose calibrators, well counters, etc.)
- Performs daily, weekly, and monthly quality control on all instrumentation including uniformity checks, linearity, center of rotation and other indicated tests according to departmental procedure to ensure all equipment is in proper working order as observed by supervisor or peers.
- Practices safe handling of radioactive materials according to departmental and federal regulations to ensure minimal radiation exposure to self and others.
- Follows ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) guidelines for radiation exposure including use of syringe shields and lead carrying cases as observed by supervisor and peers and as evidenced by monthly film badge reports.
- Performs job-related tasks in a timely manner as needed to ensure the goals of the department are met.
- Schedules patients for procedures using Imagecast computer system and tracks assigned patients' arrival and completion status as observed by supervisor.
- Demonstrates commitment to coworkers, department and hospital through general standards of professional conduct to facilitate the efficient and smooth operation of the department.
- Recognizes and performs duties which need to be done such as offering assistance to others when own assignments are completed or checking with supervisor for an assignments as observed by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Graduation from an A.M.A. approved program in Nuclear Medicine and Radiological Technology Program. AS degree required, BS degree preferred.
Experience
Demonstrate technical skills to meet entry level standards. Three years of experience in Nuclear Medicine/PET, at least one within the Yale New Haven Health System.
LICENSURE
NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology required, PET certification preferred.
SPECIAL SKILLS
Must have advanced knowledge of radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine equipment and nuclear medicine imaging procedures and advanced computer acquisition and processing techniques. Also must be proficient in routine CT imaging and have knowledge of cross section anatomy. Must have knowledge of computer/Pacs applications, and good organizational and excellent communication/customer service skills.
PHYSICAL DEMAND
Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds to assist with patient transfers.
EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
Overview: To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.
At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.
Under the supervision of the Imaging Supervisor and Practice Manager, performs a wide variety of technical and professional duties utilizing complex imaging equipment to produce quality images as requested for subsequent interpretation by the nuclear physician. All duties are performed according to departmental and organizational policies and procedures. Promotes service excellence in all interactions as outlined in the Key Behaviors in the YNHH Core Success Factors. Additionally, the PET CT Tech is expected to work independently in problem solving and be the super user of the PET CT system.
Responsibilities:
- Performs high quality PET CT imaging procedures utilizing appropriate age specific standards to obtain the desired diagnostic patient information for the referring physician.
- Performs high quality General and PET imaging procedures utilizing appropriate age specific standards to obtain the desired diagnostic patient information for the referring physician. Uses technical skill and knowledge of cross section anatomy to perform CT protocols appropriate and efficiently.
- Performs various radiopharmacy duties including receipt, preparation, administration and storage of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals to ensure safety and integrity of the agents used. Properly recording all duties according to departmental policy.
- Obtains radionuclides by eluting generator systems or from bulk shipments maintaining sterile technique and shielding. All radioactive materials received are checked for leakage and activity according to departmental procedure as observed by supervisor or radiation safety officer.
- Performs quality control procedures to ensure optimal performance of gamma cameras, computers and other related auxiliary equipment (dose calibrators, well counters, etc.)
- Performs daily, weekly, and monthly quality control on all instrumentation including uniformity checks, linearity, center of rotation and other indicated tests according to departmental procedure to ensure all equipment is in proper working order as observed by supervisor or peers.
- Practices safe handling of radioactive materials according to departmental and federal regulations to ensure minimal radiation exposure to self and others.
- Follows ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) guidelines for radiation exposure including use of syringe shields and lead carrying cases as observed by supervisor and peers and as evidenced by monthly film badge reports.
- Performs job-related tasks in a timely manner as needed to ensure the goals of the department are met.
- Schedules patients for procedures using Imagecast computer system and tracks assigned patients' arrival and completion status as observed by supervisor.
- Demonstrates commitment to coworkers, department and hospital through general standards of professional conduct to facilitate the efficient and smooth operation of the department.
- Recognizes and performs duties which need to be done such as offering assistance to others when own assignments are completed or checking with supervisor for an assignments as observed by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Graduation from an A.M.A. approved program in Nuclear Medicine and Radiological Technology Program. AS degree required, BS degree preferred.
Experience
Demonstrate technical skills to meet entry level standards. Three years of experience in Nuclear Medicine/PET, at least one within the Yale New Haven Health System.
LICENSURE
NMTCB or ARRT (N) certification in Nuclear Medicine Technology required, PET certification preferred.
SPECIAL SKILLS
Must have advanced knowledge of radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine equipment and nuclear medicine imaging procedures and advanced computer acquisition and processing techniques. Also must be proficient in routine CT imaging and have knowledge of cross section anatomy. Must have knowledge of computer/Pacs applications, and good organizational and excellent communication/customer service skills.
PHYSICAL DEMAND
Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds to assist with patient transfers.
EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
See all 38+ OPT Pet Groomer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Pet Groomer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pet Groomer
Target employers with multiple locations
Large pet care chains and franchise operations are more likely to have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. Multi-location businesses have more resources to support OPT employees than solo grooming salons do.
Highlight certifications prominently
Credentials from the National Dog Groomers Association of America or International Professional Groomers signal professional-level training. Certified groomers are harder to replace, which gives employers a stronger reason to consider sponsorship down the line.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting any offer
Most grooming employers don't proactively mention visa sponsorship. Raise it directly during the offer stage, not after you've started. Knowing their position early saves you from a difficult situation when your OPT period ends.
Consider roles with a management track
Salon manager and lead groomer positions are more likely to qualify for visa categories requiring specialized skills. Framing your grooming career as a path toward management increases your options for future work authorization beyond OPT.
Document your client and revenue impact
Quantify what you contribute: client retention rates, repeat bookings, or revenue per shift. Concrete numbers make your case stronger when asking an employer to invest in sponsorship or justify your value to a future immigration attorney.
Pet Groomer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Pet Groomer on OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT work authorization allows you to work as a pet groomer for any qualifying U.S. employer, including veterinary clinics, pet retail chains, and independent salons. The role doesn't need to be tied to a specific academic major under standard OPT, though STEM OPT has different requirements. Your employer does not need to be a registered sponsor to hire you during your OPT period.
Do pet grooming employers typically sponsor visas after OPT?
Most small and independent grooming salons do not sponsor work visas, primarily because the H-1B visa requires a specialty occupation with a bachelor's degree requirement, which grooming roles rarely meet. Larger employers with HR departments are more open to exploring options. If long-term sponsorship matters to you, browse employer listings on Migrate Mate to identify which companies have a track record of supporting international employees.
Does a Pet Groomer job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Pet grooming roles generally do not qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension. STEM OPT requires both a STEM-designated degree and a role that directly applies that STEM training. Animal science or veterinary technology degrees may be STEM-designated, but standard grooming positions are not typically classified under STEM occupational codes. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming you qualify.
What happens to my OPT status if I leave a pet grooming job?
You must report any change in employer or unemployment to your Designated School Official within 10 days. Standard OPT allows a cumulative 90 days of unemployment during the entire OPT period. If you leave a grooming job without securing another, that gap counts against your limit. Staying under 90 total days of unemployment keeps your F-1 status valid while you search for your next role.
Can I work at multiple pet grooming locations or as a mobile groomer on OPT?
Yes, OPT permits multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is reported to your DSO and you're working at least 20 hours per week in total during post-completion OPT. Mobile grooming operates the same way, provided you're working for an employer rather than as a self-employed independent contractor. Self-employment on OPT is not permitted unless you establish a legal business entity that employs you directly.