OPT Pharmacist Jobs
Pharmacist roles on OPT require employer sponsorship for H-1B visa or green card after your work authorization period ends. Most positions are in retail chains, hospital systems, and specialty pharmacy, with STEM OPT extension available if your pharmacy degree qualifies under CIP code 51.2001.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
This is a full-time, day shift position at OhioHealth's brand-new Pharmacy Integrated Service Center (ISC) in Canal Winchester. The ISC will be responsible for distributing medications for all OhioHealth clinics and will also house a Pharmacy Learning Center. Previous related experience is strongly preferred.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor of Science or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution (Required)
- Current Ohio pharmacist license (Required)
- Basic Life Support Certification—current or obtained during the orientation period (unless greater than 50% of scheduled work hours, as determined by the manager, are completed off-site or not in a patient care setting)
- ASHP accredited residency or equivalent pharmacy practice experience
- Pharmacy Board Certifications or other certifications
- Advanced-level degree in healthcare field
- Collaborative practice experience
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (may be required to obtain as determined by manager)
- Pharmacokinetic drug dosing experience
- Drug therapy management
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for pharmacist tasks, such as dispensing and compounding medication, counseling patients on medication and health subjects, interpreting prescriptions, managing patient drug therapy, and performing drug utilization. Pharmacists are expected to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and multitask as appropriate. Strong interpersonal skills, including effective mentorship, clear communication and collaboration, empathy toward patients and colleagues, and ability to build trust in professional relationships, are required to be successful in this role. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health-care practitioners to provide safe, high-quality, and cost-effective drug therapy. Pharmacists may administer medications as applicable by state law and practice setting. Pharmacists will serve as preceptors for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents in their area of training and expertise.
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General Profile - Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines. Solves complex problems. Works independently and receives minimal guidance. May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or have accountability for ongoing activities or objectives. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. Level at which career may stabilize for many years or until retirement.
-
Job Functional Knowledge - Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines.
-
Business Expertise - Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
-
Leadership - Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
-
Problem Solving - Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
-
Impact - Impacts a range of patient, operational, project, or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and protocols.
-
Interpersonal Skills - Explains difficult or sensitive information to others, including patients and families; works to build consensus.
Responsibilities And Duties:
Conducts essential responsibilities in a manner consistent with OhioHealth’s Service Excellence Standards of Behavior and Core Values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Stewardship. Committed to high reliability organization principles and demonstrates consistent behaviors to provide the safest and most effective care for all.
Acute Care/Infusion
50% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Interprets prescriptions and determines compatibility in accordance with standards of practice. Prepares care plan for patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and maximize compliance with therapy instructions.
20% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in a consulting relationship with a provider. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
10% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries, and providing instruction in their proper use.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Ambulatory Care/Population Health
50% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions in collaboration with a provider. Prepares individualized care plan to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes, avoid adverse events, and maximize adherence with therapy instructions. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
20% - Partners with individuals (patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals) to prevent, manage, and/or slow progression of disease through patient advocacy, wellness and health promotion, triage and referral, patient education, and self-management.
10% - Assist with guideline/policy development and implementation as well as participate in performance improvement initiatives, including those for practice advancement.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Retail
50% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals, and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Ensures proper billing procedures.
20% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, and assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries and providing instruction in their proper use.
10% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in collaboration with a provider. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Medication Safety, Stewardship, & Utilization
55% - Leads safety, stewardship, and utilization strategies for designated site(s) in collaboration with system team. Facilitates and manages activities of various site and system committees and clinical guidance councils. Develops, enforces, and maintains policies and procedures that promote and enhance patient outcomes through safe, effective, cost-efficient, and appropriate medication therapy use. Utilizing data, published best practice standards, and published events or recommendations, identifies opportunities for proactive change in the medication-use system to improve patient outcomes. Integrates medication improvement initiatives, activities, and changes with clinical and operational department programs and committees. Responsible for ensuring compliance with evidence-based recommendations, national patient safety recommendations, and regulatory standards related to safe and appropriate medication use.
20% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
5% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies in various pharmacy practice settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals, and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Interprets prescriptions and determines compatibility in accordance with standards of practice. Prepares care plan for patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and maximize compliance with therapy instructions.
5% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in collaboration with a provider in a variety of care settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
5% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, and assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries and providing instruction in their proper use in a variety of care settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care.
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree (Required), Doctor of Pharmacy (Required) OPL - Ohio Pharmacists License - Ohio Board of Pharmacy
Additional Job Description:
Work Shift:
Day
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department
Pharmacy Integrated Service Center
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.
Job Description Summary:
This is a full-time, day shift position at OhioHealth's brand-new Pharmacy Integrated Service Center (ISC) in Canal Winchester. The ISC will be responsible for distributing medications for all OhioHealth clinics and will also house a Pharmacy Learning Center. Previous related experience is strongly preferred.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
- Bachelor of Science or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited institution (Required)
- Current Ohio pharmacist license (Required)
- Basic Life Support Certification—current or obtained during the orientation period (unless greater than 50% of scheduled work hours, as determined by the manager, are completed off-site or not in a patient care setting)
- ASHP accredited residency or equivalent pharmacy practice experience
- Pharmacy Board Certifications or other certifications
- Advanced-level degree in healthcare field
- Collaborative practice experience
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (may be required to obtain as determined by manager)
- Pharmacokinetic drug dosing experience
- Drug therapy management
JOB SUMMARY
This position is responsible for pharmacist tasks, such as dispensing and compounding medication, counseling patients on medication and health subjects, interpreting prescriptions, managing patient drug therapy, and performing drug utilization. Pharmacists are expected to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and multitask as appropriate. Strong interpersonal skills, including effective mentorship, clear communication and collaboration, empathy toward patients and colleagues, and ability to build trust in professional relationships, are required to be successful in this role. They collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other health-care practitioners to provide safe, high-quality, and cost-effective drug therapy. Pharmacists may administer medications as applicable by state law and practice setting. Pharmacists will serve as preceptors for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents in their area of training and expertise.
-
General Profile - Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines. Solves complex problems. Works independently and receives minimal guidance. May lead projects or project steps within a broader project or have accountability for ongoing activities or objectives. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. Level at which career may stabilize for many years or until retirement.
-
Job Functional Knowledge - Requires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplines.
-
Business Expertise - Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
-
Leadership - Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
-
Problem Solving - Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
-
Impact - Impacts a range of patient, operational, project, or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and protocols.
-
Interpersonal Skills - Explains difficult or sensitive information to others, including patients and families; works to build consensus.
Responsibilities And Duties:
Conducts essential responsibilities in a manner consistent with OhioHealth’s Service Excellence Standards of Behavior and Core Values: Compassion, Excellence, Inclusion, Integrity, and Stewardship. Committed to high reliability organization principles and demonstrates consistent behaviors to provide the safest and most effective care for all.
Acute Care/Infusion
50% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Interprets prescriptions and determines compatibility in accordance with standards of practice. Prepares care plan for patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and maximize compliance with therapy instructions.
20% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in a consulting relationship with a provider. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
10% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries, and providing instruction in their proper use.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Ambulatory Care/Population Health
50% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions in collaboration with a provider. Prepares individualized care plan to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes, avoid adverse events, and maximize adherence with therapy instructions. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
20% - Partners with individuals (patients, caregivers, and other health care professionals) to prevent, manage, and/or slow progression of disease through patient advocacy, wellness and health promotion, triage and referral, patient education, and self-management.
10% - Assist with guideline/policy development and implementation as well as participate in performance improvement initiatives, including those for practice advancement.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Retail
50% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals, and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Ensures proper billing procedures.
20% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, and assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries and providing instruction in their proper use.
10% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in collaboration with a provider. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
10% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
Medication Safety, Stewardship, & Utilization
55% - Leads safety, stewardship, and utilization strategies for designated site(s) in collaboration with system team. Facilitates and manages activities of various site and system committees and clinical guidance councils. Develops, enforces, and maintains policies and procedures that promote and enhance patient outcomes through safe, effective, cost-efficient, and appropriate medication therapy use. Utilizing data, published best practice standards, and published events or recommendations, identifies opportunities for proactive change in the medication-use system to improve patient outcomes. Integrates medication improvement initiatives, activities, and changes with clinical and operational department programs and committees. Responsible for ensuring compliance with evidence-based recommendations, national patient safety recommendations, and regulatory standards related to safe and appropriate medication use.
20% - Provides associate and learner development and training, including precepting students and residents. Provides educational programs for pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff as needed.
10% - Directs and guides pharmacy technicians and pharmacy support personnel.
5% - Reviews provider orders for correct drug choice, dosage form, dosing schedule, and possible drug-drug interactions or allergies in various pharmacy practice settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care. Contacts providers to clarify orders as appropriate. Dispenses and compounds medications and dispenses drug therapy-related devices in accordance with standards of practice and OhioHealth pharmacy policies. Ensures all medications, chemicals, and supplies are dispensed without suboptimal integrity. Ensures appropriate labeling for proper administration of medication. Interprets prescriptions and determines compatibility in accordance with standards of practice. Prepares care plan for patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and maximize compliance with therapy instructions.
5% - Manages individuals’ drug therapy by initiating, monitoring, and modifying prescriptions issued to patients in collaboration with a provider in a variety of care settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care. Provides drug information to providers, other health care professionals, and patients as needed.
5% - Counsels individuals regarding their drug therapy, including recommending drug therapy-related devices, and assisting in the selection of non-prescription drugs for the treatment of common diseases and injuries and providing instruction in their proper use in a variety of care settings, such as inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory care.
As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.
The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree (Required), Doctor of Pharmacy (Required) OPL - Ohio Pharmacists License - Ohio Board of Pharmacy
Additional Job Description:
Work Shift:
Day
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department
Pharmacy Integrated Service Center
Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry
Equal Employment Opportunity
OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
See all 3,245+ OPT Pharmacist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Pharmacist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Pharmacist
Target health systems over retail chains
Large hospital systems like Kaiser Permanente, Mayo Clinic, and VA Medical Centers have dedicated HR infrastructure for visa sponsorship. Retail pharmacy chains often have blanket no-sponsorship policies, making health system roles a more reliable path for OPT students.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Pharm.D. programs classified under CIP code 51.2001 qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Verify your school's DSO has this CIP code listed before assuming you qualify. This extra time dramatically improves your H-1B lottery odds.
Apply before your OPT EAD arrives
Submit pharmacy license applications to your state board as early as possible. Many states allow you to apply before your EAD is issued using your OPT approval notice. Licensing delays are the most common reason OPT pharmacists lose job offers.
Disclose your OPT status early in conversations
Bring up work authorization in the first recruiter call, not after an offer. Pharmacy employers need time to assess sponsorship feasibility. Early disclosure filters out non-sponsors quickly and shows professionalism, which hiring managers in clinical settings genuinely appreciate.
Focus your search on states with pharmacy shortages
Rural states and underserved urban areas face persistent pharmacist shortages, which increases employer willingness to sponsor. States like North Dakota, Wyoming, and parts of Appalachia consistently have open roles where sponsors are more flexible than in saturated markets.
Understand the H-1B cap and plan your timeline
H-1B registration opens in March each year, with a 50% selection rate for advanced degree holders. If you graduate in May and start OPT immediately, you have roughly two lottery cycles before your 36-month STEM OPT period ends. Plan employer conversations accordingly.
Pharmacist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a pharmacist on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, for the duration of your OPT period. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization after graduation, and STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months if your Pharm.D. qualifies under CIP code 51.2001. Sponsorship only becomes required when your OPT expires, so securing an employer willing to sponsor before that point is critical.
Do pharmacist roles commonly offer H-1B sponsorship?
Hospital systems and specialty pharmacy employers sponsor more consistently than retail chains. Large health systems, academic medical centers, and federal employers like the VA regularly file H-1B petitions for pharmacists. You can browse OPT-friendly pharmacist roles on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to sponsoring F-1 students.
Does a Pharm.D. qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Pharm.D. programs qualify under CIP code 51.2001, which is on the DHS STEM designated degree list. To confirm, check with your Designated School Official before graduation. If your program qualifies, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires, giving you 36 months total.
Do I need a state pharmacy license before starting OPT employment?
Yes. You must hold an active pharmacist license in the state where you'll work before you can legally practice. Many states allow you to submit your license application using your OPT approval notice before your EAD card arrives. Start the licensing process immediately after passing your NAPLEX and MPJE to avoid gaps between graduation and your start date.
Can I switch pharmacy employers while on OPT?
Yes, but the job must be directly related to your pharmacy degree and within your authorized OPT field. You must report employer changes to your DSO within 10 days, and they update your SEVIS record accordingly. If you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers.