OPT Physician Assistant Jobs
Physician Assistant jobs on OPT require an employer willing to file an H-1B visa or sponsor long-term, since PA roles qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS rules. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your program qualifies, gives you time to find a sponsoring healthcare employer.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This job works in a collaborative model including but not limited to: residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for outpatient clinic patients of the organization. This job works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education and discharge planning.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - Master’s degree in nursing.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required - None.
Preferred - 3 years of related working experience.
CERTIFICATIONS
Required - Current License as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified for Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing.
Physician Assistant:
Required - Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice.
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certified.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of required job information.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
- Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
- Reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
JOB DUTIES
- Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
- Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
- Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
- Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community.
- Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
- Performs other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
EEO STATEMENT
The employer is 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, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
INTRODUCTION
We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This job works in a collaborative model including but not limited to: residents, fellows, attendings, and staff who care for outpatient clinic patients of the organization. This job works under the supervision of the Medical Director or approved staff physician and in association with the PCCs, staff nurses, and discharge coordinator in the planning, implementation and evaluation of medical and nursing care; and assumes responsibility for primary and urgent medical management, emergency stabilization of all critically ill patients, teaching of residents and medical students, staff development and education, patient education and discharge planning.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Education
Required - Master’s degree in nursing.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant medicine or Health Sciences, or graduate of an approved Physician Assistant Training Program.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required - None.
Preferred - 3 years of related working experience.
CERTIFICATIONS
Required - Current License as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified for Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner ANCC or AANPCP Certified.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) / Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Nursing.
Physician Assistant:
Required - Current license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice.
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certified.
Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
Eligible for Prescriptive Authority in the state of practice as outlined by the State Board of Medical Examiners.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
- Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of required job information.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
- Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Working knowledge of Advanced Practice Provider policies and protocols at a department and campus/system level.
- Reliable transportation as must be able to travel throughout and between facilities.
- Must be able to work a flexible work schedule (e.g. 24/7, weekend, holiday, on call availability).
JOB DUTIES
- Utilizes the approved medical practices process in the delivery of all patient care.
- Provides care based on physical, psycho/social, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the ages of patients served in assigned areas.
- Maintains an attitude of inquiry towards medical practices and patient care outcomes, and may develop research methodology.
- Provides education experiences to patient families, staff, other health professionals, and to the community.
- Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
- Performs other related duties as required.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.
Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.
This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Medium Work - Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity.
Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.
Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.
EEO STATEMENT
The employer is 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, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!
Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.
Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.
Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or careers@ochsner.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
See all 1,454+ OPT Physician Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Physician Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Physician Assistant
Target hospital systems over private practices
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller private practices rarely have the infrastructure to navigate immigration filings, making them lower-probability targets for OPT students.
Confirm NCCPA certification eligibility early
Most PA employers require PANCE passage before hire. Confirm your graduation timeline aligns with your OPT start date so you can sit for the exam and begin authorized employment without gaps that could jeopardize your status.
Ask about sponsorship in the second interview, not the first
Raising H-1B sponsorship too early signals risk to hiring managers. Establish your clinical fit and value first. Once there is clear mutual interest, asking about immigration support lands much better with the decision-makers who control the offer.
Prioritize employers with existing H-1B filing history
Employers who have sponsored H-1B workers before understand the timeline and cost. Search DOL disclosure data to verify whether a hospital or health system has filed LCAs previously before investing significant time in their interview process.
Know your specialty's demand advantage
PA shortages in primary care, emergency medicine, and rural health create genuine leverage for international candidates. Emphasizing willingness to work in underserved or high-need settings can make sponsorship conversations easier with employers who struggle to fill those positions.
Get your OPT authorization documents organized before applying
Have your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and passport ready before submitting applications. Employers in regulated healthcare settings run compliance checks early, and delays in providing work authorization documentation can cost you an offer.
Physician Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Physician Assistant jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Physician Assistant is a specialty occupation requiring at least a master's degree from an accredited PA program, which satisfies USCIS criteria for both OPT authorization and eventual H-1B sponsorship. Your EAD card authorizes you to work as a PA for any employer willing to hire you during your OPT period.
Do PA programs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most PA programs do not qualify for the STEM OPT extension because the Master of Physician Assistant Studies is not classified under a STEM-designated CIP code. You should confirm your specific program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming a 24-month extension is available. Plan your H-1B timeline around a standard 12-month OPT window to avoid gaps.
How do I find PA employers who sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so you can browse Physician Assistant roles filtered by employers with sponsorship history. Beyond that, reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data shows which hospital systems and health networks have filed H-1B petitions for PA roles in recent years.
Can I start working as a PA before my PANCE results arrive?
Most states require licensure before independent PA practice, and PANCE results typically take one to two weeks after your exam date. Some employers offer a supervised provisional period while awaiting results, but this varies by state and employer policy. Confirm your state's licensing board rules and your employer's internal compliance requirements before your start date.
What happens to my OPT status if my PA job ends before I find a new employer?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment during your authorization period. If you lose your PA position, you have 90 days to secure new employment in a role directly related to your degree before your status is at risk. Report any employer changes to your DSO immediately and document your job search to maintain compliance throughout the gap.