OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Program Analyst roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in business, public policy, information systems, or a related field. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you real runway to prove your value.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Clinical Program Analyst, Pharmacist, you will use data insights to improve, enhance, and create strategies and roadmaps for clinical pharmacy programs. This is your opportunity to join a pharmacy team with a focus on clinical strategy, business impact, and cross-functional collaboration. You will find an incredible team culture that provides opportunities to learn and evolve every day.
In this role you will provide data-driven insights aggregated into clinical recommendations driving incremental improvement of Medicare Star clinical programs. You will be empowered to do your best to develop the strategy and vision for product roadmaps, establish collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders, gather accurate requirements and evaluate product performance to enhance our mission of helping people live healthier lives.
As a part of the Clinical Programs team, the Clinical Program Analyst Pharmacist is responsible for strategy, business case presentation, design, development, and launch of strategies, initiatives, program enhancements, and/or market opportunities that cut across all channels that OptumRx serves. Role will include cross-collaboration with a large matrixed environment, requiring developing rapport, relationships and trust. Stars program ensures compliance with CMS guidance of programs and satisfaction of clients warranting movement of the needle in terms of Stars Rating Elevation. Given time-sensitive issues required by CMS and other regulatory bodies, there may be times when extended work hours are required to ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner.
This position is remote.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities include both pharmacy (15%) and program data analysis and Strategy Development (85%)
Pharmacy:
- Serve as a clinical subject matter expert (SME) for, Part D Stars Measures impacting the program, and related CMS requirements
- Clinical analysis of outcomes data for yearly reporting and improvement opportunities
- Present clinical program findings to clients and leadership stakeholders
- Oversee pharmacy projects from inception to completion
- Research clinical program qualification and outcomes criteria
- Assess and interpret customer needs and requirements
- Identify solutions to non-standard requests and problems
- Work with other pharmacists and internal staff to create dedicated strategy tailored to client needs
Program Analysis and Strategy:
- Ability to interpret competitive intelligence, industry and market trends, and customer feedback and devise strategies and plans for product development opportunities
- Adept at developing sound development business cases and cost/benefit analyses to support product development efforts
- Ability to translate ideas into strategies, define plan for those strategies, and work cross-functionally to launch and execute on product development plans - with defined roadmap with timelines
- Work directly across many departments and cross functional teams to design, develop and drive successful deployment of new and enhanced programs and services
- Support defining business-level requirements for enhancements and net-new capabilities
- Support the development of market and sales strategies and value proposition
- Navigate and influence multiple cross-functional teams in a complex, matrixed work environment, which may require working across Optum and UHG business units
- Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address business and operational challenges
- Analyze data and prepare management summaries related to work stream results, performance management, results, audit results, CMS reporting, and client reporting
- Support client-specific strategies, and project plans for metric improvement.
- Lead client interactions, including presenting program performance, strategy, and recommendations
- Drive program performance against key metrics (e.g., PDC improvement, Star Ratings) and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Manage timelines, deliverables, and dependencies to support CMS submission requirements and client commitments
- Develop and present executive-level business cases, including PowerPoint presentations and supporting analyses, to senior leadership and clients
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PharmD or bachelor's degree in pharmacy
- Current and unrestricted pharmacist licensure
- 3+ years of experience working as a clinical pharmacist
- 3+ years of Managed Care experience AND Clinical Program Development/Clinical Program Strategy experience
- Program Strategy Management
- Critical thinking expertise
- Ability to navigate Outlook and conduct Internet searches
- Ability to navigate and use for analysis: Microsoft Excel proficiently, Power Query, Power BI, and other MS Office tools with Windows based environment
- Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to develop business strategies and recommendations
- Adept at analysis of data and storytelling
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master of Business or other advanced healthcare or business degree
- Experience with Medicare Star Clinical Programs
- Experience conducting competitive market intelligence analysis
- Experience presenting to senior leadership, clients, or external stakeholders
- Experience with CMS Stars measures and performance strategy
- PBM experience
- Pharmacy residency experience
- Medicare Part D experience
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary for this role will range from $91,700 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
INTRODUCTION
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Clinical Program Analyst, Pharmacist, you will use data insights to improve, enhance, and create strategies and roadmaps for clinical pharmacy programs. This is your opportunity to join a pharmacy team with a focus on clinical strategy, business impact, and cross-functional collaboration. You will find an incredible team culture that provides opportunities to learn and evolve every day.
In this role you will provide data-driven insights aggregated into clinical recommendations driving incremental improvement of Medicare Star clinical programs. You will be empowered to do your best to develop the strategy and vision for product roadmaps, establish collaborative relationships with external and internal stakeholders, gather accurate requirements and evaluate product performance to enhance our mission of helping people live healthier lives.
As a part of the Clinical Programs team, the Clinical Program Analyst Pharmacist is responsible for strategy, business case presentation, design, development, and launch of strategies, initiatives, program enhancements, and/or market opportunities that cut across all channels that OptumRx serves. Role will include cross-collaboration with a large matrixed environment, requiring developing rapport, relationships and trust. Stars program ensures compliance with CMS guidance of programs and satisfaction of clients warranting movement of the needle in terms of Stars Rating Elevation. Given time-sensitive issues required by CMS and other regulatory bodies, there may be times when extended work hours are required to ensure deliverables are met in a timely manner.
This position is remote.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities include both pharmacy (15%) and program data analysis and Strategy Development (85%)
Pharmacy:
- Serve as a clinical subject matter expert (SME) for, Part D Stars Measures impacting the program, and related CMS requirements
- Clinical analysis of outcomes data for yearly reporting and improvement opportunities
- Present clinical program findings to clients and leadership stakeholders
- Oversee pharmacy projects from inception to completion
- Research clinical program qualification and outcomes criteria
- Assess and interpret customer needs and requirements
- Identify solutions to non-standard requests and problems
- Work with other pharmacists and internal staff to create dedicated strategy tailored to client needs
Program Analysis and Strategy:
- Ability to interpret competitive intelligence, industry and market trends, and customer feedback and devise strategies and plans for product development opportunities
- Adept at developing sound development business cases and cost/benefit analyses to support product development efforts
- Ability to translate ideas into strategies, define plan for those strategies, and work cross-functionally to launch and execute on product development plans - with defined roadmap with timelines
- Work directly across many departments and cross functional teams to design, develop and drive successful deployment of new and enhanced programs and services
- Support defining business-level requirements for enhancements and net-new capabilities
- Support the development of market and sales strategies and value proposition
- Navigate and influence multiple cross-functional teams in a complex, matrixed work environment, which may require working across Optum and UHG business units
- Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address business and operational challenges
- Analyze data and prepare management summaries related to work stream results, performance management, results, audit results, CMS reporting, and client reporting
- Support client-specific strategies, and project plans for metric improvement.
- Lead client interactions, including presenting program performance, strategy, and recommendations
- Drive program performance against key metrics (e.g., PDC improvement, Star Ratings) and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Manage timelines, deliverables, and dependencies to support CMS submission requirements and client commitments
- Develop and present executive-level business cases, including PowerPoint presentations and supporting analyses, to senior leadership and clients
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PharmD or bachelor's degree in pharmacy
- Current and unrestricted pharmacist licensure
- 3+ years of experience working as a clinical pharmacist
- 3+ years of Managed Care experience AND Clinical Program Development/Clinical Program Strategy experience
- Program Strategy Management
- Critical thinking expertise
- Ability to navigate Outlook and conduct Internet searches
- Ability to navigate and use for analysis: Microsoft Excel proficiently, Power Query, Power BI, and other MS Office tools with Windows based environment
- Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to develop business strategies and recommendations
- Adept at analysis of data and storytelling
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master of Business or other advanced healthcare or business degree
- Experience with Medicare Star Clinical Programs
- Experience conducting competitive market intelligence analysis
- Experience presenting to senior leadership, clients, or external stakeholders
- Experience with CMS Stars measures and performance strategy
- PBM experience
- Pharmacy residency experience
- Medicare Part D experience
All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary for this role will range from $91,700 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
See all 205+ OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Program Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Analyst
Target agencies and contractors with established OPT pipelines
Federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Leidos hire Program Analysts at scale and have dedicated visa sponsorship processes. Larger organizations are far more likely to have the legal infrastructure to support H-1B visa filings after your OPT ends.
Frame your degree field as directly tied to the analyst function
Program Analysts typically require a degree in business administration, public policy, or information systems. When applying, connect your specific degree field to the role's analytical responsibilities. A vague connection to your major weakens your specialty occupation case for future H-1B sponsorship.
Apply early if you need a STEM OPT extension
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, file Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. A timely filing keeps you authorized to keep working even while USCIS reviews your application, giving you more runway before H-1B season.
Ask about sponsorship intent before accepting an offer
Not all employers who hire on OPT will sponsor H-1B. Before signing, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B petitions before and whether they intend to for your role. It is a standard question that any experienced hiring manager will expect.
Verify your employer is on the E-Verify program
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting a STEM extension offer. If your employer is not enrolled, you cannot use the 24-month extension regardless of your degree field, which significantly shortens your authorized work period.
Document your project contributions with measurable outcomes
Program Analysts who can show quantifiable impact, such as cost savings identified, process improvements implemented, or program efficiency gains, build a stronger case for H-1B sponsorship. Concrete results make it easier for employers to justify the sponsorship cost to leadership.
Program Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Program Analysts?
Yes. Program Analyst roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a field like business administration, public policy, or information systems, which qualifies them as specialty occupations under OPT rules. Both standard 12-month OPT and the 24-month STEM extension can apply, depending on your degree field. Browse open Program Analyst positions on Migrate Mate to find employers actively hiring OPT candidates.
Does a Program Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as information systems, data analytics, or computer science, and the Program Analyst role uses that technical background, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. The degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by ICE.
Do Program Analyst employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal contractors and large consulting firms, which account for a significant share of Program Analyst hiring, have well-established H-1B sponsorship processes and sponsor regularly. Smaller firms or state government agencies sponsor less consistently. The best approach is to ask directly during the offer stage and confirm the employer has filed H-1B petitions in recent years.
What counts as a valid Program Analyst job for OPT purposes?
Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree field. A Program Analyst role focused on data analysis, program evaluation, or policy research will generally satisfy this requirement for graduates in business, public policy, or information systems. Roles that are primarily administrative without analytical responsibilities are less likely to qualify. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I report a Program Analyst job on my OPT?
You must report new employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting, who will then update your record in SEVIS. You will need to provide your employer's name, address, start date, and a brief description of how the role relates to your degree. Failing to report on time is a status violation, so notify your international student office as soon as you accept an offer.