OPT Registered Dietitian Jobs
Registered Dietitian jobs on OPT require employer sponsorship for the LCA and, eventually, H-1B visa or EB-3 status. Healthcare systems, hospital networks, and outpatient clinics are the most active sponsors. Your RD credential and state licensure are the core qualifications that make sponsorship straightforward for most employers.
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UW Medical Center-Northwest-Food and Nutrition Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Dietitian - Inpatient Oncology.
WORK SCHEDULE
- 50% FTE, 20 hours per week
- Rotating shifts
- Will include weekends/holidays
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Nutrition and Food Services department supports UWMC's mission by delivering extraordinary experiences with compassionate evidence-based care, unforgettable customer service, and fresh and nutritious food for patients, families, and the greater community.
Our vision is to create a supportive and empowering workplace for all, provide unparalleled experiences for our customers and patients, and improve the quality of life and health of the public.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Assess patient nutritional status and needs, develops and implements nutritional care plans, and evaluates and reports those results appropriately
- Provide clinical dietitian services and/or nutrition education services in an inpatient setting
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluates patients’ diet, nutritional needs, and lifestyle.
- Develops comprehensive nutritional care plans to promote disease prevention and treatment for assigned patients; initiates consultation with members of the health care team (including physicians), when indicated.
- Documents care plan, results, and services provided.
- Participates with health care team on clinical rounds and patient care conferences.
- Educates inpatients on nutrition and diet. Participates in outpatient nutrition clinic and group nutrition education classes as assigned.
- Analyzes effectiveness of services – financial/patient outcomes.
- Assists in development and implementation of nutritional standards of care.
- Participates in performance / quality improvement programs.
- Participates in compliance activities to meet Joint Commission and other regulatory guidelines.
- Supports patient satisfaction and customer service initiatives.
- Works closely with and provides direction to diet technicians, diet clerks, and other food service staff to ensure patient room meals are prepared and delivered in a manner consistent with nutritional care plan.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree involving major study in food and nutrition or dietetics and registration as a Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association. Eligible for registration at the time of hire and pass the registration examination within one year of date of hire.
ABOUT UW MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHWEST
UW Medical Center is an acute care hospital located in Seattle with two campuses: Montlake and Northwest. As the No. 1 hospital in Seattle and Washington State since 2012 (U.S. News & World Report) and nationally ranked in six specialties, UW Medical Center prides itself on compassionate patient care as well as its pioneering medical advances.
The UW Medical Center–Northwest campus offers emergency and inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, and therapeutic care. It is located in north Seattle on a beautiful, easy-to-access 44-acre campus that includes the neighboring Northwest Outpatient Medical Center and Specialty Care Meridian Pavilion.
Teamwork. Community. Opportunity.
ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$40.15 hourly
Pay Range Maximum:
$62.80 hourly
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a temporary position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
0.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Job Description
UW Medical Center-Northwest-Food and Nutrition Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Dietitian - Inpatient Oncology.
WORK SCHEDULE
- 50% FTE, 20 hours per week
- Rotating shifts
- Will include weekends/holidays
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Nutrition and Food Services department supports UWMC's mission by delivering extraordinary experiences with compassionate evidence-based care, unforgettable customer service, and fresh and nutritious food for patients, families, and the greater community.
Our vision is to create a supportive and empowering workplace for all, provide unparalleled experiences for our customers and patients, and improve the quality of life and health of the public.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Assess patient nutritional status and needs, develops and implements nutritional care plans, and evaluates and reports those results appropriately
- Provide clinical dietitian services and/or nutrition education services in an inpatient setting
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluates patients’ diet, nutritional needs, and lifestyle.
- Develops comprehensive nutritional care plans to promote disease prevention and treatment for assigned patients; initiates consultation with members of the health care team (including physicians), when indicated.
- Documents care plan, results, and services provided.
- Participates with health care team on clinical rounds and patient care conferences.
- Educates inpatients on nutrition and diet. Participates in outpatient nutrition clinic and group nutrition education classes as assigned.
- Analyzes effectiveness of services – financial/patient outcomes.
- Assists in development and implementation of nutritional standards of care.
- Participates in performance / quality improvement programs.
- Participates in compliance activities to meet Joint Commission and other regulatory guidelines.
- Supports patient satisfaction and customer service initiatives.
- Works closely with and provides direction to diet technicians, diet clerks, and other food service staff to ensure patient room meals are prepared and delivered in a manner consistent with nutritional care plan.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree involving major study in food and nutrition or dietetics and registration as a Dietitian by the American Dietetic Association. Eligible for registration at the time of hire and pass the registration examination within one year of date of hire.
ABOUT UW MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHWEST
UW Medical Center is an acute care hospital located in Seattle with two campuses: Montlake and Northwest. As the No. 1 hospital in Seattle and Washington State since 2012 (U.S. News & World Report) and nationally ranked in six specialties, UW Medical Center prides itself on compassionate patient care as well as its pioneering medical advances.
The UW Medical Center–Northwest campus offers emergency and inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, and therapeutic care. It is located in north Seattle on a beautiful, easy-to-access 44-acre campus that includes the neighboring Northwest Outpatient Medical Center and Specialty Care Meridian Pavilion.
Teamwork. Community. Opportunity.
ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum:
$40.15 hourly
Pay Range Maximum:
$62.80 hourly
Other Compensation:
Benefits:
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-temporary-per-diem-and-less-than-half-time/
Shift:
First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a temporary position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):
0.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit:
SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
See all 242+ OPT Registered Dietitian Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Registered Dietitian Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Registered Dietitian
Lead with your RD credential and state license
Employers sponsoring OPT for dietitians need confirmation you hold active RD credentials and a valid state license. List both prominently on your resume and cover letter. Licensing requirements vary by state, so verify you're licensed where the role is located.
Target healthcare systems over private practice
Large hospital networks and integrated health systems have dedicated HR and legal teams familiar with visa sponsorship. Smaller private practices rarely have the infrastructure. Focus your applications on academic medical centers, regional health systems, and corporate wellness programs.
Raise sponsorship early, not after an offer
Mention your OPT status and sponsorship needs in your initial outreach or cover letter. It saves time for both parties. Framing it as a straightforward H-1B visa or EB-3 path helps employers see it as manageable rather than a burden.
Know your OPT end date and plan your timeline
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in April for October starts. If your OPT expires before then, you need a STEM extension or a cap-exempt employer. Map your expiration date against the H-1B calendar before you start negotiating offers.
Highlight specializations that increase your sponsorship value
Employers are more motivated to sponsor candidates with hard-to-fill specializations. Clinical nutrition, oncology dietetics, pediatric nutrition, and eating disorder treatment are consistently understaffed. Emphasize any specialized certifications alongside your core RD credential.
Research employers with prior LCA filings for dietitians
Employers who have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for dietitian roles are the strongest candidates for sponsorship. This signals existing familiarity with the process. Prioritizing these employers significantly shortens the path from offer to approved work authorization.
Registered Dietitian OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Registered Dietitian on OPT without a STEM extension?
Yes. Dietetics is not a STEM-designated field, so standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. You can work as an RD during that period without needing a STEM extension. However, you'll need your employer to sponsor an H-1B or another long-term visa before your OPT expires if you want to stay in the U.S.
Does the RD credential qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Registered Dietitian roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because the position typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a closely related field. USCIS has approved H-1B petitions for RDs at hospitals and healthcare systems. Your employer's attorney will document the degree requirement as part of the H-1B petition to establish specialty occupation status.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor OPT students for Registered Dietitian roles?
Academic medical centers, regional hospital networks, long-term care facilities, and corporate wellness programs are the most active sponsors for RD roles. These organizations have established legal and HR processes for visa sponsorship. Migrate Mate lists Registered Dietitian jobs specifically from employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates, so you can filter to roles where sponsorship is a realistic outcome.
Do I need a state license to work as an RD on OPT?
In most states, yes. The majority of states require dietitians to hold an active state license or certification in addition to the national RD credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Licensing requirements and timelines vary by state, and some states require passing an additional state exam. Confirm licensure requirements for the state where your employer is located before accepting an offer.
How does the 60-day grace period affect my job search as a dietitian?
If your RD position ends before your OPT expiration date, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, change status, or depart the U.S. You cannot work during this period, but you can interview and negotiate offers. Securing a new employer quickly matters because your authorized period of stay doesn't pause. Start your search immediately if your employment ends unexpectedly.