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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sodexo is hiring an experienced Registered Dietitian for an inpatient role at Pascack Valley Medical Center, a 128-bed community hospital located in Westwood, New Jersey.
Health benefits and paid time off, reimbursement for professional fees, and career growth via Sodexo’s Career Ladder.
ABOUT THE JOB
Join a dynamic and mission-driven team where you’ll make a meaningful impact by supporting the nutritional well-being of patients, residents, and communities. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to grow your expertise, you'll contribute to high-quality care through evidence-based practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a supportive healthcare environment.
The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.
Pay Range: $77,605 per year - $100,430 per year
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Deliver nutrition care for patients, residents, and communities as part of a contractual agreement, using the Nutrition Care Process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).
- Act as a nutrition resource for patients, peers, and foodservice staff; collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and departments to ensure safe, high-quality care.
- Provide evidence-based nutrition counseling and training to patients, healthcare staff, students, and foodservice teams, adjusting content for clinical complexity.
- Maintain professional practices aligned with regulatory, facility, and company standards, supporting Sodexo’s mission and client commitments.
- Participate in or lead performance improvement initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and service quality.
- Demonstrate ongoing professional growth through continuing education, skill development, and contributions to training or research.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Proficiency in applying the Nutrition Care Process to deliver individualized, evidence-based care.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams and with diverse populations.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and organizational policies.
- Flexibility and accountability in managing clinical responsibilities and supporting quality improvement efforts.
- Competence in using clinical nutrition systems and a commitment to continuous professional development.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement:
- Master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field with required coursework and supervised practice per ACEND guidelines
- OR, for those eligible prior to 1/1/2024: Bachelor’s degree meeting ACEND requirements.
- Management Experience: 0-1 years
- Related Experience: 0-3 years
- Credentials Requirement:
- Meets eligibility for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) via CDR and will become registered within 120 days of hire
- Must meet state licensure/certification requirements at time of hire where applicable
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
INTRODUCTION
Sodexo is hiring an experienced Registered Dietitian for an inpatient role at Pascack Valley Medical Center, a 128-bed community hospital located in Westwood, New Jersey.
Health benefits and paid time off, reimbursement for professional fees, and career growth via Sodexo’s Career Ladder.
ABOUT THE JOB
Join a dynamic and mission-driven team where you’ll make a meaningful impact by supporting the nutritional well-being of patients, residents, and communities. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to grow your expertise, you'll contribute to high-quality care through evidence-based practice, collaboration, and continuous improvement in a supportive healthcare environment.
The role of an individual contributor within the organization focuses on completing specific tasks and projects; contributing directly through their skills and expertise. Performs specialized technical tasks to support operations. Work is primarily achieved independently, however may collaborate with a team.
Pay Range: $77,605 per year - $100,430 per year
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Deliver nutrition care for patients, residents, and communities as part of a contractual agreement, using the Nutrition Care Process (assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation).
- Act as a nutrition resource for patients, peers, and foodservice staff; collaborate across interdisciplinary teams and departments to ensure safe, high-quality care.
- Provide evidence-based nutrition counseling and training to patients, healthcare staff, students, and foodservice teams, adjusting content for clinical complexity.
- Maintain professional practices aligned with regulatory, facility, and company standards, supporting Sodexo’s mission and client commitments.
- Participate in or lead performance improvement initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and service quality.
- Demonstrate ongoing professional growth through continuing education, skill development, and contributions to training or research.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Proficiency in applying the Nutrition Care Process to deliver individualized, evidence-based care.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams and with diverse populations.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and organizational policies.
- Flexibility and accountability in managing clinical responsibilities and supporting quality improvement efforts.
- Competence in using clinical nutrition systems and a commitment to continuous professional development.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement:
- Master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field with required coursework and supervised practice per ACEND guidelines
- OR, for those eligible prior to 1/1/2024: Bachelor’s degree meeting ACEND requirements.
- Management Experience: 0-1 years
- Related Experience: 0-3 years
- Credentials Requirement:
- Meets eligibility for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN) via CDR and will become registered within 120 days of hire
- Must meet state licensure/certification requirements at time of hire where applicable
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
See all 779+ OPT Registered Dietitian Jobs
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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.