OPT Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs
Registered Veterinary Technician jobs on OPT are available at animal hospitals, specialty clinics, research institutions, and emergency veterinary centers. Most RVT roles qualify as specialty occupations under STEM-adjacent classifications, and your 12-month OPT period can extend to 36 months with a STEM extension if your degree qualifies.
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Embark on a rewarding career as a veterinary technician at the Comparative Medicine Core at Moffitt Cancer Center. This vital Core plays a key role in overseeing and supporting innovative animal research and technical operations. We are excited to invite applications for the position of Veterinary Technician II, where you will deliver exceptional veterinary care to research animals while championing the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research!
Position Highlights:
* Enjoy a four-day workweek with just ten-hour workdays! This setup is perfect for those who crave that elusive work-life balance. This enticing arrangement is designed for those who seek the perfect harmony between their professional and personal lives.
* Management empowers the team with training and development opportunities, offering tuition assistance for degrees and certifications to support their professional growth.
* Comprehensive benefits package that nurtures health, financial well-being, and lifestyle.
The Ideal Candidate:
* Experience working in a fast-paced emergency or referral veterinary practice, or a veterinary teaching hospital, is required.
* Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and the application of anesthesia protocols is essential.
* Familiarity with IACUC protocols to assure investigator adherence to approved protocols and provide necessary documentation to IACUC.
* Familiarity with rodent breeding colony production techniques and maintenance is preferred.
* Surgical experience, including survival surgeries and maintaining a survival surgery suite, is also preferred.
Responsibilities:
* Collects, analyzes, and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.
* Performs technical procedures for researchers.
* Coordinates the scheduling of technical procedures with research staff, maintains records, documents procedures, and logs time for chargebacks as needed.
* Maintains rodent colonies, including breeding colonies, and assists with the rodent health surveillance program.
* Performs drug dose calculations for the preparation and administration of pharmaceuticals.
* Prepares animals for surgery.
Credentials and Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (from an AMVA program), two (2) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate’s degree (AVMA program) and six (4) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility may be considered.
* Current license, registration, or certification as a veterinary technician is required. Documentation proving successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) must be provided upon hire.
* AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level is preferred.
LOCATION:
Tampa is an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan city. With its vibrant economy and diverse culture, Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Join the many who have already discovered what makes Tampa one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the US.
Summary
Embark on a rewarding career as a veterinary technician at the Comparative Medicine Core at Moffitt Cancer Center. This vital Core plays a key role in overseeing and supporting innovative animal research and technical operations. We are excited to invite applications for the position of Veterinary Technician II, where you will deliver exceptional veterinary care to research animals while championing the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research!
Position Highlights:
* Enjoy a four-day workweek with just ten-hour workdays! This setup is perfect for those who crave that elusive work-life balance. This enticing arrangement is designed for those who seek the perfect harmony between their professional and personal lives.
* Management empowers the team with training and development opportunities, offering tuition assistance for degrees and certifications to support their professional growth.
* Comprehensive benefits package that nurtures health, financial well-being, and lifestyle.
The Ideal Candidate:
* Experience working in a fast-paced emergency or referral veterinary practice, or a veterinary teaching hospital, is required.
* Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and the application of anesthesia protocols is essential.
* Familiarity with IACUC protocols to assure investigator adherence to approved protocols and provide necessary documentation to IACUC.
* Familiarity with rodent breeding colony production techniques and maintenance is preferred.
* Surgical experience, including survival surgeries and maintaining a survival surgery suite, is also preferred.
Responsibilities:
* Collects, analyzes, and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.
* Performs technical procedures for researchers.
* Coordinates the scheduling of technical procedures with research staff, maintains records, documents procedures, and logs time for chargebacks as needed.
* Maintains rodent colonies, including breeding colonies, and assists with the rodent health surveillance program.
* Performs drug dose calculations for the preparation and administration of pharmaceuticals.
* Prepares animals for surgery.
Credentials and Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (from an AMVA program), two (2) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate’s degree (AVMA program) and six (4) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility may be considered.
* Current license, registration, or certification as a veterinary technician is required. Documentation proving successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) must be provided upon hire.
* AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level is preferred.
LOCATION:
Tampa is an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan city. With its vibrant economy and diverse culture, Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Join the many who have already discovered what makes Tampa one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the US.
See all 247+ OPT Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Registered Veterinary Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Veterinary technology programs under CIP code 51.0808 are STEM-designated, which means you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Verify your program's CIP code on your I-20 before applying to roles requiring longer authorization.
Target employers already familiar with OPT hiring
Large veterinary groups like VCA, Banfield, and BluePearl have dedicated HR teams experienced with work authorization. Smaller independent clinics may need guidance, so come prepared with a one-page OPT explainer to reduce hesitation.
Get your RVT or CVT license before you start applying
Most states require a Registered or Certified Veterinary Technician credential to practice. Having your state license in hand removes a major barrier for employers and signals you're ready to contribute without additional onboarding delays.
Emphasize clinical hours and species-specific experience
Employers hiring RVTs care about hands-on clinical hours, not just your degree. Quantify your externship experience, species you've worked with, and procedures you've performed. This differentiates you from candidates without practical veterinary setting exposure.
Address OPT early in the application process
Proactively mention your OPT status in your cover letter or initial outreach. Waiting until the interview creates friction. A brief, confident explanation of your authorization period and STEM extension eligibility prevents misunderstandings and builds trust upfront.
Track your OPT start date and unemployment limits carefully
F-1 OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the standard period. If you're between RVT positions, document your job search activity. Gaps at busy clinics are common, so plan transitions carefully to protect your status.
Registered Veterinary Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Registered Veterinary Technician jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, RVT roles qualify for OPT because they require a directly related degree in veterinary technology or animal science. Your employment must be in a position that is directly related to your major field of study, which clinical veterinary technician roles satisfy. Employers do not need to file any petition on your behalf during the OPT period.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension working as a Registered Veterinary Technician?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. Veterinary technology programs classified under CIP 51.0808 are STEM-designated, making you eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months. Check your I-20 to confirm your program's classification. If it qualifies, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan.
Where can I find RVT jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists veterinary technician roles from employers open to hiring candidates on OPT and other nonimmigrant work authorization. Filtering by work authorization type saves you from applying to positions where your status will be an issue, which is one of the most common frustrations for F-1 students in the job search.
Do I need a state veterinary technician license to work on OPT?
In most states, yes. RVT, CVT, or LVT licensure is required to legally practice as a veterinary technician, separate from your OPT work authorization. Requirements vary by state, but most involve passing the VTNE exam and submitting proof of your degree. Starting the licensure process early prevents gaps between graduation and your first position.
What happens to my OPT if my RVT employer closes or terminates my role?
You have up to 90 days of total unemployment during your standard OPT period to find a new qualifying position. If you're on a STEM extension, that limit is 150 days cumulative. Report any employer changes to your DSO promptly and update your SEVP portal record within 10 days of starting a new role to maintain valid status.