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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Central Oregon Animal Hospital is a well-established animal practice that has served Bend, Oregon from the same location since 1971. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service to our clients and premiere veterinarian care to our patients. Our technicians use their training. New graduates are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate of an Accredited Veterinary Technician Program
- Must have an Oregon state veterinary technician license or in the process of obtaining a license within 60 days of employment.
WORK SCHEDULE
Work Schedule is four 10 hours shifts, Monday - Saturday on a rotation basis. Wages DOE. Some of our benefits provided include sick leave, vacation, paid holidays, healthcare benefits, discounted pet care.
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Veterinary Technician takes care of animals that come into the hospital and maintains the facility itself. A Veterinary Technician may have the following responsibilities:
- Providing general nursing care
- Examining animals and checking vitals in preparation for the Veterinarian
- Taking X-rays of animals
- Administering first aid for emergencies
- Administering medication and treatments
- Drawing blood samples for testing
- Monitoring animals under anesthesia
Why come work for Central Oregon hospital? We want this to be one of the best jobs that you will ever have. Our team is professional, compassionate, collaborative, and fun to work with. Most of all, we’re here because we love working with clients and their pets.
We are offering a $500 sign on bonus after your first 90 days of full-time employment.
INTRODUCTION
Central Oregon Animal Hospital is a well-established animal practice that has served Bend, Oregon from the same location since 1971. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service to our clients and premiere veterinarian care to our patients. Our technicians use their training. New graduates are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate of an Accredited Veterinary Technician Program
- Must have an Oregon state veterinary technician license or in the process of obtaining a license within 60 days of employment.
WORK SCHEDULE
Work Schedule is four 10 hours shifts, Monday - Saturday on a rotation basis. Wages DOE. Some of our benefits provided include sick leave, vacation, paid holidays, healthcare benefits, discounted pet care.
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Veterinary Technician takes care of animals that come into the hospital and maintains the facility itself. A Veterinary Technician may have the following responsibilities:
- Providing general nursing care
- Examining animals and checking vitals in preparation for the Veterinarian
- Taking X-rays of animals
- Administering first aid for emergencies
- Administering medication and treatments
- Drawing blood samples for testing
- Monitoring animals under anesthesia
Why come work for Central Oregon hospital? We want this to be one of the best jobs that you will ever have. Our team is professional, compassionate, collaborative, and fun to work with. Most of all, we’re here because we love working with clients and their pets.
We are offering a $500 sign on bonus after your first 90 days of full-time employment.
See all 242+ OPT Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs
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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.