Respiratory Therapist Jobs for OPT Students
Respiratory Therapist jobs on OPT require active state licensure, which varies by state and typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to obtain after passing the NBRC exam. Most positions are full-time clinical roles at hospitals or pulmonary care centers, which count toward STEM OPT extension eligibility under certain CIP codes.
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Get Access To All JobsHOURS OF WORK:
7P-7A
DAYS OF WEEK:
WORK SHIFT:
12X3 Night (United States of America)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Your Job:
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures including ABG, PFT’s, and various forms of ventilator support, oxygen and aerosol therapy, bronchial hygiene therapy and airway maintenance. You will be expected to be proficient with the respiratory assessment and respiratory treatment of both adults and neonates. These procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of the department’s medical director, according to departmental policies and procedures. The RRT must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, understanding and ability to care for patients of all age groups; and be sensitive to the diverse and unique needs of patients based on age, sex, race and culture.
YOUR JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program
- Current Basic Life Support certification required
- Current Advanced Cardio Life Support certification required
- NRP, Pediatric Advanced Life Support — must obtain within 1 year of hire
- Currently licensed in good standing as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by Texas Medical Board
- Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care
- At least 6 months respiratory care experience.
YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs respiratory therapeutics to include oxygen administration and weaning, aerosol and humidity therapy, IPPB, Incentive Spirometry, airway maintenance, bronchial hygiene, chest physiotherapy, CPR and mechanical ventilation.
- Performs and reports prescribed cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures to include arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, pulmonary function studies, and electrocardiograms.
- Prepares a treatment evaluation to include a bedside respiratory physical assessment, patient interview and a review of patient’s medical record.
- Perform appropriate actions using critical thinking skills.
- Must be able to interpret the CXR, ABG, and PFT’s when reviewing patient data.
- Assembles, checks, operates and troubleshoots all cardiopulmonary equipment such as artificial airways, ventilators, oxygen analyzers, oxygen delivery devices and blood gas analyzers.
- Participates in tasks related to infection control, safety and quality assurance.
- Performs required cleaning and maintenance of all cardiopulmonary equipment and work areas.
- Utilizes appropriate customer scripting as evidenced by observation and improved patient satisfaction.
- Perform other job duties as required
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is a 294-bed, full-service acute-care hospital serving North Texas and certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke and Heart Attack Center by The Joint Commission. We are proud to be the first hospital in DFW to earn two AMSN PRISM Awards for exemplary nursing practice.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where team members feel valued and supported. Our culture of excellence has earned national recognition, including:
- Magnet® designation for nursing excellence
- Becker’s Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare (2023)
- Top 10 Military Friendly® and Military Spouse Friendly® Employer (2023)
With advanced technology, patient-centered design, and a new ninth operating room added in 2025, Methodist Mansfield delivers high-quality, innovative care across services including Level III Trauma, NICU, and Maternal Care.
Backed by more than 1,700 team members and 900 physicians, and actively engaged in our community, Methodist Mansfield is a place where your work matters—and your career can grow.
HOURS OF WORK:
7P-7A
DAYS OF WEEK:
WORK SHIFT:
12X3 Night (United States of America)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Your Job:
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is responsible for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures including ABG, PFT’s, and various forms of ventilator support, oxygen and aerosol therapy, bronchial hygiene therapy and airway maintenance. You will be expected to be proficient with the respiratory assessment and respiratory treatment of both adults and neonates. These procedures are performed under the indirect supervision of the department’s medical director, according to departmental policies and procedures. The RRT must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, understanding and ability to care for patients of all age groups; and be sensitive to the diverse and unique needs of patients based on age, sex, race and culture.
YOUR JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Graduate of an accredited Respiratory Care Program
- Current Basic Life Support certification required
- Current Advanced Cardio Life Support certification required
- NRP, Pediatric Advanced Life Support — must obtain within 1 year of hire
- Currently licensed in good standing as a Respiratory Care Practitioner by Texas Medical Board
- Registered by the National Board for Respiratory Care
- At least 6 months respiratory care experience.
YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Performs respiratory therapeutics to include oxygen administration and weaning, aerosol and humidity therapy, IPPB, Incentive Spirometry, airway maintenance, bronchial hygiene, chest physiotherapy, CPR and mechanical ventilation.
- Performs and reports prescribed cardiopulmonary diagnostic procedures to include arterial blood gas analysis, pulse oximetry, pulmonary function studies, and electrocardiograms.
- Prepares a treatment evaluation to include a bedside respiratory physical assessment, patient interview and a review of patient’s medical record.
- Perform appropriate actions using critical thinking skills.
- Must be able to interpret the CXR, ABG, and PFT’s when reviewing patient data.
- Assembles, checks, operates and troubleshoots all cardiopulmonary equipment such as artificial airways, ventilators, oxygen analyzers, oxygen delivery devices and blood gas analyzers.
- Participates in tasks related to infection control, safety and quality assurance.
- Performs required cleaning and maintenance of all cardiopulmonary equipment and work areas.
- Utilizes appropriate customer scripting as evidenced by observation and improved patient satisfaction.
- Perform other job duties as required
Methodist Mansfield Medical Center is a 294-bed, full-service acute-care hospital serving North Texas and certified as an Advanced Primary Stroke and Heart Attack Center by The Joint Commission. We are proud to be the first hospital in DFW to earn two AMSN PRISM Awards for exemplary nursing practice.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where team members feel valued and supported. Our culture of excellence has earned national recognition, including:
- Magnet® designation for nursing excellence
- Becker’s Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare (2023)
- Top 10 Military Friendly® and Military Spouse Friendly® Employer (2023)
With advanced technology, patient-centered design, and a new ninth operating room added in 2025, Methodist Mansfield delivers high-quality, innovative care across services including Level III Trauma, NICU, and Maternal Care.
Backed by more than 1,700 team members and 900 physicians, and actively engaged in our community, Methodist Mansfield is a place where your work matters—and your career can grow.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Respiratory Therapist
Confirm your OPT start date before applying
Hospitals typically need a confirmed start date before extending an offer. Apply 60 to 90 days before your OPT begins so hiring timelines align with your authorization window and you avoid gaps between graduation and your first clinical shift.
Obtain state licensure as early as possible
Most RT positions require a valid state license before your first day. Submit your NBRC exam scores and licensure application immediately after graduation. Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks and will determine which states you can realistically target in your job search.
Clarify OPT work authorization with HR upfront
Many hospital HR departments are unfamiliar with OPT. Bring your EAD card, I-20, and a one-page OPT explainer to any offer conversation. Framing it as a straightforward authorization process reduces hesitation from hiring managers unfamiliar with F-1 students.
Target large health systems with established international hiring
Large hospital networks like academic medical centers and VA facilities have dedicated HR teams familiar with work authorization. They are more likely to have processed OPT documentation before and can move through the hiring process without delays caused by compliance uncertainty.
Understand your STEM OPT extension eligibility
Respiratory Therapy programs classified under specific CIP codes may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm with your DSO whether your degree program qualifies before accepting a role, so you can accurately communicate your authorized work timeline to prospective employers.
Highlight clinical hours and NBRC credentials prominently
Respiratory Therapist roles are highly credentialed. Lead with your RRT or CRT designation, ACLS certification, and total supervised clinical hours on your resume. Quantifying your hands-on experience reduces perceived risk for employers evaluating OPT candidates against licensed domestic applicants.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Respiratory Therapist on OPT without an H-1B visa?
Yes. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) grants you the right to work for any qualifying employer during your OPT period without requiring H-1B sponsorship. The employer does not need to file any petition on your behalf. You simply present your EAD and valid I-20 to HR as proof of work authorization.
Do Respiratory Therapist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how your degree program is classified. Respiratory Therapy programs are sometimes coded under health-related CIP codes that qualify for STEM OPT, but not all programs meet the criteria. Verify your program's CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility. If it qualifies, you can request a 24-month extension and file Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires.
How do I find Respiratory Therapist jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness and work authorization compatibility. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you identify Respiratory Therapist roles at employers who have hired OPT candidates before, saving time you would otherwise spend screening postings that exclude international students.
Can I work as a travel Respiratory Therapist on OPT?
Travel RT contracts are technically permissible on OPT since your EAD authorizes employment in your field of study, not at a fixed employer. However, short-term travel contracts create reporting complications. Each assignment location may need to be updated with your DSO, and gaps between contracts could affect your OPT status. Consult your DSO before accepting travel assignments to ensure compliance.
What happens to my OPT if my Respiratory Therapist employer goes through layoffs or restructuring?
If you lose your job, you enter a 60-day unemployment grace period. You must report the separation to your DSO promptly and begin searching for a new qualifying position. OPT unemployment days are cumulative and capped at 90 days total for standard OPT. Staying under that threshold is critical to maintaining lawful F-1 status while you search for your next role.
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