OPT Respiratory Therapist Jobs
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 JobsJOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions affecting the cardiopulmonary system for both children and adults. Selects and administers the appropriate care, taking into consideration the age, development level and size of the patient. Provides a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing. Identifies own limitations and seeks appropriate resources, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate's Degree
- 1 Year of Experience
- BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association)
- Ped Adv Life Support Prov (American Heart Association)
- Respiratory Care Practitioner
- In lieu of an Associate's Degree, a diploma from a NBRC certified Respiratory Therapist Program will be accepted for employees hired before 10/1/2013
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), CRT if hired prior to 10/1/2013
- NRP Advanced Provider (AAP), with exception for employees in the Pulmonary Function Lab
- Pulmonary Function Lab Only: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) required within 6 months of hire for new hires post 7/1/2021
- RT II new to Peds must obtain PALS (American Heart Association) and NRP Advanced Provider (AAP) within 3 months of hire
- ACLS (American Heart Association) – for those in the RT Charge Role
- Ability to take care of patients or patient equipment in the area in which you work, including the ability to handle patients with an airborne-transmitted disease. Must be able to comply with infection control standards that may evolve over time, including the routine use of PPE, required FIT testing and/or specialty training
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3 Years of Experience
- Pulmonary Function Lab Specialist: 1+ year Pulmonary Lab experience
- Bilingual
- Advanced Credential
The current salary range for this position is $44.52 to $61.95. A candidate’s placement in the range will be determined based on the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to being externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by reviewing market data to remain competitive within the nonprofit, healthcare sector. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.
JOB SUMMARY:
Responsible for assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions affecting the cardiopulmonary system for both children and adults. Selects and administers the appropriate care, taking into consideration the age, development level and size of the patient. Provides a caring relationship that facilitates health and healing. Identifies own limitations and seeks appropriate resources, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate's Degree
- 1 Year of Experience
- BLS for Health Providers (American Heart Association)
- Ped Adv Life Support Prov (American Heart Association)
- Respiratory Care Practitioner
- In lieu of an Associate's Degree, a diploma from a NBRC certified Respiratory Therapist Program will be accepted for employees hired before 10/1/2013
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), CRT if hired prior to 10/1/2013
- NRP Advanced Provider (AAP), with exception for employees in the Pulmonary Function Lab
- Pulmonary Function Lab Only: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) required within 6 months of hire for new hires post 7/1/2021
- RT II new to Peds must obtain PALS (American Heart Association) and NRP Advanced Provider (AAP) within 3 months of hire
- ACLS (American Heart Association) – for those in the RT Charge Role
- Ability to take care of patients or patient equipment in the area in which you work, including the ability to handle patients with an airborne-transmitted disease. Must be able to comply with infection control standards that may evolve over time, including the routine use of PPE, required FIT testing and/or specialty training
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's Degree
- 3 Years of Experience
- Pulmonary Function Lab Specialist: 1+ year Pulmonary Lab experience
- Bilingual
- Advanced Credential
The current salary range for this position is $44.52 to $61.95. A candidate’s placement in the range will be determined based on the terms and conditions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to being externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by reviewing market data to remain competitive within the nonprofit, healthcare sector. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.
See all 1,151+ OPT Respiratory Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Respiratory Therapist OPT: Frequently 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 visa 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.