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 JobsRespiratory Therapy
Registered Respiratory Therapist Position
Casual
Available and willing to work weekends, rotating holidays and On-call hours
Scheurer Health-Harbor Beach, a critical access rural hospital, is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist to work full time in the Respiratory Therapy Department.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain clinical competence while providing comprehensive patient care for all age groups utilizing assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of the respiratory system
- Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to devise individualized person-centered care
- Maintains respiratory competencies for both inpatient, outpatient, transfers, and ED patients specific to respiratory therapy modalities. Proven proficiency in the delivery of managing Pulmonary Function Testing, Cardiac Stress Testing, Electrocardiograms, Holter Monitoring, Mechanical Ventilation, Noninvasive Ventilation, and Pulmonary Rehab
Requirements
- Graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy education program
- Successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care Examination
- Current Michigan Board of Respiratory Care License as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Possess or willingness to obtain the following certifications within one year of start date: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- All Licenses and certifications must remain active
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- 401k with matching funds
- Safe Work Environment
For questions regarding this position please contact Jennifer Siemen, Acute Care Manager or Yvonne Prill, Talent Acquisition Specialist. Please submit all employment applications online at www.scheurer.org/careers/.
EEO/AA/Employer M/F/Disability/Vet
Respiratory Therapy
Registered Respiratory Therapist Position
Casual
Available and willing to work weekends, rotating holidays and On-call hours
Scheurer Health-Harbor Beach, a critical access rural hospital, is seeking a Registered Respiratory Therapist to work full time in the Respiratory Therapy Department.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain clinical competence while providing comprehensive patient care for all age groups utilizing assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of the respiratory system
- Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to devise individualized person-centered care
- Maintains respiratory competencies for both inpatient, outpatient, transfers, and ED patients specific to respiratory therapy modalities. Proven proficiency in the delivery of managing Pulmonary Function Testing, Cardiac Stress Testing, Electrocardiograms, Holter Monitoring, Mechanical Ventilation, Noninvasive Ventilation, and Pulmonary Rehab
Requirements
- Graduate from an accredited respiratory therapy education program
- Successful completion of the National Board for Respiratory Care Examination
- Current Michigan Board of Respiratory Care License as a Registered Respiratory Therapist
- Possess or willingness to obtain the following certifications within one year of start date: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- All Licenses and certifications must remain active
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- 401k with matching funds
- Safe Work Environment
For questions regarding this position please contact Jennifer Siemen, Acute Care Manager or Yvonne Prill, Talent Acquisition Specialist. Please submit all employment applications online at www.scheurer.org/careers/.
EEO/AA/Employer M/F/Disability/Vet
See all 1,192+ 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.