OPT School Nurse Jobs
School Nurse jobs on OPT require active RN licensure in the state where you'll work, which can take weeks to transfer if you trained abroad. Most positions are 10-month school-year contracts, making them a natural fit for the 12-month OPT window. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role.
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Overview:
This position serves as a School Nurse at KIPP Columbus, a school enrolling children pre-k to grade 12. The LPN will work in one of the 4 clinics at KIPP schools. This position schedule is similar to a teaching schedule. You will work Monday-Friday from August to the end of May, traditional school hours and will be off over summer (June & July).
Job Description Summary:
Provides technical nursing care, administers medication and assists with patient assessments and care planning under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Job Description:
Essential Functions:
- Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians or advanced practice provider.
- Monitors patients' vital signs and records their medical histories.
- Assists physicians and registered nurses in performing medical procedures.
- Provides emotional support and education to patients and their families.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date medical records.
- Collaborates with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement care plans.
Education Requirement:
Graduate of an approved school of practical or vocational nursing, required.
Licensure Requirement:
Licensed as a Practical Nurse in the State of Ohio, required.
Certifications:
BLS, required.
Skills:
- Basic written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated competence in specified nursing care.
- Positive, effective, and age appropriate interaction skills with patient/family, physicians and other health care team member.
Physical Requirements:
OCCASIONALLY: Bend/twist, Blood and/or Bodily Fluids, Chemicals/Medications, Climb stairs/ladder, Communicable Diseases and/or Pathogens, Decision Making, Lifting / Carrying: 0-10 lbs, Lifting / Carrying: 11-20 lbs, Loud Noises, Patient Equipment, Pushing / Pulling: 0-25 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 26-40 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 41-60 lbs, Pushing / Pulling: 61-100 lbs, Squat/kneel
FREQUENTLY: Problem solving, Sitting, Standing, Walking
CONTINUOUSLY: Audible speech, Computer skills, Hand use: grasping, gripping, turning, Hearing acuity, Interpreting Data, Peripheral vision, Repetitive hand/arm use, Seeing – Far/near
"The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the individuals so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. EOE M/F/Disability/Vet"
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a School Nurse
Confirm your RN license is valid in the hiring state
State nursing boards control licensure, and transferring or endorsing an out-of-state license takes four to eight weeks. Start the process before applying so delays don't push your start date past your OPT authorization window.
Target school districts with dedicated HR sponsorship teams
Large urban districts like those in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have HR departments experienced with work authorization paperwork. Smaller districts often lack the infrastructure to process OPT documentation, even when they want to hire.
Align your OPT start date with the academic calendar
Most school nurse positions begin in August or early September. Activate your OPT authorization to align with that window. Starting mid-year is possible but harder, since most districts hire for full school-year contracts.
Clarify CPT or prior OPT usage before applying
If you used 12 months of CPT during your program, you lose eligibility for post-completion OPT. Confirm your remaining OPT time with your DSO before applying, so you don't accept a position you can't legally complete.
Address your OPT status early in the hiring conversation
School districts run background checks and onboarding processes that take weeks. Disclosing your OPT authorization early prevents you from being eliminated late in the process after a district learns you need work authorization documentation.
Understand that STEM OPT extension does not apply here
School nursing falls under CIP code 51 (Health Professions), not a STEM-designated field. You cannot extend to 36 months. Plan your timeline around the standard 12-month cap and start exploring H-1B visa or other pathways before it expires.
School Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a School Nurse on OPT?
Yes, if your nursing degree is directly related to the school nurse role, you qualify to work under post-completion OPT. Your DSO will authorize the OPT on your SEVIS record, and your employer will receive an Employment Authorization Document confirming your work authorization. The role must align with your field of study.
Is a School Nurse position eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
No. School nursing programs fall under CIP code 51 (Health Professions and Related Programs), which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. You are limited to 12 months of standard OPT. If you want to continue working in the U.S. after OPT expires, you will need to secure H-1B sponsorship or another visa before your authorization ends.
Do school districts typically sponsor OPT students for School Nurse roles?
It varies by district size and HR capacity. Large urban districts with dedicated HR teams are more likely to be comfortable with OPT documentation. Smaller or rural districts may be unfamiliar with the process. Browse School Nurse listings on Migrate Mate to find districts that have hired OPT and visa-sponsored candidates in the past.
What happens to my OPT authorization if the school year ends and I am not rehired?
OPT permits up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment. The gap between the end of one school year and the start of the next, if you are not under contract, counts against that limit. If the gap exceeds 90 days, your OPT status is violated. Secure a renewed contract or alternative employment before the school year ends.
Do I need a separate nursing license for each state if I relocate for a School Nurse job?
Yes, unless both your current and new state participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). NLC states allow multistate practice under a single license. Non-compact states require a separate endorsement application, which takes four to eight weeks. Confirm your target state's compact status before accepting a role to avoid a gap in work authorization.