Sonographer Jobs for OPT Students
Sonographer jobs on OPT are available across hospital systems, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under diagnostic medical sonography programs, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers typically require ARDMS credentials, which you should prioritize before your OPT start date.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Radiology Department intends to hire for one position at either the Sonographer classification (Pay Grade 5) or Senior Sonographer (Pay Grade 7), based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your cover letter the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.
Selective candidates eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $10,000. Limited Time Incentive for Former Employees & New Hires.
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics department of Radiology is seeking a Sonographer to perform ultrasound procedures under limited supervision in multiple specialty areas (Abdomen, OB/Gyn & Vascular) while utilizing advanced technology/equipment. Explaining examination procedures to patients and monitor their well-being and instructing students and staff on examination and equipment operations.
Duties Include:
- Perform complex diagnostic ultrasonography procedures including imaging and Doppler.
- Provide instruction to trainees, students and other medical staff on operation and safety precautions.
- Consult with the interpreting physician regarding the ultrasound exam findings.
- Document exam information as required by departmental standards.
- Evaluate images of ultrasound exams and determine if the exam is of diagnostic quality.
- Assist with and provide ultrasound guidance for intraoperative and invasive procedures.
- Provide information and instructions to patient, patient’s family, or others, regarding the nature of requested diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
- Perform patient care techniques including skin preparation, vital sign monitoring and recording, and basic life support; prepare and administer contrast material to patients.
- Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
- Instruct and evaluate sonography students on the operation of diagnostic equipment.
- Instruct medical residents on operation of diagnostic equipment.
- Maintain quality control with the ultrasound section in accordance with accepted departmental standards.
- Determine equipment malfunctions and contact repair service.
- Perform equipment calibration and sterilization as prescribed by standard accepted methods of operation.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of individuals performing this job.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Monday- Friday, 0800-1630
Benefits Highlights:
- Regular salaried position, shift differential, and overtime pay options. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Requires completion of one of the following educational pathways:
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited or equivalent program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography or Vascular Technology, or
- Completion of a two-year or more accredited health science program (i.e. Radiologic Technology, Medical Technology, Nursing, etc.) plus completion of a twelve-month formal education program in Sonography, or
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree plus completion of a twelve-month formal education program in Sonography.
A Bachelor's degree in Radiation Sciences or other Allied Health Sciences discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a bachelor’s degree in Radiation Sciences is highly desirable.
Certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or other nationally recognized accreditation organizations for primary specialty.
Senior Sonography: Experience providing clinical education to students, sonographers, and residents.
Senior Sonography: Extensive (3-5 years) progressively responsible experience in diagnostic medical sonography or vascular sonography.
Experience Requirements
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Certification Requirements
Requires registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers within nine (9) months following the start of employment. Requires registration in Abdomen.
Desirable Qualifications
- Registration in Vascular and OB/GYN specialty areas is highly desired.
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Kara Witham at kara-witham@uiowa.edu.
INTRODUCTION
The Radiology Department intends to hire for one position at either the Sonographer classification (Pay Grade 5) or Senior Sonographer (Pay Grade 7), based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your cover letter the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.
Selective candidates eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $10,000. Limited Time Incentive for Former Employees & New Hires.
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics department of Radiology is seeking a Sonographer to perform ultrasound procedures under limited supervision in multiple specialty areas (Abdomen, OB/Gyn & Vascular) while utilizing advanced technology/equipment. Explaining examination procedures to patients and monitor their well-being and instructing students and staff on examination and equipment operations.
Duties Include:
- Perform complex diagnostic ultrasonography procedures including imaging and Doppler.
- Provide instruction to trainees, students and other medical staff on operation and safety precautions.
- Consult with the interpreting physician regarding the ultrasound exam findings.
- Document exam information as required by departmental standards.
- Evaluate images of ultrasound exams and determine if the exam is of diagnostic quality.
- Assist with and provide ultrasound guidance for intraoperative and invasive procedures.
- Provide information and instructions to patient, patient’s family, or others, regarding the nature of requested diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.
- Perform patient care techniques including skin preparation, vital sign monitoring and recording, and basic life support; prepare and administer contrast material to patients.
- Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
- Instruct and evaluate sonography students on the operation of diagnostic equipment.
- Instruct medical residents on operation of diagnostic equipment.
- Maintain quality control with the ultrasound section in accordance with accepted departmental standards.
- Determine equipment malfunctions and contact repair service.
- Perform equipment calibration and sterilization as prescribed by standard accepted methods of operation.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of individuals performing this job.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Monday- Friday, 0800-1630
Benefits Highlights:
- Regular salaried position, shift differential, and overtime pay options. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Requires completion of one of the following educational pathways:
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited or equivalent program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography or Vascular Technology, or
- Completion of a two-year or more accredited health science program (i.e. Radiologic Technology, Medical Technology, Nursing, etc.) plus completion of a twelve-month formal education program in Sonography, or
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree plus completion of a twelve-month formal education program in Sonography.
A Bachelor's degree in Radiation Sciences or other Allied Health Sciences discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a bachelor’s degree in Radiation Sciences is highly desirable.
Certification by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or other nationally recognized accreditation organizations for primary specialty.
Senior Sonography: Experience providing clinical education to students, sonographers, and residents.
Senior Sonography: Extensive (3-5 years) progressively responsible experience in diagnostic medical sonography or vascular sonography.
Experience Requirements
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Certification Requirements
Requires registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers within nine (9) months following the start of employment. Requires registration in Abdomen.
Desirable Qualifications
- Registration in Vascular and OB/GYN specialty areas is highly desired.
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
For additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Kara Witham at kara-witham@uiowa.edu.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Sonographer
Confirm your program qualifies for STEM OPT
Diagnostic medical sonography is classified under CIP code 51.0910, which qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles requiring long-term commitment from employers.
Obtain ARDMS credentials before your OPT start date
Most hospital systems and imaging centers require ARDMS certification before hiring. Sitting for the SPI exam and at least one specialty exam while still in school removes a major hiring barrier and signals readiness to OPT-friendly employers.
Target hospital systems with structured training pipelines
Large health systems like HCA Healthcare, Ascension, and CommonSpirit regularly hire new graduate sonographers and are more experienced navigating OPT work authorization than smaller independent clinics or private practices.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline and STEM extension eligibility
Hiring managers in healthcare need staffing certainty. Telling them you have up to three years of STEM OPT authorization reduces perceived risk and makes you a more viable candidate compared to applicants with a shorter work authorization window.
Use your clinical rotation network strategically
Many sonographers receive job offers from sites where they completed clinical rotations. Maintaining strong relationships with supervising sonographers and department managers during training gives you a direct referral path into OPT-eligible positions.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a sonographer job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree program, not the job title itself. If your diagnostic medical sonography program is classified under an eligible STEM CIP code, such as 51.0910, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO and file the I-20 extension request at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires.
Do sonographer employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Sonography roles can qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because the position typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Large hospital networks and imaging chains are more likely to sponsor than small private practices. Starting your OPT in a system with an established HR and immigration support structure gives you the best path toward H-1B sponsorship down the line.
Where can I find sonographer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship openness, saving you time screening out employers who won't consider candidates on work authorization. You can browse sonographer and diagnostic imaging roles directly on Migrate Mate without having to manually vet each employer's visa policy.
Do I need ARDMS certification to work as a sonographer on OPT?
Most employers require ARDMS certification or registry eligibility before hiring, regardless of your immigration status. The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam plus at least one specialty credential, such as abdomen or OB/GYN, are the standard minimum. Some employers will hire registry-eligible new graduates and require you to pass within a set timeframe, typically six to twelve months.
Can I work per diem or as a travel sonographer on OPT?
OPT work authorization allows part-time and temporary employment, but there are important conditions. Per diem and travel assignments must be directly related to your field of study, and you cannot work more than 20 hours per week during the academic year on pre-completion OPT. On post-completion OPT, full-time travel sonography contracts are permitted, provided each assignment is documented and your DSO is notified of employer changes.
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