OPT Ultrasonographer Jobs
Ultrasonographer jobs on OPT require employers familiar with healthcare work authorization. Most roles are in hospitals, imaging centers, and radiology practices. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month window and 90-day unemployment limit are the key constraints to plan around.
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CoxHealth South: 3801 S National Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65807
Department:
1099 Ultrasound South
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 630p-7a
Work Shift:
Night Shift (United States of America)
CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:
- Named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to work five times.
- Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
- Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.
- Healthcare Innovation's Top Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).
Benefits
- Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)
- For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here: Benefits | CoxHealth
Job Description:
Additional Information About the Position for Qualified Candidates
- Up to $6,000 Sign-On Bonus
- Up to 40 hours of front-loaded Paid Time Off
- Up to $3,000 Relocation Bonus
- Up to $1.50 Certification Pay
- Career Ladder up to $5,000
Job Summary
Independently, or under the direct supervision of a physician, performs ultrasound/sonography procedures consistent with the established standard of medical care in ultrasound/sonography, following policies and protocols using established anatomical positioning and physiology to produce optimum sonographic imaging, while keeping patient welfare, confidentiality and comfort a top priority.
Education:
- Required: Graduate or graduation eligible (successful completion of all didactic courses and clinical competencies – not able to walk until next graduation date) of an approved school of medical sonography. Experience may be substituted for applicants that have not successfully completed a formal education program in medical sonography (see “Experience”)
Experience:
- Required: One year dedicated ultrasound experience OR No experience required with fulfillment of education requirement
- Preferred: Two years dedicated sonography imaging experience
Skills:
- Strong analytical/problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of current diagnostic radiology technical information.
- Proficient in using computers and computer systems.
- Excellent time management, interpersonal, presentation, organization, prioritizing, decision-making, and planning skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
Licensure/Certification/Registration:
- Required: Proof of passing result on ARDMS or ARRT examination.
- Required: R.T. (S) (ARRT) or ARDMS (AB), ARDMS (AE), (OB/GY), (VT) or (MSKS). Verification within 3 months of hire via ARDMS or ARRT website.
Ultrasound Technologist, Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, RDMS Tech, OB/GYN, Abdominal, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Ultrasound Imaging
Facility:
CoxHealth South: 3801 S National Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65807
Department:
1099 Ultrasound South
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 630p-7a
Work Shift:
Night Shift (United States of America)
CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:
- Named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to work five times.
- Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.
- Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.
- Healthcare Innovation's Top Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).
Benefits
- Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)
- For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here: Benefits | CoxHealth
Job Description:
Additional Information About the Position for Qualified Candidates
- Up to $6,000 Sign-On Bonus
- Up to 40 hours of front-loaded Paid Time Off
- Up to $3,000 Relocation Bonus
- Up to $1.50 Certification Pay
- Career Ladder up to $5,000
Job Summary
Independently, or under the direct supervision of a physician, performs ultrasound/sonography procedures consistent with the established standard of medical care in ultrasound/sonography, following policies and protocols using established anatomical positioning and physiology to produce optimum sonographic imaging, while keeping patient welfare, confidentiality and comfort a top priority.
Education:
- Required: Graduate or graduation eligible (successful completion of all didactic courses and clinical competencies – not able to walk until next graduation date) of an approved school of medical sonography. Experience may be substituted for applicants that have not successfully completed a formal education program in medical sonography (see “Experience”)
Experience:
- Required: One year dedicated ultrasound experience OR No experience required with fulfillment of education requirement
- Preferred: Two years dedicated sonography imaging experience
Skills:
- Strong analytical/problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of current diagnostic radiology technical information.
- Proficient in using computers and computer systems.
- Excellent time management, interpersonal, presentation, organization, prioritizing, decision-making, and planning skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
Licensure/Certification/Registration:
- Required: Proof of passing result on ARDMS or ARRT examination.
- Required: R.T. (S) (ARRT) or ARDMS (AB), ARDMS (AE), (OB/GY), (VT) or (MSKS). Verification within 3 months of hire via ARDMS or ARRT website.
Ultrasound Technologist, Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, RDMS Tech, OB/GYN, Abdominal, Vascular, Musculoskeletal, Ultrasound Imaging
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Ultrasonographer
Target hospital systems over private practices
Large hospital networks like HCA, Kaiser, and academic medical centers have dedicated HR teams experienced with OPT paperwork. Smaller private practices often lack the administrative capacity to support international candidates, making them a harder sell.
Get your credentials in order before applying
Many employers require ARDMS or ARRT credentials before extending an offer. Having your registry completed signals you're ready to work immediately, which removes a common objection employers raise when considering OPT candidates with a limited work window.
Apply well before your OPT start date
Hiring in healthcare moves slowly. Background checks, credentialing, and onboarding can take four to eight weeks. Starting your job search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you realistic runway to secure an offer in time.
Be direct about your authorization timeline
Healthcare HR departments need to plan staffing around your work window. Clearly stating your OPT end date and H-1B visa cap-gap eligibility upfront saves time and builds trust with recruiters managing compliance requirements for clinical roles.
Highlight your clinical hours and specialization
Employers prioritize candidates with hands-on experience in specific modalities like vascular, cardiac, or OB/GYN sonography. Quantify your clinical hours and name the equipment you've operated. Specificity matters far more than a general sonography background.
Understand that STEM OPT does not apply here
Sonography is not a STEM-designated field, so you cannot extend OPT to 24 additional months. Your planning must center on a 12-month authorization period. Factor this into conversations with employers about H-1B sponsorship timelines and cap-gap coverage.
Ultrasonographer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an ultrasonographer on OPT?
Yes, as long as the job is directly related to your degree field. If your program was in diagnostic medical sonography or a related allied health discipline, ultrasonographer roles qualify. Your employment must begin within your authorized OPT period and remain consistent with your degree program's area of study.
Does sonography qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Diagnostic medical sonography is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which means you cannot apply for the 24-month STEM extension. You are limited to a 12-month OPT authorization period. Planning your H-1B sponsorship timeline around this constraint is essential if you want to remain in the U.S. long term.
Will employers in radiology and imaging sponsor H-1B visas for ultrasonographers?
Some do, particularly large hospital systems and national imaging chains that regularly hire international staff. Smaller independent practices are less likely to have the legal infrastructure or budget for H-1B sponsorship. Focusing your search on employers with an established track record of sponsoring healthcare workers improves your odds significantly. Migrate Mate lists OPT-friendly ultrasonographer roles from employers familiar with international work authorization.
What happens to my OPT if I'm between ultrasonographer jobs?
You are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period. If you remain unemployed beyond that threshold, you fall out of status. Healthcare hiring can take time given credentialing requirements, so start your next job search well before leaving a current position. Keeping documentation of your job search activity is also advisable.
Do I need ARDMS certification before I can work as an ultrasonographer on OPT?
Most employers require or strongly prefer ARDMS or ARRT certification before hire. Some states have additional licensing requirements for sonographers. You can technically begin OPT without certification if your employer permits a training period, but most hospitals require credentials before onboarding. Completing your registry exams before your OPT start date puts you in the strongest position.