OPT Veterinary Technician Jobs
Veterinary Technician roles on OPT require hands-on clinical authorization, so your EAD must reflect your degree field in veterinary technology or animal science. Most positions are full-time with consistent hours, which helps you maintain valid OPT status throughout your authorized period.
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Embark on a rewarding career as a veterinary technician at the Comparative Medicine Core at Moffitt Cancer Center. This vital Core plays a key role in overseeing and supporting innovative animal research and technical operations. We are excited to invite applications for the position of Veterinary Technician II, where you will deliver exceptional veterinary care to research animals while championing the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research!
Position Highlights:
* Enjoy a four-day workweek with just ten-hour workdays! This setup is perfect for those who crave that elusive work-life balance. This enticing arrangement is designed for those who seek the perfect harmony between their professional and personal lives.
* Management empowers the team with training and development opportunities, offering tuition assistance for degrees and certifications to support their professional growth.
* Comprehensive benefits package that nurtures health, financial well-being, and lifestyle.
The Ideal Candidate:
* Experience working in a fast-paced emergency or referral veterinary practice, or a veterinary teaching hospital, is required.
* Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and the application of anesthesia protocols is essential.
* Familiarity with IACUC protocols to assure investigator adherence to approved protocols and provide necessary documentation to IACUC.
* Familiarity with rodent breeding colony production techniques and maintenance is preferred.
* Surgical experience, including survival surgeries and maintaining a survival surgery suite, is also preferred.
Responsibilities:
* Collects, analyzes, and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.
* Performs technical procedures for researchers.
* Coordinates the scheduling of technical procedures with research staff, maintains records, documents procedures, and logs time for chargebacks as needed.
* Maintains rodent colonies, including breeding colonies, and assists with the rodent health surveillance program.
* Performs drug dose calculations for the preparation and administration of pharmaceuticals.
* Prepares animals for surgery.
Credentials and Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (from an AMVA program), two (2) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate’s degree (AVMA program) and six (4) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility may be considered.
* Current license, registration, or certification as a veterinary technician is required. Documentation proving successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) must be provided upon hire.
* AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level is preferred.
LOCATION:
Tampa is an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan city. With its vibrant economy and diverse culture, Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Join the many who have already discovered what makes Tampa one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the US.
Summary
Embark on a rewarding career as a veterinary technician at the Comparative Medicine Core at Moffitt Cancer Center. This vital Core plays a key role in overseeing and supporting innovative animal research and technical operations. We are excited to invite applications for the position of Veterinary Technician II, where you will deliver exceptional veterinary care to research animals while championing the highest standards of animal welfare and care. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research!
Position Highlights:
* Enjoy a four-day workweek with just ten-hour workdays! This setup is perfect for those who crave that elusive work-life balance. This enticing arrangement is designed for those who seek the perfect harmony between their professional and personal lives.
* Management empowers the team with training and development opportunities, offering tuition assistance for degrees and certifications to support their professional growth.
* Comprehensive benefits package that nurtures health, financial well-being, and lifestyle.
The Ideal Candidate:
* Experience working in a fast-paced emergency or referral veterinary practice, or a veterinary teaching hospital, is required.
* Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and the application of anesthesia protocols is essential.
* Familiarity with IACUC protocols to assure investigator adherence to approved protocols and provide necessary documentation to IACUC.
* Familiarity with rodent breeding colony production techniques and maintenance is preferred.
* Surgical experience, including survival surgeries and maintaining a survival surgery suite, is also preferred.
Responsibilities:
* Collects, analyzes, and processes samples for research, diagnostic, and clinical purposes.
* Performs technical procedures for researchers.
* Coordinates the scheduling of technical procedures with research staff, maintains records, documents procedures, and logs time for chargebacks as needed.
* Maintains rodent colonies, including breeding colonies, and assists with the rodent health surveillance program.
* Performs drug dose calculations for the preparation and administration of pharmaceuticals.
* Prepares animals for surgery.
Credentials and Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree (from an AMVA program), two (2) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate’s degree (AVMA program) and six (4) years of veterinary technician experience inclusive of one (1) year working in a research facility may be considered.
* Current license, registration, or certification as a veterinary technician is required. Documentation proving successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) must be provided upon hire.
* AALAS certification at the Laboratory Animal Technologist level is preferred.
LOCATION:
Tampa is an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing metropolitan city. With its vibrant economy and diverse culture, Tampa Bay offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Join the many who have already discovered what makes Tampa one of the fastest-growing metropolitan cities in the US.
See all 247+ OPT Veterinary Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Veterinary Technician
Target STEM-adjacent programs when possible
Some veterinary technology programs qualify for STEM OPT extension if the CIP code aligns. Confirm with your DSO early, as a 24-month extension dramatically expands your job search window and makes you more attractive to employers planning long-term hires.
Lead with your credentials in applications
Employers screening veterinary technician candidates prioritize state licensure and certifications like the VTNE. Mention your credentials and OPT authorization in your opening paragraph so hiring managers immediately understand your qualifications and legal right to work without delays.
Focus on practices familiar with international hires
Veterinary hospitals affiliated with universities, large corporate groups like VCA or Banfield, and research institutions have dedicated HR teams that understand OPT paperwork. Independent single-doctor practices often lack that infrastructure and may hesitate despite genuine interest in your skills.
Address OPT timing proactively with hiring managers
Veterinary practices often need technicians immediately. Clarify your EAD start date and authorized period upfront so employers can plan around your timeline. Waiting until late in interviews creates friction that proactive disclosure at the outset avoids entirely.
Document that your role matches your degree field
OPT requires employment directly related to your major field of study. Keep a brief written description of your duties that maps clinical responsibilities back to your veterinary technology coursework. Your DSO may request this documentation if your status is later reviewed.
Track your unemployment days carefully
OPT permits a maximum of 90 unemployment days for standard authorization. Veterinary technician hiring can move slowly, especially in rural areas. Monitor your day count from your EAD start date and contact your DSO immediately if you approach the limit without securing a position.
Veterinary Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Veterinary Technician on OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is in veterinary technology, animal science, or a closely related field and the role directly applies those skills. Clinical technician positions at animal hospitals, research facilities, and university veterinary programs all meet the direct-relationship requirement. Your EAD is your proof of authorization, and you do not need employer sponsorship during your OPT period.
Does a Veterinary Technician degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's CIP code. Veterinary technology programs classified under CIP 51.0808 do not typically qualify for STEM extension, but programs in biological sciences or biomedical fields sometimes do. Check your I-20 and confirm the CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify. If your program does qualify, you can apply for a 24-month extension through your school.
What types of employers hire Veterinary Technicians on OPT?
Corporate veterinary groups, university teaching hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies like the USDA and Department of Defense regularly hire on OPT. These employers have established HR processes for work authorization verification. You can browse currently open Veterinary Technician positions that accept OPT students on Migrate Mate, filtered specifically for F-1 work authorization.
Does my Veterinary Technician job need to be full-time to satisfy OPT requirements?
USCIS requires at least 20 hours per week to count as valid OPT employment. Part-time positions above that threshold are acceptable, but most veterinary technician roles are scheduled at 35 to 40 hours weekly. If you hold multiple part-time positions, each must relate to your degree field and their combined hours must exceed 20 per week.
Do I need to be licensed to work as a Veterinary Technician on OPT?
Licensing requirements are set by individual states, not by USCIS. Most states require passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination and registering with the state board before you can practice. Some states allow supervised practice under a temporary permit while your application is pending. Confirm your target state's requirements before accepting a position, as unlicensed practice could affect employment and your OPT standing.