Dear Cindy – Visa Sponsorship for Sterile Processing?

I am a Canadian citizen, and would eventually like to move to the States without having to marry my boyfriend. I am currently taking a sterile processing technician course in Canada, and I was wondering if US hospitals sponsor work visas?

Sincerely,

T

Unfortunately, while some hospitals do sponsor visas, they do not (cannot) sponsor visas for sterile processing techs. Beyond the fact that sterile processing techs aren't urgently needed due to shortages as are some clinical staff (e.g., RNs), the other typical (non-trainee, non-NAFTA) sponsored employment visa used for healthcare staff, the H-1B, is for those in a "specialty occupation" who have to hold a Bachelor's degree or higher.