H-1C newbie

Sorry, but there is no way that I would recommend the H1-C visa to anyone. It means that they have a severe shortage of staff to even be able to get that designation in the first place. Not a good work environment at all for you to be in. Desparate does not spare your safety. And if in the Chicago area, then the neighborhood is going to be rough enough that American's do not wish to work there.

There are only 15 facilities in the US that can use that visa to staff with. So also if you do not like it, then you are in a pickle, you will have only 30 days to find another facility under that designation or you will need to leave the US. And you will not have the benefit of going back to the student visa at that time.

Go for the student visa, and if you are going on in the level of the degree, then you can qualify for the CPT as a student again. It will not give you full-time work, but perhaps the facility that you are at would be willing to help you with your schooling and then you would remain safe as well.

Sorry, but safety should hold priority over anything. Anything less, and then it just does not matter what you do.

OPT is valid for 12 months only and cannot be renewed. CPT is your next option or off-campus EAD. CPT will take another 9 months, I think. Off-campus EAD is harder to get.

Better get H1C if the hospital you're on is willing to sponsor you for that.