Hi!

I am in opt which is expired in July 2009 and I am working in a city hospital in ny. I cannot apply for h1b visa how I can extend my status? Can I transfer from f1 visa to j1 visa?

Check if you are eligible to apply for an OPT extension. A new law passed in 2008 allows for F1 students on OPT to file for a 17-month extension. The students must have a STEM degree.
ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): Contact Information (http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm)

The best approach would be to get in touch with the International Student Office at the college were you graduated from.