J-1 Visa Certified Recreational Therapist Jobs
Certified Recreational Therapist roles in the United States are typically accessible to international professionals through the J-1 Trainee or Specialist program category, which requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and oversee your exchange. Securing a host employer willing to develop a structured training plan is the foundation of J-1 sponsorship for this credential-dependent field.
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INTRODUCTION
As Mount Sinai grows, so does our legacy in high-quality health care.
Since 1949, Mount Sinai Medical Center has remained committed to providing access to its diverse community. In delivering an unmatched level of clinical expertise, our medical center is committed to recruiting and training top healthcare workers from across the country. We offer the latest in advanced medicine, technology, and comfort in 12 facilities across Miami-Dade (including our 674-bed main campus facility) and Monroe Counties, with 38 medical services, including cancer care, 24/7 emergency care, orthopedics, cardiovascular care, and more. Mount Sinai takes pride in being South Florida's largest private independent not-for-profit hospital, dedicated to continuing the training of the next generation of medical pioneers.
Culture of Caring: The Sinai Way
Our hardworking, tight-knit community of more than 4,000 dedicated employees fosters an environment of care and compassion. Each member plays a vital role in our collective mission to deliver excellent healthcare through innovation, education, and research. At Mount Sinai, we take pride in our achievements, aiming to be a beacon of quality healthcare in South Florida. We welcome all healthcare professionals to join our thriving community and contribute to our pursuit for clinical excellence.
Department:
CC209044 Physician Practices
Job Description Summary:
Position Responsibilities
- Assists physician with basic procedures during patient examinations under the supervision of a preceptor
- Takes patient's vital signs as necessary under the supervision of a preceptor
- Adheres to Universal precaution guidelines in the performance of patient care activities under the supervision of a preceptor
- Monitors and manages patient schedule in order to ensure optimal patient flow amongst physician under the supervision of a preceptor
- Greets and escorts patient safely from the waiting area to appropriate areas in the hospital under the supervision of a preceptor
- Understands and executes physician's preferred treatment protocols when coordinating patient flow under the supervision of a preceptor
- Prepares and administers medication as instructed by the physician; this includes the administration of injections under the supervision of a preceptor
- Ensures exam rooms are appropriately stocked with supplies and equipment prior to physician seeing patients under the supervision of a preceptor
- Demonstrates appropriate medical knowledge and effectively communicate instructions to patients
- Ability to communicate to patients any procedures to be performed and provide preparatory instructions and answer basic questions, as required under the supervision of a preceptor
- Demonstrates the ability to understand and react to the unique needs of the patients
- Flexible to changes in work flow, as needed
- Maintain organized work areas in order to maximize efficiency
- Demonstrates knowledge of proper use/maintenance of all equipment related to the position under the supervision of a preceptor
- Maintains current licensing and certification necessary to perform applicable job functions
- Remains calm and courteous when dealing with patients and staff members, consistently maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor
- Responds to telephone promptly, preferably by the third ring and repeat key information to ensure accurate transcribing of messages under the supervision of a preceptor
- Maintains a complete understanding of Fire, Safety and other applicable departmental and hospital manuals
Qualifications
License/Registration/Certification
- Medical Assistant Certification from accredited institution/agency required. CPR certification required.
Education
- Completion of M.A. Training. High School or equivalent.
Experience
- 0 to 6 months Years Medical Assistant experience.
Benefits:
We believe in the physical and mental well-being of our employees and are committed to offering comprehensive benefits that fit their personal needs:
- Health benefits
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness program
- On-site housing for select positions and more!
Degree Requirements:
Certification:
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Certified Recreational Therapist
Verify your CTRS credential transfers
The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist credential is issued by NCTRC and requires documented clinical hours. Confirm with NCTRC that your international training hours qualify before approaching U.S. host employers, since credential gaps can stall your DS-2019 application.
Match your J-1 category to your career stage
If you hold a degree and have fewer than five years of post-graduation experience, you likely qualify as a J-1 Trainee. Professionals with more experience and a specialized focus, such as neurorehabilitation or geriatric recreation therapy, may fit the Specialist category instead.
Search Migrate Mate for J-1-aligned host employers
Use Migrate Mate to find U.S. healthcare systems, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors in allied health roles, narrowing your search to organizations already familiar with the DS-2019 process.
Build a structured training plan before outreach
Host employers in recreational therapy must co-develop a detailed training plan outlining your supervised objectives, rotation schedule, and learning outcomes. Arriving with a draft plan specific to your specialty area accelerates employer conversations and your designated sponsor's approval.
Confirm the host's willingness to coordinate with a sponsor
Your employer is the host, not the visa sponsor. Clarify early that a State Department-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, will issue your DS-2019 and monitor compliance. Hosts unfamiliar with this arrangement sometimes withdraw offers once they understand the coordination required.
Check whether your role triggers the two-year rule
Recreational therapists sponsored through certain government-funded programs or from countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List may be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement before changing to most work visas. Review your DS-2019 funding source and J-1 category with your designated sponsor before signing an offer.
Certified Recreational Therapist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Certified Recreational Therapist JobsCertified Recreational Therapist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Certified Recreational Therapist positions?
Most Certified Recreational Therapist exchange visitors enter under the J-1 Trainee category if they have fewer than five years of post-degree professional experience, or the Specialist category for those with deeper expertise in a defined practice area. The key distinction is that your host employer and designated sponsor must design a training plan that reflects genuine skill development, not routine employment.
How is J-1 sponsorship different from employer visa sponsorship for this role?
In J-1 programs, the visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, that issues your DS-2019 form and monitors your exchange activities. Your actual employer is called the host. This differs from H-1B or TN sponsorship, where the employer files directly with USCIS. As a recreational therapist, you need both a willing host facility and a designated sponsor organization.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to recreational therapists on J-1 visas?
It can. If your exchange program is funded by your home-country government, the U.S. government, or if your home country has listed recreational therapy or your specific occupation on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, you may be subject to the two-year requirement. This obligation prevents you from changing to most U.S. work visas or permanent residence until you fulfill it. Review your DS-2019 and the State Department's country skills list before accepting a placement.
How can I find U.S. employers who will host a J-1 recreational therapist?
Use Migrate Mate to identify healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations in the United States that have prior experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors in allied health fields. Targeting employers already familiar with DS-2019 coordination and structured training plans shortens your search and reduces the risk of an offer falling through during the sponsorship process.
What clinical documentation do I need before a designated sponsor will issue my DS-2019?
Designated sponsors typically require proof of your academic degree, evidence of your professional credentials or licensure in your home country, a detailed training plan co-signed by the host employer, and documentation of supervised clinical hours relevant to recreational therapy practice. If you hold or are pursuing CTRS certification, include NCTRC correspondence confirming your eligibility, since sponsors assess whether your training objectives are substantive and distinguishable from standard employment.
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