OPT Occupational Therapist Jobs
Occupational Therapist roles on OPT require active NBCOT certification and state licensure before you can practice, which takes planning during your OPT window. Most employers sponsor H-1B visa after OPT, and healthcare settings frequently qualify for H-1B cap-exempt status through nonprofit hospital affiliations.
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Get Access To All JobsDepartment:
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
No
Hours Per Week:
0
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Schedule will be variable based off clinic volumes.
Pay Range:
$49.00 - $49.00
Atrium Health Physical Therapy Gateway is a dynamic outpatient rehabilitation clinic dedicated to helping patients restore function, improve mobility, and achieve their highest level of independence. As part of Atrium Health’s extensive outpatient rehabilitation network, the clinic provides evidence-based, patient-centered care through a collaborative team of physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals.
This Occupational Therapist position specializes in hand therapy, treating patients with upper extremity conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation needs, and work-related injuries. The therapist will have the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while also floating to other Atrium Health Physical Therapy outpatient clinics across the Charlotte region, supporting a diverse patient population and gaining exposure to a wide range of orthopedic and specialty rehabilitation programs.
- Providing clinical hand OT coverage primarily for Atrium Health Physical Therapy Gateway as well as to the clinics of the Atrium Health Physical Therapy North Market, including Huntersville, University, Denver, and Lincolnton. As needed coverage to Main, Pineville, Indian Trail, and Rock Hill.
Job Description:
Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers programs of Occupational Therapy (OT) upon referral by the physician. Plans and conducts OT programs to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach their maximum level of independence. Performs supervisory duties.
Essential Functions
- Directs and supervises activities of OT assistants, OT technicians, students, and volunteers involved in administering care to patients and assists with orienting new and rotating staff.
- Evaluates patients and establishes appropriate patient care plan to include necessary modalities, procedures, exercise programs, and patient education as warranted by the patient's diagnosis and condition.
- Gathers and interprets appropriate data from the medical record, physician reports, patient, and/or family as evidenced by documentation and identifies need for and utilizes appropriate assistive and orthotic devices.
- Documents evaluations, tests, progress notes, daily treatment notes, attendance records, patient/family education, outcomes, discharge notes, and charges.
- Re-evaluates patients as needed, modifying goals and treatment as patient's status changes.
- Communicates patient's evaluation and subsequent progress to physician, referral sources, and other clinical staff and coordinates patient's schedule, treatment programs, discharge planning and recommends solutions to patient care problems.
- Provides and documents patient and family education in regard to deficits, progress toward goals, and therapeutic techniques, with individualized instruction for a home program including equipment use.
Physical Requirements
Hearing (corrected) adequate for oral/aural communication. Vision (corrected) adequate for reading. Intelligible speech and adequate language/cognitive skills to perform job duties. Sitting, standing, and walking required throughout the day. Job duties sometimes require climbing stairs, kneeling, twisting, bending; on occasion, crouching, crawling and reaching overhead. Lifting of patients, equipment or supplies will be required up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. Able to laterally transfer patients 100 pounds rarely. Must be able to demonstrate any appropriate exercise and activities to patients/caregivers. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids. Work is in a fast-paced clinical environment. The work environment is primarily indoors but occasionally outdoors.
Education, Experience and Certifications
Bachelor's Degree in OT from an accredited OT program required. Applicable state license for OT required. BLS required per policy guidelines.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
- Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers programs of Occupational Therapy (OT) upon referral by the physician. Plans and conducts OT programs to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach their maximum level of independence. Performs supervisory duties.
Department:
Status:
Part time
Benefits Eligible:
No
Hours Per Week:
0
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Schedule will be variable based off clinic volumes.
Pay Range:
$49.00 - $49.00
Atrium Health Physical Therapy Gateway is a dynamic outpatient rehabilitation clinic dedicated to helping patients restore function, improve mobility, and achieve their highest level of independence. As part of Atrium Health’s extensive outpatient rehabilitation network, the clinic provides evidence-based, patient-centered care through a collaborative team of physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals.
This Occupational Therapist position specializes in hand therapy, treating patients with upper extremity conditions, post-surgical rehabilitation needs, and work-related injuries. The therapist will have the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams while also floating to other Atrium Health Physical Therapy outpatient clinics across the Charlotte region, supporting a diverse patient population and gaining exposure to a wide range of orthopedic and specialty rehabilitation programs.
- Providing clinical hand OT coverage primarily for Atrium Health Physical Therapy Gateway as well as to the clinics of the Atrium Health Physical Therapy North Market, including Huntersville, University, Denver, and Lincolnton. As needed coverage to Main, Pineville, Indian Trail, and Rock Hill.
Job Description:
Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers programs of Occupational Therapy (OT) upon referral by the physician. Plans and conducts OT programs to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach their maximum level of independence. Performs supervisory duties.
Essential Functions
- Directs and supervises activities of OT assistants, OT technicians, students, and volunteers involved in administering care to patients and assists with orienting new and rotating staff.
- Evaluates patients and establishes appropriate patient care plan to include necessary modalities, procedures, exercise programs, and patient education as warranted by the patient's diagnosis and condition.
- Gathers and interprets appropriate data from the medical record, physician reports, patient, and/or family as evidenced by documentation and identifies need for and utilizes appropriate assistive and orthotic devices.
- Documents evaluations, tests, progress notes, daily treatment notes, attendance records, patient/family education, outcomes, discharge notes, and charges.
- Re-evaluates patients as needed, modifying goals and treatment as patient's status changes.
- Communicates patient's evaluation and subsequent progress to physician, referral sources, and other clinical staff and coordinates patient's schedule, treatment programs, discharge planning and recommends solutions to patient care problems.
- Provides and documents patient and family education in regard to deficits, progress toward goals, and therapeutic techniques, with individualized instruction for a home program including equipment use.
Physical Requirements
Hearing (corrected) adequate for oral/aural communication. Vision (corrected) adequate for reading. Intelligible speech and adequate language/cognitive skills to perform job duties. Sitting, standing, and walking required throughout the day. Job duties sometimes require climbing stairs, kneeling, twisting, bending; on occasion, crouching, crawling and reaching overhead. Lifting of patients, equipment or supplies will be required up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. Able to laterally transfer patients 100 pounds rarely. Must be able to demonstrate any appropriate exercise and activities to patients/caregivers. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids. Work is in a fast-paced clinical environment. The work environment is primarily indoors but occasionally outdoors.
Education, Experience and Certifications
Bachelor's Degree in OT from an accredited OT program required. Applicable state license for OT required. BLS required per policy guidelines.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
- Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
- Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
- Incentive pay for select positions
- Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Benefits and more
- Paid Time Off programs
- Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
- Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
- Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
- Educational Assistance Program
Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.
Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers programs of Occupational Therapy (OT) upon referral by the physician. Plans and conducts OT programs to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach their maximum level of independence. Performs supervisory duties.
See all 1,258+ OPT Occupational Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Occupational Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Occupational Therapist
Get NBCOT certified before your OPT start date
You cannot practice as an OT without passing the NBCOT exam. Schedule your exam during your final semester so certification is in hand before your OPT begins and you can start applying to clinical roles immediately.
Prioritize employers affiliated with nonprofit hospitals
Nonprofit hospitals and university medical centers are often cap-exempt for H-1B visa, meaning they can file year-round without waiting for the lottery. This dramatically improves your chances of transitioning off OPT into stable status.
Secure state licensure as early as possible
Each state has its own OT licensure process, and some take six to ten weeks to complete. Apply to your target state immediately after passing NBCOT so licensure delays do not eat into your usable OPT time.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history during interviews
Not every OT employer has sponsored visas before. Ask HR directly whether they have an immigration attorney on retainer and whether they have sponsored H-1B or EB-3 petitions for clinical staff in the past two years.
Understand how STEM OPT extension applies to OT roles
Occupational therapy is not a STEM-designated field, so you cannot extend OPT for 24 additional months. Your authorized period is 12 months, making it critical to engage with sponsoring employers early in your OPT window.
Target healthcare systems actively recruiting internationally
Large hospital networks and long-term care chains regularly recruit internationally and have established immigration processes. These employers understand OPT timelines and are more prepared to file an H-1B petition before your authorization expires.
Occupational Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Occupational Therapist on OPT without state licensure?
No. Every state requires an active OT license before you can treat patients, and employers will not hire you without it. You must pass the NBCOT certification exam first, then apply for state licensure in the state where you plan to work. Start both processes before your OPT period begins to avoid losing work authorization time while waiting for approvals.
Do Occupational Therapist jobs commonly lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at nonprofit hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, and university medical centers. These facilities often qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers, which means they are not subject to the annual lottery and can file petitions year-round. For-profit outpatient clinics and private practices can sponsor H-1B as well, but they must go through the cap lottery, which adds uncertainty to your timeline.
Where can I find Occupational Therapist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Occupational Therapist roles from employers with a verified history of visa sponsorship. Searching there lets you filter by sponsorship willingness rather than manually screening hundreds of general job postings where sponsorship is unclear.
Is Occupational Therapy eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
No. Occupational therapy is classified under health professions, not STEM, and does not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT period is 12 months. This makes it especially important to begin conversations with employers about H-1B or other long-term sponsorship options well before the six-month mark of your OPT.
Can I work in school-based or home health OT settings on OPT?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree in occupational therapy and you maintain valid OPT authorization. School districts and home health agencies do hire OTs on OPT. However, check whether these employers have the infrastructure and willingness to sponsor an H-1B petition before accepting an offer, since smaller agencies often lack prior sponsorship experience.