Occupational Therapist Jobs for OPT Students
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 after OPT, and healthcare settings frequently qualify for H-1B cap-exempt status through nonprofit hospital affiliations.
See All Occupational Therapist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 2,325+ Occupational Therapist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 2,325+ Occupational Therapist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Occupational Therapist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:
- Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
- Family-focused benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs...and more!
DESCRIPTION
- Assists in coordinating and managing the daily activities of the discipline specific staff and students to ensure quality delivery of patient care services.
- Participates in direct and consultative patient care.
- Performs routine and specialized procedures relating to therapy techniques.
- Maintains a high level of proficiency in the technical skills required for managing patient care.
- Communicates regularly with members of patient care team, the patient, family members and others involved with the patients care.
- Assists with inventory control and identifies the need for purchasing supplies and equipment to ensure the availability of commonly used materials.
- Identifies department specific needs/equipment for inclusion in budget(s).
- Provides input to departmental short and long term goals and objectives.
- Reviews and revises patient care and treatment procedures and policies on an ongoing basis.
- Communicates policies, procedures and related forms in accordance with state, federal, and organizational guidelines.
- Assists with staff management and employee performance.
- Interviews applicants and makes recommendations for hiring staff.
- Assists in the maintenance of discipline specific records pertaining to continuing education, personnel, charting, financial operations and quality improvement.
- Serves as a resource to medical staff, students, other allied health professionals and support staff concerning the operations of the specific discipline.
- Assists in interpreting the applicable policies. Assists with the coordination of student activities.
- Participates in research activities being conducted within the organization. Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an American Occupational Therapy Association accredited program.
- Licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia.
- Must have and maintain NBCOT certification. At least three years of clinical experience.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
Physical Requirements
(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste; Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
INTRODUCTION
Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:
- Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
- Family-focused benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs...and more!
DESCRIPTION
- Assists in coordinating and managing the daily activities of the discipline specific staff and students to ensure quality delivery of patient care services.
- Participates in direct and consultative patient care.
- Performs routine and specialized procedures relating to therapy techniques.
- Maintains a high level of proficiency in the technical skills required for managing patient care.
- Communicates regularly with members of patient care team, the patient, family members and others involved with the patients care.
- Assists with inventory control and identifies the need for purchasing supplies and equipment to ensure the availability of commonly used materials.
- Identifies department specific needs/equipment for inclusion in budget(s).
- Provides input to departmental short and long term goals and objectives.
- Reviews and revises patient care and treatment procedures and policies on an ongoing basis.
- Communicates policies, procedures and related forms in accordance with state, federal, and organizational guidelines.
- Assists with staff management and employee performance.
- Interviews applicants and makes recommendations for hiring staff.
- Assists in the maintenance of discipline specific records pertaining to continuing education, personnel, charting, financial operations and quality improvement.
- Serves as a resource to medical staff, students, other allied health professionals and support staff concerning the operations of the specific discipline.
- Assists in interpreting the applicable policies. Assists with the coordination of student activities.
- Participates in research activities being conducted within the organization. Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an American Occupational Therapy Association accredited program.
- Licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the state of Georgia.
- Must have and maintain NBCOT certification. At least three years of clinical experience.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
Physical Requirements
(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste; Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
How to Get Visa 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.
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.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Occupational Therapist JobsSee all 2,325+ Occupational Therapist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Occupational Therapist roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
See which Occupational Therapist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Occupational Therapist Jobs