OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs

Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs on OPT require active NBCOT certification and state licensure, which most employers verify before extending an offer. STEM OPT extension does not apply to OTA roles, so your 12-month standard OPT window is what you have to work with from day one.

See All OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs226+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$19K
Top LocationGrand Rapids, MI
Most JobsIvyrehab Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech-Language Pathology, Pllc

Showing 5 of 226+ Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs

FOX Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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FOX Rehabilitation
Added 1d ago
Occupational Therapy Assistant
FOX Rehabilitation
Wilson, North Carolina
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Occupational Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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Advocate Aurora Health
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Advocate Aurora Health
Added 1d ago
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Advocate Aurora Health
Rome, Georgia
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Occupational Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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National HealthCare Corporation
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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National HealthCare Corporation
Added 2d ago
Occupational Therapy Assistant
National HealthCare Corporation
Sumter, South Carolina
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Occupational Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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PruittHealth
Occupational Therapy Assistant
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PruittHealth
Added 3d ago
Occupational Therapy Assistant
PruittHealth
Estill, South Carolina
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Occupational Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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CommonSpirit Health
Occupational Therapy Assistant Certified
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CommonSpirit Health
Added 3d ago
Occupational Therapy Assistant Certified
CommonSpirit Health
The Woodlands, Texas
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$27/hr - $40/hr
On-Site
Associate's

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See all 226+ Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs

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See all 226+ OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

Get your NBCOT certification before you apply

Most OTA employers require NBCOT certification as a condition of hire, not just a preference. Without it, your application won't move forward. Schedule your exam during your final semester so certification arrives before OPT begins.

Confirm state licensure requirements early

Every state has its own OTA licensure process, and some take eight to twelve weeks to complete. Apply for your state license the moment your NBCOT results are confirmed. Delays in licensure can eat into your authorized OPT work window.

Target healthcare systems that regularly hire internationally

Large hospital networks, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care chains tend to have established HR processes for work authorization paperwork. Smaller private clinics may be unfamiliar with OPT and hesitant to proceed, even when sponsorship isn't technically required.

Be explicit that OPT requires no employer sponsorship cost

Many hiring managers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship and assume there's a cost or legal burden attached. Clarify upfront, in writing if needed, that OPT authorization is your responsibility and involves no employer filing fees or immigration attorneys.

Start your job search at least three months before OPT begins

Between background checks, credentialing, and state licensure verification, healthcare hiring timelines run long. Applying three months out gives you room to clear those steps and begin working on day one of your authorized OPT period without gaps.

Apply to settings beyond hospitals and outpatient clinics

Schools, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and pediatric therapy practices all hire OTAs and often have more flexible credentialing timelines. Broadening your setting preferences increases the number of OPT-friendly opportunities you can realistically pursue.

Occupational Therapy Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant on OPT?

Yes, but your work must be directly related to your field of study. If you completed an OTA-accredited program, employment as an OTA satisfies the OPT requirement. You'll need a valid EAD card, active NBCOT certification, and a state license before you can legally practice in most states.

Does the OTA role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?

No. Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available for this field. You'll have 12 months of standard OPT work authorization. Planning your job search and H-1B sponsorship timeline around that 12-month window is essential.

Do OTA employers need to do anything special to hire me on OPT?

Employers are only required to complete Form I-9 employment verification, the same process they follow for any new hire. They don't file a petition, pay government fees, or engage an immigration attorney. Your EAD card is the work authorization document. Explaining this clearly upfront often resolves hesitation from employers unfamiliar with OPT.

Where can I find OTA jobs that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate lists OTA roles from employers with documented experience hiring international candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers narrows your search to organizations whose HR teams already understand work authorization documentation, which reduces friction during the offer and onboarding process.

What happens to my OPT status if I can't find an OTA job right away?

You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT. If you exceed that without authorized employment, your F-1 status is at risk. If you're struggling to find a role, document your active job search carefully and consult your Designated School Official as early as possible to understand your options.