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.
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Get Access To All JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant PRN
Job Description
Overview
IU Health is looking for team members who are passionate about challenging and significant work for the good of every patient. We are searching for individuals who are compassionate, serve with a purpose, are dedicated to supporting their team, and who seek excellence every day.
Location: Jay Hospital in Portland, IN.
Shift: PRN for outpatient and inpatient
Requirements
- Requires an Associate's Degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, or if foreign trained, graduation from an assistant occupational therapy education program outside the US with educationally equivalent coursework accepted by Indiana PLA.
- Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is preferred.
- Requires current license in the State of Indiana.
- Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Performs direct patient care occupational therapy services under supervision of an Occupational Therapist. May assist with the training of field work and practicum students as well as provide guidance and supervision of support personnel. Willingly participates in related activities in support of patient care, education and department operations.
As the most comprehensive medical system in Indiana, IU Health offers many different career opportunities as you grow professionally. IU Health also offers a substantial benefits package, PTO Program, 401k match, and several other programs to meet your needs. These are just a few reasons why applying for your career with IU Health is a good choice. Benefits Designed for You
We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
Occupational Therapy Assistant PRN
Job Description
Overview
IU Health is looking for team members who are passionate about challenging and significant work for the good of every patient. We are searching for individuals who are compassionate, serve with a purpose, are dedicated to supporting their team, and who seek excellence every day.
Location: Jay Hospital in Portland, IN.
Shift: PRN for outpatient and inpatient
Requirements
- Requires an Associate's Degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, or if foreign trained, graduation from an assistant occupational therapy education program outside the US with educationally equivalent coursework accepted by Indiana PLA.
- Current certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is preferred.
- Requires current license in the State of Indiana.
- Requires Basic Life Support certification through the AHA.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Performs direct patient care occupational therapy services under supervision of an Occupational Therapist. May assist with the training of field work and practicum students as well as provide guidance and supervision of support personnel. Willingly participates in related activities in support of patient care, education and department operations.
As the most comprehensive medical system in Indiana, IU Health offers many different career opportunities as you grow professionally. IU Health also offers a substantial benefits package, PTO Program, 401k match, and several other programs to meet your needs. These are just a few reasons why applying for your career with IU Health is a good choice. Benefits Designed for You
We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. Our partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our team members access to the very latest science and the very best training, advancing care for all. We’re looking for team members who share the things that matter most to us. People who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day. People who are always ready to apply themselves.
See all 148+ OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.