OPT Orthopedic Physical Therapist Jobs
Orthopedic physical therapist jobs are among the more OPT-friendly roles in healthcare because most positions require a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard that many H-1B visa and STEM OPT employers look for. Your 12-month standard OPT window is enough to start, but a STEM extension is not available for DPT programs.
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Get Access To All JobsWHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
JOB SUMMARY
The MSK Orthopedic Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions using evidence-based, patient-centered care.
SCHEDULE
Scheduled for 24 hours per week and includes two Saturday shifts per month. Hours will fall between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
Bachelor's Degree Graduate from accredited physical therapy program at the Bachelor level and is eligible for licensure in the State of Texas.
Experience
No experience required
Licenses and Certifications
- Active cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire or
- (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) certification. Upon Hire
- (LPT) LIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST Eligible for licensure in the State of Texas Upon Hire
Preferred
Experience
1 year
New graduates welcome (1 yr. Experience preferred).
JOB DUTIES
- Has knowledge of therapeutic principles and practices good clinical judgment. Does not compromise the patient's or another's safety, while at the same time maximizes the patient's treatment potential.
- Identifies and records problems areas on evaluation. For each problem identified, projects reasonable goals with realistic time frames.
- Analyzes and designs treatment plans based on patient problems and goals. Determines if planned treatment is effective and progresses patient in a timely fashion.
- Prepares for patient discharge in an organized and efficient manner including timely and accurate submission of equipment needs. Displays good knowledge of patient's resources and needs.
- Fosters teamwork by treating all staff fairly, facilitating 2-way communication and having a collaborative attitude.
- Organizes patient treatment time efficiently.
- Records patient's progress in a concise, accurate, and timely fashion.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!
BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:
- PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
- 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
- Paid Time Off, available day one
- Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Paid Parental Leave Benefit
- Wellness programs
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!
JOB SUMMARY
The MSK Orthopedic Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions using evidence-based, patient-centered care.
SCHEDULE
Scheduled for 24 hours per week and includes two Saturday shifts per month. Hours will fall between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Required
Education
Bachelor's Degree Graduate from accredited physical therapy program at the Bachelor level and is eligible for licensure in the State of Texas.
Experience
No experience required
Licenses and Certifications
- Active cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire or
- (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) certification. Upon Hire
- (LPT) LIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST Eligible for licensure in the State of Texas Upon Hire
Preferred
Experience
1 year
New graduates welcome (1 yr. Experience preferred).
JOB DUTIES
- Has knowledge of therapeutic principles and practices good clinical judgment. Does not compromise the patient's or another's safety, while at the same time maximizes the patient's treatment potential.
- Identifies and records problems areas on evaluation. For each problem identified, projects reasonable goals with realistic time frames.
- Analyzes and designs treatment plans based on patient problems and goals. Determines if planned treatment is effective and progresses patient in a timely fashion.
- Prepares for patient discharge in an organized and efficient manner including timely and accurate submission of equipment needs. Displays good knowledge of patient's resources and needs.
- Fosters teamwork by treating all staff fairly, facilitating 2-way communication and having a collaborative attitude.
- Organizes patient treatment time efficiently.
- Records patient's progress in a concise, accurate, and timely fashion.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT
Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.
EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.
See all OPT Orthopedic Physical Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Target outpatient orthopedic clinics, not just hospitals
Large hospital systems have HR departments familiar with visa sponsorship. But multi-location outpatient orthopedic groups often sponsor too, and face less competition for licensed DPT candidates. Both are worth pursuing systematically in your job search.
Get your state license before OPT starts
PT licensure timelines vary by state, some take two to three months after passing the NPTE. Applying for licensure before graduation keeps your OPT authorization from sitting unused while you wait to legally practice.
Lead with your DPT credential in every application
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume international applicants need more immigration support than they do. Framing your DPT upfront signals a specialty occupation clearly and reduces the perceived complexity of sponsoring you.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting any offer
OPT lasts 12 months for DPT graduates. Confirm during the interview whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas before. A clinic with no sponsorship history is a real risk if you plan to stay long-term in the U.S.
Use your clinical rotation network to find sponsoring employers
Your clinical rotation sites already know your work quality. Supervisors from those placements can often refer you directly to hiring managers, bypassing the initial screening where OPT status sometimes causes early rejections.
Understand that OPT employment must match your DPT field
USCIS requires OPT work to be directly related to your degree program. A DPT working in a physical therapy role is clearly compliant. Non-clinical or administrative-only roles may not satisfy this requirement and could jeopardize your status.
Orthopedic Physical Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an orthopedic physical therapist on OPT without H-1B sponsorship yet?
Yes. OPT gives you up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation, during which you can work for any qualifying employer without the employer needing to file any visa petition. You do need an active EAD card and a state PT license before you begin treating patients. Sponsorship only becomes necessary if you want to stay beyond your OPT period.
Is a DPT degree considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Physical therapy is consistently recognized as a specialty occupation because the role requires at minimum a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in a specific field. This makes DPT graduates well-positioned for H-1B sponsorship compared to roles where degree requirements are more flexible. Employers experienced with healthcare visas will recognize this without much explanation from you.
Do orthopedic PT employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship rates vary widely. Large hospital systems and multi-location rehabilitation networks are more likely to have established immigration processes. Smaller private practices often lack the HR infrastructure to navigate sponsorship. Browsing orthopedic physical therapist job listings on Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have a demonstrated history of hiring international candidates.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for DPT graduates?
No. The STEM OPT extension is only available to graduates of STEM-designated programs as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. Doctor of Physical Therapy programs are not on that list, so DPT graduates receive the standard 12-month OPT period only. Planning your H-1B sponsorship timeline around that 12-month window is essential.
Can I work at more than one orthopedic clinic on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is directly related to your DPT program. Many physical therapists work part-time at two or more outpatient sites. Each employer must be documented in your SEVP portal records, and each role must involve hands-on clinical work within the scope of physical therapy practice.