OPT OT Jobs
Occupational therapy roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization, meaning your position must directly relate to your degree in occupational therapy or a closely related field. Most OT jobs in hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers are strong OPT fits. Your standard OPT period runs 12 months, with STEM extension not applicable to OT degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Explore opportunities with Amedisys, part of the Optum family of businesses. We provide home health, hospice and community-based services that help people receive quality care where they feel most comfortable: at home. Rooted in personalized care, we support patients and provide comfort through each stage of their health journey, while building trusted relationships along the way. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) you will provide skilled therapeutic services to patients in their homes to support functional independence and improve daily living skills. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the OTA implements individualized treatment plans, monitors patient progress, and documents outcomes in compliance with physician orders and regulatory requirements. This role emphasizes patient-centered care, safety, and effective rehabilitation in the home care environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provides skilled interventions in accordance with the physician approved plan of care and under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provides documentation of each visit according to AOTA documentation guidelines and accepted regulatory standards for inclusion in the patient's clinical record
- Observes, records and reports the patient's response to treatment and any change in the patient's condition to the supervising OT, physician and other appropriate clinical staff
- Provides patient/caregiver resources for future ADL/IADL needs
- Promotes wellness and prevention by promotion of occupational engagement
- Demonstrates knowledge of available community resources/services
- Makes recommendations for follow-up care in coordination with the care center that admitted the patient/client
- Keeps abreast of occupational therapy trends and knowledge for the service provision, documentation skills and care coordination
- Other duties as assigned
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate of an occupational therapy assistant program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE
- Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants, developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
- Current license to practice as an occupational therapy assistant, specific to the state you are assigned to work
- Current CPR certification
- 1+ years of related occupational therapy assistant experience to ensure knowledge and skills are sufficient to safely provide occupational therapy services to patients
- If less than one year of experience, then approval from regional clinical leaders required as well as appropriate mentoring and/or residency program established
COMPENSATION
- Pay Range: $50,852 - $76,277 annual total cash target pay
- $29.34 - $44.01 per visit point
- $24.45 - $36.67 hourly rate
Annual total cash compensation for this role assumes full-time employment (40 weekly hours) at full productivity and generally follows the range above. Total cash compensation includes earnings from per visit point pay and hourly pay and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. This role receives two types of compensation depending on the work being performed. When conducting visits, you will be paid per visit point rate compensation. Your per visit pay will be calculated by multiplying your per visit point rate by the productivity points you accrue for various types of visits. Each type of visit is assigned a certain number of productivity points that is inclusive of "direct" and "indirect" patient care activities. Visits are assigned based on patient and business needs. The number of visits performed each week will vary based on individual productivity targets and the productivity points assigned to the visits performed. You will be paid your hourly rate for certain non-visit activities such as orientation. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your pay, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
INTRODUCTION
Explore opportunities with Amedisys, part of the Optum family of businesses. We provide home health, hospice and community-based services that help people receive quality care where they feel most comfortable: at home. Rooted in personalized care, we support patients and provide comfort through each stage of their health journey, while building trusted relationships along the way. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) you will provide skilled therapeutic services to patients in their homes to support functional independence and improve daily living skills. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the OTA implements individualized treatment plans, monitors patient progress, and documents outcomes in compliance with physician orders and regulatory requirements. This role emphasizes patient-centered care, safety, and effective rehabilitation in the home care environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Provides skilled interventions in accordance with the physician approved plan of care and under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist
- Provides documentation of each visit according to AOTA documentation guidelines and accepted regulatory standards for inclusion in the patient's clinical record
- Observes, records and reports the patient's response to treatment and any change in the patient's condition to the supervising OT, physician and other appropriate clinical staff
- Provides patient/caregiver resources for future ADL/IADL needs
- Promotes wellness and prevention by promotion of occupational engagement
- Demonstrates knowledge of available community resources/services
- Makes recommendations for follow-up care in coordination with the care center that admitted the patient/client
- Keeps abreast of occupational therapy trends and knowledge for the service provision, documentation skills and care coordination
- Other duties as assigned
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate of an occupational therapy assistant program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA), or successor organizations of ACOTE
- Eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level certification examination for occupational therapy assistants, developed and administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
- Current license to practice as an occupational therapy assistant, specific to the state you are assigned to work
- Current CPR certification
- 1+ years of related occupational therapy assistant experience to ensure knowledge and skills are sufficient to safely provide occupational therapy services to patients
- If less than one year of experience, then approval from regional clinical leaders required as well as appropriate mentoring and/or residency program established
COMPENSATION
- Pay Range: $50,852 - $76,277 annual total cash target pay
- $29.34 - $44.01 per visit point
- $24.45 - $36.67 hourly rate
Annual total cash compensation for this role assumes full-time employment (40 weekly hours) at full productivity and generally follows the range above. Total cash compensation includes earnings from per visit point pay and hourly pay and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. This role receives two types of compensation depending on the work being performed. When conducting visits, you will be paid per visit point rate compensation. Your per visit pay will be calculated by multiplying your per visit point rate by the productivity points you accrue for various types of visits. Each type of visit is assigned a certain number of productivity points that is inclusive of "direct" and "indirect" patient care activities. Visits are assigned based on patient and business needs. The number of visits performed each week will vary based on individual productivity targets and the productivity points assigned to the visits performed. You will be paid your hourly rate for certain non-visit activities such as orientation. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your pay, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in OT
Confirm your job aligns with your OT degree
Your OPT authorization requires a direct connection between your role and your degree field. A licensed OT position in any clinical or school setting satisfies this. Roles in healthcare administration or non-clinical support generally do not count toward valid OPT employment.
Track your OPT employment reporting obligations
You must report any new OT employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting work. Keep your SEVIS record current with your workplace address and supervisor contact. Unreported employment can trigger status violations even when the job itself is fully authorized.
Understand the 90-day unemployment limit
Standard OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. If you're between OT contracts or waiting on state licensure to clear, that clock is running. Plan your job search and licensing timeline carefully so gaps don't accumulate and push you over the limit.
Secure your state OT license before your start date
Most states require a valid OT license before you can practice, and licensing timelines range from four to twelve weeks. Start your application immediately after graduation. A delayed license can push back your start date and eat into your authorized OPT period.
Target employers familiar with OPT authorization
Hospital systems, school districts, and large rehabilitation networks regularly hire international OT graduates and understand OPT work authorization. Smaller private practices may hesitate due to unfamiliarity. Prioritize employers with a track record of hiring international staff to reduce friction in the offer process.
Consider contract and per diem OT roles strategically
Contract OT positions can extend your runway while you pursue H-1B visa sponsorship or other long-term options. Ensure each contract role is formally reported to your DSO and directly tied to your OT degree. Multiple short contracts all count as valid OPT employment when properly documented.
OT OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do OT jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Occupational therapy degrees are not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so OT graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your total OPT authorization is 12 months. Planning your visa transition, whether through H-1B, O-1 visa, or another pathway, well before that deadline is essential.
Can I work as a travel OT on OPT?
Yes, travel OT assignments are valid OPT employment as long as each placement is a paid position directly tied to your occupational therapy degree. You must report every new employer and work location to your DSO within 10 days. Keep copies of all contracts and assignment details in case USCIS or your DSO requests documentation.
What happens to my OPT if my state license is delayed?
If your state OT license is delayed, you cannot legally practice in most states, but your OPT unemployment clock continues running. Days spent waiting for licensure without formal employment count against your 90-day limit. Some students bridge the gap with a temporary practice permit where available. Contact your DSO immediately if licensure delays are pushing your start date back significantly.
Where can I find OT jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there lets you focus on OT employers already open to international candidates, rather than manually screening out roles that require immediate H-1B sponsorship or permanent residency.
Can I work part-time as an OT on OPT?
Yes, part-time OT work qualifies under OPT as long as the role directly relates to your degree and you work at least 20 hours per week. Working fewer than 20 hours per week counts as unemployment under USCIS rules and accrues against your 90-day limit. Full-time employment is the safer option for preserving your authorized period.