OPT Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs
Pediatric physical therapist jobs on OPT are available through hospitals, school districts, and outpatient clinics, all of which commonly sponsor H-1B visas. Your DPT degree satisfies the specialty occupation requirement, and STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so a 12-month OPT timeline is standard.
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Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
Job Summary
Plans and implements specific treatment programs for individual patients according to principles and practices of physical therapy. Participates in operational and clinical functions for the department, hospital and corporation. Provides direction and assistance to Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapy Students, and Therapy Aides in the area of patient care. Complies with laws and regulations of appropriate state and federal agencies and Joint Commission guidelines. An advanced level of clinical and interpersonal skills are required. Expected to exhibit behaviors that support the purpose statements of the department and hospital.
Bonus
This position is bonus eligible, follow this link for details.
Essential Functions
- All team members are expected to be knowledgeable and compliant with Prisma Health's purpose: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
- Performs appropriate initial physical therapy evaluations and re-evaluations and designs a physical therapy plan of care.
- Demonstrates advanced knowledge of diagnoses/conditions seen in physical therapy.
- Selects, performs, and interprets the results of PT examinations of neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary systems.
- Performs and interprets standardized evaluations appropriate for the patient.
- Identifies actual or potential problems that would impact the PT treatment plan as well as the overall patient plan of care.
- Establishes specific treatment goals based on the results of the initial assessment.
- Designs the treatment plan appropriate for the patient's age, educational level, and cultural background.
- Designs a plan of intervention that is coordinated and integrated with other services.
- Revises the treatment plan as indicated.
- Implements and manages a specific and comprehensive treatment plan, and participates in patient discharge planning.
- Demonstrates advanced working knowledge of various Physical Therapy techniques with flexibility and creativity in the implementation of these therapy techniques.
- Interacts regularly with others involved in the patient's care to incorporate an interdisciplinary treatment approach for coordinated quality care.
- Demonstrates awareness and use of proper safety measures regarding the patients, others in the treatment area and self.
- Reassesses patient status in response to treatment and goal achievement, redefines problems and modifies goals and treatments as indicated.
- Provides information regarding discharge and follow-up services which may include a referral to other community resources.
- Provides education and training to patients, families, and caregivers regarding diagnoses, progress, and long-term functional outcomes.
- Completes the Plan of Care and Patient/Family Education Documentation.
- Teaches, counsels, and communicates with the patient/family/caregiver educational information related to the patient's diagnosis/condition.
- Provides educational material to patients/families as indicated.
- Documentation is in compliance with the chart review audit components.
- Documents all aspects of assessment, planning, treatment, and discharge in the medical record in a legible and timely manner.
- Goals are appropriate and measurable within a specified time frame.
- Treatment notes are clear, succinct, and contain information regarding treatment progression.
- Appropriate abbreviations and medical terminology are utilized.
- Attends staff meetings, team meetings, and mandatory in-services as scheduled.
- Initiates and manages assignments in a timely and thorough manner.
- Assists with care and maintenance of departmental equipment and supplies.
- Completes charge/productivity documentation and enters charges in an accurate and timely manner.
- Demonstrates willingness to assist and is respectful of the rights of other team members.
- Complies with department policies and procedure.
- Demonstrates behaviors that support the purpose statement of Prisma Health and demonstrates good judgement in selecting the proper mode of communication which conveys a favorable image of the therapy department and Prisma Health.
- Assumes any additional team/department responsibilities as assigned by department leadership.
- Provides supervision/mentorship to Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants and Rehab Aides.
- Exercises sound judgment in delegating task to Physical Therapy Assistants and Rehab Techs.
- Provides feedback on performance in a professional, tactful and beneficial manner.
- Provides supervision to Physical Therapy students as assigned.
- Participates in student orientation and provides effective learning experiences, feedback and timely evaluation.
- Meets the team/department productivity standards.
- Complies with the established standards of efficient scheduling to maintain appropriate levels of productivity.
- Establishes annual goals related to stated corporate and department initiatives.
- Provides supporting information related to the progress made toward achieving established annual goals.
- Supports corporate leadership initiatives.
- Conscientiously seeks consultation or supervision.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory/Management Responsibilities
- This is a non-management job that will report to a supervisor, manager, director, or executive.
Minimum Requirements
- Education - Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy
- Experience - No previous experience required
In Lieu Of
- NA
Required Certifications, Registrations, Licenses
- State PT Licensure from the Board of PT Examiners or PT Compact Commission.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates clinical competency based on patient's age.
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
Location
Richland
Facility
Richland Hospital
Department
Physical Therapy
Share your talent with us! Our vision is simple: to transform healthcare for the benefits of the communities we serve. The transformation of healthcare requires talented individuals in every role here at Prisma Health.
See all OPT Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Pediatric Physical Therapist
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Children's hospitals and large pediatric therapy networks file H-1B petitions regularly. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify which employers have sponsored physical therapists before reaching out, this filters serious prospects from those unlikely to navigate the process.
Apply early to protect your OPT timeline
Pediatric PT hiring cycles can run 60 to 90 days from application to start date. If your OPT window is 12 months, applying at least four months before expiration gives your employer time to file an H-1B cap-subject petition before your authorization lapses.
Clarify your state license status upfront
Many employers screen out candidates who lack a state PT license before interviewing. Confirm your licensure timeline early and communicate it clearly in applications, being licensed or license-eligible in the employer's state signals you can start without delays.
Highlight pediatric clinical hours from your DPT program
USCIS requires specialty occupation proof for H-1B approval. Framing your pediatric clinical rotations, certifications like NDT or DIR Floortime, and patient population experience strengthens both your job application and the sponsoring employer's eventual H-1B petition.
Understand the cap-exempt employer advantage
Nonprofit pediatric hospitals and university-affiliated therapy centers may qualify as cap-exempt H-1B employers. These organizations can file petitions year-round without lottery risk, making them especially valuable targets during your OPT job search.
Ask about sponsorship before the offer stage
Raise the visa sponsorship question during a second-round interview, not after receiving an offer. Framing it as a process question rather than a demand gives employers space to confirm their willingness and consult HR without feeling pressured at the final stage.
Pediatric Physical Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pediatric physical therapist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Pediatric physical therapy positions typically require a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, which satisfies USCIS's specialty occupation standard. Your DPT is the specific credential tied directly to the role, making it one of the cleaner specialty occupation cases compared to fields where degree requirements are more ambiguous.
Is STEM OPT extension available for pediatric physical therapists on F-1 OPT?
No. Physical therapy, including pediatric PT, is not classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, so F-1 students in this field are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. This makes starting your H-1B sponsorship conversation with employers early in your OPT window especially important.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for pediatric physical therapists?
Children's hospitals, large outpatient pediatric therapy networks, and university-affiliated medical centers have the strongest track records for H-1B sponsorship in this field. School districts sometimes hire physical therapists but are less consistent with sponsorship. Browse roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship history in pediatric therapy.
Can I work as a pediatric physical therapist on OPT before getting my state license?
It depends on the employer and state. Some states allow graduates to work under a temporary or provisional license while the full license is pending. Others require full licensure before any patient contact. Confirm your target state's rules with the state PT licensing board and communicate your licensure timeline to employers during the hiring process.
How does changing employers affect my OPT status as a pediatric physical therapist?
You can change employers on OPT, but the new job must be directly related to your DPT degree and field of study. You're required to report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days. If your new employer intends to sponsor an H-1B, they'll need to file a new petition, so timing against OPT expiration matters.