Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs for OPT Students

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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Overview

Open Jobs41+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Salary Range$30K – $39K
Top LocationJacksonville, FL
Most JobsH2 Health

Showing 5 of 41+ Pediatric Physical Therapist jobs

rehab employee services, llc
Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant
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rehab employee services, llc
New 12h ago
Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant
rehab employee services, llc
Meridian, Mississippi
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Not listed
On-Site
Other

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BayCare Health System
Pediatric Physical Therapist
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BayCare Health System
Added 2w ago
Pediatric Physical Therapist
BayCare Health System
Plant City, Florida
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Phoenix Children's
Pediatric Physical Therapist
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Phoenix Children's
Added 2w ago
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Phoenix Children's
Phoenix, Arizona
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Banner Health
Outpatient Pediatric Physical Therapist
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Banner Health
Added 2w ago
Outpatient Pediatric Physical Therapist
Banner Health
Greeley, Colorado
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$39/hr - $65/hr
On-Site
Other
10,000+

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Prisma Health
Inpatient Rehab Pediatric Physical Therapist
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Prisma Health
Added 2w ago
Inpatient Rehab Pediatric Physical Therapist
Prisma Health
Columbia, South Carolina
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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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.

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