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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Stepping Stones Therapy is a therapist-owned pediatric private practice located in beautiful Newport Beach, California. For more than 20 years, we've been helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.
We're looking for an enthusiastic Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our growing team. This position is primarily clinic-based in Newport Beach and also includes a few hours each week providing physical therapy services at a local school, offering the perfect blend of outpatient and educational settings.
Whether you're an experienced pediatric PT or a newer clinician with a passion for working with children, we'd love to hear from you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, you'll help infants, children, and adolescents improve their strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and independence while making therapy fun and meaningful.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting comprehensive physical therapy evaluations
- Developing individualized treatment plans
- Providing engaging, play-based therapy sessions in our Newport Beach clinic
- Providing physical therapy services to students at a local school for a few hours each week
- Collaborating with Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, teachers, and other professionals
- Educating parents and caregivers on home exercise programs
- Completing timely and accurate documentation
- Monitoring progress and updating treatment goals
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
- Current California Physical Therapist license
- Pediatric experience preferred, but not required
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- A positive attitude and a passion for helping children achieve their fullest potential
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Stepping Stones Therapy, you'll become part of a supportive, therapist-led team that values collaboration, mentorship, and clinical excellence. We believe in creating an environment where clinicians can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
We offer:
- Competitive compensation
- Full-time or part-time opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid documentation and administrative time
- Paid Time Off and paid holidays (for eligible employees)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Continuing education support
- A collaborative multidisciplinary team
- Modern pediatric clinic in Newport Beach
- The opportunity to work in both a private practice and school setting
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership
Join Our Team!
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a lasting difference while enjoying the variety of both clinic- and school-based pediatric practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team that's helping children move, grow, and thrive every day!
INTRODUCTION
Stepping Stones Therapy is a therapist-owned pediatric private practice located in beautiful Newport Beach, California. For more than 20 years, we've been helping children develop the skills they need to thrive.
We're looking for an enthusiastic Pediatric Physical Therapist to join our growing team. This position is primarily clinic-based in Newport Beach and also includes a few hours each week providing physical therapy services at a local school, offering the perfect blend of outpatient and educational settings.
Whether you're an experienced pediatric PT or a newer clinician with a passion for working with children, we'd love to hear from you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, you'll help infants, children, and adolescents improve their strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and independence while making therapy fun and meaningful.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting comprehensive physical therapy evaluations
- Developing individualized treatment plans
- Providing engaging, play-based therapy sessions in our Newport Beach clinic
- Providing physical therapy services to students at a local school for a few hours each week
- Collaborating with Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, teachers, and other professionals
- Educating parents and caregivers on home exercise programs
- Completing timely and accurate documentation
- Monitoring progress and updating treatment goals
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
- Current California Physical Therapist license
- Pediatric experience preferred, but not required
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- A positive attitude and a passion for helping children achieve their fullest potential
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At Stepping Stones Therapy, you'll become part of a supportive, therapist-led team that values collaboration, mentorship, and clinical excellence. We believe in creating an environment where clinicians can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.
We offer:
- Competitive compensation
- Full-time or part-time opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid documentation and administrative time
- Paid Time Off and paid holidays (for eligible employees)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Continuing education support
- A collaborative multidisciplinary team
- Modern pediatric clinic in Newport Beach
- The opportunity to work in both a private practice and school setting
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership
Join Our Team!
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a lasting difference while enjoying the variety of both clinic- and school-based pediatric practice, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team that's helping children move, grow, and thrive every day!
See all OPT Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Pediatric Physical Therapist Jobs.
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.