OPT Physiatrist Jobs
Physiatrist jobs on OPT are available at rehabilitation hospitals, academic medical centers, and outpatient clinics across the U.S. Most positions require completing a residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation, which typically means your OPT timeline aligns with post-residency job searches. STEM OPT extension does not apply to MD-level clinical roles.
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Physical Medicine Rehab - 413401
Posting Open Date
10/01/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Permanent Faculty
Working Title
Open Rank Physiatrist
Appointment Type
Fixed Term Faculty
Vacancy ID
FAC0006145
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Permanent
Hours per week
40
FTE
1
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience
Proposed Start Date
01/01/2027
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a fixed-term open rank BC/BE physiatrist to join our expanding academic department. Rank will be based on qualifications and experience. This position will encompass a mix of skilled nursing facility rehabilitation care, hospital consultations and outpatient responsibilities that focus on general rehab in the Raleigh NC region. This position will work closely with Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), Rex SNF and Rehab staff and administration, and will serve as the Medical Director of the Raleigh Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility. This position will be expected and given academic time to participate in educational, research, and administrative activities associated with their academic appointment and related area of expertise. Some on call responsibility and participation in quality improvement projects is required.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
The successful candidate will be board eligible/board certified in PM&R. MD, DO, or equivalent required. Must have a passion for skilled nursing facility rehabilitation and a NC medical license/willingness to obtain state license. This position is also open but NOT limited to fellowship trained cancer rehabilitation physiatrists with an interest in outpatient cancer rehab and skilled nursing facility rehabilitation and palliative care.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a record of interdisciplinary collaboration, and have the desire to be involved in enhancing quality of patient care.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Department
Physical Medicine Rehab - 413401
Posting Open Date
10/01/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Permanent Faculty
Working Title
Open Rank Physiatrist
Appointment Type
Fixed Term Faculty
Vacancy ID
FAC0006145
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Permanent
Hours per week
40
FTE
1
Position Location
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
Commensurate with Experience
Proposed Start Date
01/01/2027
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a fixed-term open rank BC/BE physiatrist to join our expanding academic department. Rank will be based on qualifications and experience. This position will encompass a mix of skilled nursing facility rehabilitation care, hospital consultations and outpatient responsibilities that focus on general rehab in the Raleigh NC region. This position will work closely with Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), Rex SNF and Rehab staff and administration, and will serve as the Medical Director of the Raleigh Skilled Nursing and Rehab Facility. This position will be expected and given academic time to participate in educational, research, and administrative activities associated with their academic appointment and related area of expertise. Some on call responsibility and participation in quality improvement projects is required.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
The successful candidate will be board eligible/board certified in PM&R. MD, DO, or equivalent required. Must have a passion for skilled nursing facility rehabilitation and a NC medical license/willingness to obtain state license. This position is also open but NOT limited to fellowship trained cancer rehabilitation physiatrists with an interest in outpatient cancer rehab and skilled nursing facility rehabilitation and palliative care.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a record of interdisciplinary collaboration, and have the desire to be involved in enhancing quality of patient care.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Physiatrist
Confirm your OPT authorization covers clinical work
Physiatrist roles involve direct patient care, which is covered under standard OPT. Confirm your EAD lists your employer's field correctly and that your DSO has your employment reported in SEVIS before your start date.
Prioritize employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Academic medical centers and large rehabilitation hospital networks sponsor H-1B visa petitions far more reliably than independent private practices. Target institutions with established international physician hiring pipelines to maximize your chances of long-term sponsorship.
Align your OPT end date with residency completion
Most physiatrists enter the job market after completing a four-year residency. Map your OPT authorization window against your residency graduation date early so you avoid gaps between training completion and authorized employment start.
Ask about J-1 waiver programs during interviews
Many physiatrists on J-1 visas pursue Conrad 30 or federal agency waivers. If you trained on J-1, this path may actually be more viable than H-1B. Ask hiring coordinators whether the institution has sponsored J-1 waiver candidates before.
Get your credentials verified before interviewing
Physiatrist roles require state medical licensure and board certification pathways. Start the ECFMG certification and state medical board processes early. Employers will want confirmation you can be licensed in their state before extending an offer.
Negotiate your start date around OPT processing time
EAD cards can take two to three months to process. Build this into your offer negotiations so your employment start date falls after your EAD arrives. Starting before your card is in hand puts you out of status.
Physiatrist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a physiatrist on OPT without H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, for the duration of your OPT period. Your EAD authorizes you to work as a physiatrist in a role directly related to your degree field, typically physical medicine and rehabilitation or a related medical discipline. However, OPT is temporary. Most positions require transitioning to H-1B or another long-term visa category, so employers who actively sponsor are essential to target from the start.
Does STEM OPT extension apply to physiatrist roles?
No. The STEM OPT 24-month extension applies only to graduates of STEM-designated degree programs. MD and DO degrees are not on the STEM designated degree program list. Physiatrists on F-1 OPT are limited to the standard 12-month authorization period, making early H-1B employer identification critical given the tight timeline.
Where can I find physiatrist jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters for employers with visa sponsorship history. Academic medical centers affiliated with universities, large rehabilitation systems like TIRR Memorial Hermann and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and VA medical facilities are among the most consistent H-1B sponsors for physiatrist positions.
How does my residency training affect my OPT eligibility as a physiatrist?
If you completed your residency on a J-1 or H-1B visa, you may not have OPT remaining. OPT must be authorized from your F-1 program, and most international medical graduates complete residency on J-1 rather than F-1. If you did maintain F-1 status through a qualifying U.S. degree program and never used OPT, you may still be eligible. Confirm your status with your DSO immediately.
What visa typically comes after OPT for physiatrists?
H-1B is the most common transition for physiatrists in private and academic settings. Physicians in underserved areas may be eligible for J-1 Conrad 30 waivers or National Interest Waivers through the EB-2 green card category, which can bypass the H-1B lottery entirely. O-1A is another option for physiatrists with recognized clinical or research achievements. Your employer's immigration counsel should advise on the best pathway.