Physical Therapist Jobs for OPT Students
Physical Therapist roles on OPT require active state licensure, which means passing the NPTE before you can work clinically. Most employers sponsor H-1B after OPT, and STEM OPT extension is not available for this field since Physical Therapy falls under a non-STEM CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Where you matter as much as the work you do!
Join Emory Healthcare (EHC) if you’re looking for an opportunity with one of the nation's leading Atlanta hospitals in cardiology and heart surgery, cancer, neurology, and more! EHC is where those around you are dedicated to the power of teamwork, fostering an environment where you can learn, grow, and innovate with similarly passionate professionals. Work with us to improve the quality of life throughout Georgia through partnerships with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia Institute of Technology, and other organizations and make a bigger, greater impact than you ever thought possible.
DESCRIPTION
Provides comprehensive evaluations, treatments and education to patients/families which are consistent with patient's individualized needs and carried out within an interdisciplinary environment. Maintains an established inventory of supplies; ensures the proper use and maintenance of equipment and maintains a work area which is free of debris and clutter. Communicates regularly with members of the patient care team, the patient, family members and others involved with the patients care. Assesses the patient and identifies problems. Instructs and trains patient and family regarding pertinent aspects of the patient's care. Plans, develops and implements a result-oriented treatment plan responsive to the individualized needs of the patient and includes clear, measurable goals. Modifies the treatment plan according to the patient's responses. Plans treatment schedules which ensure optimal use of staff and equipment for providing high quality patient services. Provides direct patient care; performs specialized treatments according to the patient's individualized plan of care. Follows established protocols to document specifics related to the patient program/setting. Accurately records daily charges for services rendered. Practices organizational and universal standards for sterile technique and infection control in carrying out daily responsibilities including proper cleaning and sterilization of work surfaces, equipment and instruments. Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a Physical Therapy school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state of Georgia. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
Physical Requirements
(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
INTRODUCTION
Where you matter as much as the work you do!
Join Emory Healthcare (EHC) if you’re looking for an opportunity with one of the nation's leading Atlanta hospitals in cardiology and heart surgery, cancer, neurology, and more! EHC is where those around you are dedicated to the power of teamwork, fostering an environment where you can learn, grow, and innovate with similarly passionate professionals. Work with us to improve the quality of life throughout Georgia through partnerships with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia Institute of Technology, and other organizations and make a bigger, greater impact than you ever thought possible.
DESCRIPTION
Provides comprehensive evaluations, treatments and education to patients/families which are consistent with patient's individualized needs and carried out within an interdisciplinary environment. Maintains an established inventory of supplies; ensures the proper use and maintenance of equipment and maintains a work area which is free of debris and clutter. Communicates regularly with members of the patient care team, the patient, family members and others involved with the patients care. Assesses the patient and identifies problems. Instructs and trains patient and family regarding pertinent aspects of the patient's care. Plans, develops and implements a result-oriented treatment plan responsive to the individualized needs of the patient and includes clear, measurable goals. Modifies the treatment plan according to the patient's responses. Plans treatment schedules which ensure optimal use of staff and equipment for providing high quality patient services. Provides direct patient care; performs specialized treatments according to the patient's individualized plan of care. Follows established protocols to document specifics related to the patient program/setting. Accurately records daily charges for services rendered. Practices organizational and universal standards for sterile technique and infection control in carrying out daily responsibilities including proper cleaning and sterilization of work surfaces, equipment and instruments. Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a Physical Therapy school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Licensure as a Physical Therapist in the state of Georgia. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required.
Physical Requirements
(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Physical Therapist
Obtain your state license before applying
Most PT employers won't consider candidates without an active state license. Pass the NPTE and complete your state's licensure application early. Licensure timelines vary by state, so start this process as soon as your program ends.
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Hospital systems, rehabilitation networks, and outpatient clinic groups file H-1B petitions regularly. Research which healthcare employers have sponsored foreign workers before. Migrate Mate surfaces PT roles from employers with known sponsorship track records.
Frame your clinical rotations as direct experience
Your doctoral clinical rotations count as professional experience. Present specific patient populations, treatment settings, and outcomes from your rotations. Employers evaluating new graduate PTs treat strong rotation experience as equivalent to prior employment.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship early in the process
Raise sponsorship in your first recruiter conversation, not after an offer. This filters out employers who won't sponsor and saves time. Most healthcare recruiters expect international candidates to ask and can answer directly.
Consider settings with higher sponsorship rates
Inpatient hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and large outpatient chains sponsor more frequently than small private practices. Smaller clinics often lack the legal infrastructure to file H-1B petitions, making them a riskier option on OPT.
Physical Therapist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Physical Therapist on OPT without a state license?
No. Every state requires a valid PT license before you can practice clinically, and OPT work authorization does not override state licensing law. You must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and complete your state's application process before starting employment. Some states allow you to work under a temporary license while your permanent application is pending, but confirm this with your state licensing board before accepting any offer.
Is Physical Therapy eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Physical Therapy programs are classified under a non-STEM CIP code, so graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You have a single 12-month OPT period to find and start a qualifying job, which makes it important to begin your search and H-1B conversations early. Use Migrate Mate to identify PT employers that are actively willing to sponsor.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor a Physical Therapist on H-1B after OPT?
Large hospital systems, national rehabilitation chains, and university health centers are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for Physical Therapists. They have established immigration legal support and file petitions routinely. Small private practices and solo clinics rarely sponsor because the legal process is costly and unfamiliar to them. Filtering your search to larger healthcare employers significantly improves your odds of finding a sponsorship-willing role.
Can I do travel PT contracts on OPT?
Travel PT contracts are generally short-term placements arranged through staffing agencies, which creates complications for OPT. Your OPT employer of record must match the employer listed on your EAD, and frequent site changes may conflict with your authorized employment terms. Before accepting a travel contract, confirm with your DSO that the staffing agency qualifies as your OPT employer and that the arrangement meets USCIS practical training requirements.
What happens to my OPT status if my PT job offer is rescinded before I start?
If a job offer is rescinded before you begin work, you enter a period of unemployment counted against your OPT. F-1 students on post-completion OPT have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit. Report the change to your DSO immediately so they can update your SEVIS record. If you need to find a new PT role quickly, Migrate Mate can help you identify employers with open positions and active sponsorship interest.
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