Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs for OPT Students
Physical Therapist Assistant jobs on OPT require active APTA-recognized licensure in your state, making early license application critical before your work authorization start date. Most PTA roles qualify under STEM-adjacent healthcare SOC codes, and many hospital systems and outpatient clinics have established OPT hiring processes.
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Get Access To All JobsPHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Therapist with Baylor Scott & White you will have the opportunity to enhance and grow their skills in our Outpatient Clinic. We specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, sports injuries, neuro, joint problems, balance disorders, and work-related injuries and more. We are looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant who enjoys the flexibility of being PRN now with the option to grow into a full-time role. Our Forney clinic is located north of US Hwy. 80 on FM 548.
- Shift/Schedule: PRN Day Shift Monday - Friday (No Weekends)
- Must have a current Physical Therapist Assistant license by the State of Texas.
- All Outpatient - no acute care
- Growth opportunity to full-time status when available
About Us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Physical Therapist Assistant, supervised by a physical therapist, conducts patient assessment, testing, and therapy. They use standard physical therapy methods to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Administers physical therapy interventions as planned by the Physical Therapist. Facilitates quality patient care and applies therapeutic methods appropriately.
- Instructs and assists patients, monitors patient performance and physical status to ascertain effectiveness of program.
- Assists with patient mobility, including bed mobility, transfers, and gait. Utilizes modalities correctly and answers patient questions about their use.
- Adheres to safety practices with patient guarding.
- Escorts patients to the treatment area in preparation for treatment.
- Establishes rapport with patient in a professional manner.
- Develops and documents effective home exercise programs and supplemental instructional programs as needed.
- Prepares detailed and clear assessments and documentation of patient treatment and progress. Ensures information is given to the appropriate parties.
- Communicates with the Physical Therapist as needed regarding patient progress and need for goal modification.
- Submits accurate charges in a timely manner.
- Supervises physical therapy aides and students as assigned, following Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act guidelines. Effectively communicates treatment information to the Physical Therapy aide.
- Fulfills continuing education or certification requirements to maintain qualifications. Takes responsibility to know and complete professional and technical requirements. Provides documentation on such requirements. Attends available professional education programs. Reviews and studies current physical therapy and medical literature. Presents educational programs to Physical Therapy staff professionally when requested.
Key Success Factors
- Must be physically capable of prolonged being upright, moving, pushing and holding.
- Good communications skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Good computer skills.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding patient.
- Must relate professionally and positively and work cooperatively with patients, families, and employees at all levels.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Associate's
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Physical Therapy Asst (PTA)
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
Therapist with Baylor Scott & White you will have the opportunity to enhance and grow their skills in our Outpatient Clinic. We specialize in orthopedic physical therapy, sports injuries, neuro, joint problems, balance disorders, and work-related injuries and more. We are looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant who enjoys the flexibility of being PRN now with the option to grow into a full-time role. Our Forney clinic is located north of US Hwy. 80 on FM 548.
- Shift/Schedule: PRN Day Shift Monday - Friday (No Weekends)
- Must have a current Physical Therapist Assistant license by the State of Texas.
- All Outpatient - no acute care
- Growth opportunity to full-time status when available
About Us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
- We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
- We never settle by constantly striving for better.
- We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
- We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Physical Therapist Assistant, supervised by a physical therapist, conducts patient assessment, testing, and therapy. They use standard physical therapy methods to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Administers physical therapy interventions as planned by the Physical Therapist. Facilitates quality patient care and applies therapeutic methods appropriately.
- Instructs and assists patients, monitors patient performance and physical status to ascertain effectiveness of program.
- Assists with patient mobility, including bed mobility, transfers, and gait. Utilizes modalities correctly and answers patient questions about their use.
- Adheres to safety practices with patient guarding.
- Escorts patients to the treatment area in preparation for treatment.
- Establishes rapport with patient in a professional manner.
- Develops and documents effective home exercise programs and supplemental instructional programs as needed.
- Prepares detailed and clear assessments and documentation of patient treatment and progress. Ensures information is given to the appropriate parties.
- Communicates with the Physical Therapist as needed regarding patient progress and need for goal modification.
- Submits accurate charges in a timely manner.
- Supervises physical therapy aides and students as assigned, following Texas Physical Therapy Practice Act guidelines. Effectively communicates treatment information to the Physical Therapy aide.
- Fulfills continuing education or certification requirements to maintain qualifications. Takes responsibility to know and complete professional and technical requirements. Provides documentation on such requirements. Attends available professional education programs. Reviews and studies current physical therapy and medical literature. Presents educational programs to Physical Therapy staff professionally when requested.
Key Success Factors
- Must be physically capable of prolonged being upright, moving, pushing and holding.
- Good communications skills, both verbally and in writing.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- Good computer skills.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding patient.
- Must relate professionally and positively and work cooperatively with patients, families, and employees at all levels.
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Associate's
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
Physical Therapy Asst (PTA)
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Physical Therapist Assistant
Apply for state licensure before OPT begins
Each state has its own PTA licensure timeline, often 6 to 12 weeks. Submit your NPTE scores and application as early as possible so your license is active before your OPT employment start date. A license delay can push back your start date.
Target multi-site healthcare systems over small clinics
Large hospital networks and outpatient therapy chains employ HR teams familiar with OPT paperwork and I-20 requirements. Smaller solo practices often lack the administrative capacity to navigate work authorization, making them less likely to hire OPT students.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
PTA roles classified under SOC code 29-2052 may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is from a STEM-designated program. Verify your school's CIP code with your DSO before relying on this extension in job applications.
Address your OPT timeline early in the interview process
Bring up your authorization window during the first substantive conversation, not after an offer. Employers need to plan onboarding, credentialing, and scheduling around your start date. Proactive transparency avoids last-minute complications that can cost you the role.
Use clinical rotations to build a referral pipeline
Many PTA hires come from facilities where students completed their clinical education. Supervisors who have seen your work firsthand are far more willing to navigate OPT hiring than employers who only know you from a resume and interview.
Prioritize employers who have previously hired on OPT or H-1B
Past sponsorship history is the strongest signal an employer will hire on OPT again. Browse Migrate Mate to filter for physical therapy employers with documented work authorization experience, saving time on outreach to unprepared hiring teams.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Physical Therapist Assistant on OPT without a state license?
No. Every state requires an active PTA license before you can practice clinically, regardless of your OPT status. Working without a license violates both state law and your OPT employment requirements. Apply to your state licensing board immediately after passing the NPTE and factor processing time, often 6 to 12 weeks, into your OPT start date planning.
Do Physical Therapist Assistant jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Possibly. PTA roles fall under SOC code 29-2052, and some accredited PTA programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes that make graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You need to confirm with your DSO whether your specific program qualifies. Not all PTA degrees are STEM-designated, so this is not guaranteed.
How do I find Physical Therapist Assistant employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Search Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces employers with experience hiring international candidates. Focus your outreach on large outpatient therapy chains, hospital-affiliated rehab departments, and skilled nursing facility networks, as these employers typically have HR infrastructure to support OPT and are accustomed to credentialing timelines.
What happens to my OPT if I lose my PTA job before my authorization period ends?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period during which you must find new authorized employment. For PTA roles, you must also ensure your state license remains in good standing, as some states require employer affiliation for license maintenance. Exceeding 90 total days of unemployment across your entire OPT period violates your status, so prioritize securing a new role quickly.
Can I work per diem or as a contractor as a Physical Therapist Assistant on OPT?
Yes, but with important restrictions. OPT work must be directly related to your degree field, at least 20 hours per week, and you must report the employment to your DSO. Per diem PTA work at a licensed facility that matches your degree field qualifies. Self-employment and independent contracting are generally not permitted on standard OPT unless you have a formal business entity.
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