OPT Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs
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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INTRODUCTION
FOX Rehabilitation is growing in Hazleton, PA, and we’re looking for motivated, licensed Physical Therapist Assistants who want to make a hands-on difference in the lives of older adults. Working closely with a supervising Physical Therapist, you’ll carry out individualized treatment plans, guide patients through exercises and functional activities, and help them rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence, all through FOX’s signature Geriatric House Calls™ model, delivered where patients live.
This opportunity is ideal for PTAs who thrive on real, one-on-one time with patients, want to see the direct impact of their work every single day, and are looking to grow their clinical career within a supportive, team-based environment.
As part of an interdisciplinary care team, you’ll work alongside PTs, OTs, SLPs, and Fitness Specialists, with built-in mentorship from your supervising PT and a clear runway to grow your skills, your caseload, and your career.
If you’re ready to bring energy, compassion, and hands-on care to the communities you serve, FOX is the right fit for you!
Responsibilities
- Deliver individualized treatment plans established by your supervising Physical Therapist, adjusting activities based on patient response and progress
- Instruct, motivate, and safeguard patients through therapeutic exercises and functional activities, observing and tracking their progress
- Document visits accurately and on time within FOX’s EMR system, in line with FOX’s Clinical Documentation standards
- Stay connected with patients, POAs, and community referral sources, and help coordinate coverage when needed
WHY JOIN FOX REHABILITATION?
FOX Rehabilitation is a clinician-operated practice rooted in meaningful relationships, evidence-based care, and a mission to abolish ageism. As a PTA, you won’t just be supporting the plan of care, you’ll be the one in the room, building trust with patients and delivering the moments of progress that keep them independent. You’ll be backed by leaders who understand clinical work because they’ve lived it.
WHY PTAS LOVE WORKING WITH FOX:
- Meaningful, one-on-one time with patients in their homes and senior living communities
- A true partnership with your supervising PT, collaborative care planning, not just task lists
- Built-in mentorship and a clear path to grow your clinical skills and career
- The ability to build your own schedule and create lasting patient relationships
- A collaborative, interdisciplinary team (PT, OT, SLP, Fitness Specialists)
- A community-based practice focused on independence, wellness, and longevity
- A culture that recognizes the PTA role as essential, not secondary to great outcomes
EMPLOYMENT TYPES AVAILABLE
FOX offers multiple pathways to match your lifestyle and career goals:
- Full-time Physical Therapist Assistant – In-Home & Senior Living Care (with benefits)
- Part-time Physical Therapist Assistant – In-Home & Senior Living Care (with benefits eligibility based on minimum hours requirement)
- PRN/FOX Flex Physical Therapist Assistant – Home & Community Visits
WAYS TO EARN MORE WITH FOX
Beyond base compensation, our clinicians have real opportunities to develop professionally and increase their income:
- Refer a friend — earn employee referral bonuses for growing our clinical team
- Refer a patient — wellness referral incentives for connecting patients to continued care with a FOX Fitness Specialist
- Share your expertise — get compensated for writing blog articles or creating viral social content
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
FOX offers competitive compensation based on experience and employment type. Benefits for eligible roles include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Continuing education access
- Clinical and nonclinical career advancement pathways
- Access to advanced technology and tools
- Supportive, clinician-driven culture
QUALIFICATIONS
- Valid Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state(s) of practice, or eligibility to obtain
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
- Current CPR certification
- Basic computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office
Physical Requirements
FOX PTAs must be able to meet the physical demands of in-home and community-based care, including:
- Exerting medium physical effort: lifting 25–50 lbs occasionally, 10–25 lbs frequently, and up to 10 lbs constantly
- Performing CPR
- Providing moderate to maximum assistance with patient transfers and bed mobility, including repositioning a bed-bound patient alone
- Standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs, and extensive walking
- Performing repetitive movements of the upper extremities
- Driving to patient homes and senior living communities as part of the Geriatric House Calls™ model
- Wearing PPE when required
APPLY TODAY
Join FOX Rehabilitation as a Physical Therapist Assistant providing hands-on, in-home, and senior living care to older adults across LOCATION, STATE, and surrounding communities. You’ll work shoulder-to-shoulder with your supervising clinician, build real relationships with patients, and help people stay strong, stay independent, and live stronger, longer lives.
CONTACT FOX NOW!
Kelly Schlindwein. Sr Clinical Talent Acquisition Specialist
kelly.schlindwein@foxrehab.org
8560816-1034
LI-KS3
You can also text FOX to 609-853-5114 to learn more!
FOX Rehabilitation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Physical Therapist Assistant OPT: Frequently 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.