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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
"A different kind of care that ensures you’re surrounded by people who make a difference in your life."
Physical Therapist Assistant for NHC HomeCare Midlands
NHC HomeCare Midlands is looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our team. The Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled technical provider of physical therapy treatments and related duties working under the direction of the Physical Therapist.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have an Associate’s Degree from a recognized Physical Therapist Assistant Program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Must be licensed in the state in which the assistant will be practicing.
- Active member of state and national Physical Therapy Associations preferred.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Provides physical therapy services as directed by the physical therapist and ordered by the physician according to policies and procedures and state/federal regulation.
- Assists the physical therapist with evaluation of progress toward goals.
- Observes records and reports to the therapist the conditions, reactions and responses related to assigned duties.
- Maintains daily records of treatments. Documents progress notes regarding patients as directed by the therapist.
The NHC environment is one of encouragement and challenge ... innovation and improvement ... teamwork and collaboration ... and honesty and integrity. All NHC employees are committed as partners, not only to the health of our patients, but to the well-being of the communities we serve.
If you are interested in working for a leader in senior care and share NHC's values of honesty and integrity, please apply today and find out more about us at nhccare.com/locations/homecare-midlands/
We look forward to talking with you!
EOE
SKILLS
Preferred Training - Therapy
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
"A different kind of care that ensures you’re surrounded by people who make a difference in your life."
Physical Therapist Assistant for NHC HomeCare Midlands
NHC HomeCare Midlands is looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our team. The Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled technical provider of physical therapy treatments and related duties working under the direction of the Physical Therapist.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have an Associate’s Degree from a recognized Physical Therapist Assistant Program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Must be licensed in the state in which the assistant will be practicing.
- Active member of state and national Physical Therapy Associations preferred.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
- Provides physical therapy services as directed by the physical therapist and ordered by the physician according to policies and procedures and state/federal regulation.
- Assists the physical therapist with evaluation of progress toward goals.
- Observes records and reports to the therapist the conditions, reactions and responses related to assigned duties.
- Maintains daily records of treatments. Documents progress notes regarding patients as directed by the therapist.
The NHC environment is one of encouragement and challenge ... innovation and improvement ... teamwork and collaboration ... and honesty and integrity. All NHC employees are committed as partners, not only to the health of our patients, but to the well-being of the communities we serve.
If you are interested in working for a leader in senior care and share NHC's values of honesty and integrity, please apply today and find out more about us at nhccare.com/locations/homecare-midlands/
We look forward to talking with you!
EOE
SKILLS
Preferred Training - Therapy
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 993+ OPT Physical Therapist Assistant Jobs
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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.