OPT Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs on OPT require active APTA-recognized state licensure, which F-1 students must secure before starting work. Most roles qualify under STEM-adjacent healthcare classifications, and CAPTE-accredited PTA programs support 12-month OPT. Confirm your employer can provide the supervision structure required for licensed PTA practice.
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Get Access To All JobsWHO WE ARE
Franciscan Health is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and promoting health and wellness in our community. Our mission is to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care through innovation, compassion, and excellence. With 11 ministries and access points across Indiana, Franciscan Health is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. Franciscan Health takes pride in hiring coworkers who provide compassionate, comprehensive care for our patients and the communities we serve.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- New Grads Welcome
- Sign on Bonus Available - Ask TAA if eligible for Sign on Bonus
-
Patient Records
Documents and submits patient reports and charges within the established timeframe. -
Coordination of Care Collaboration
Collaborates with patient and other healthcare personnel or outside agencies regarding coordination of care. -
Patient Care
Reports patient progress and collaborates with evaluating therapist to implement therapy plan of care. -
Supervision
Supervises Rehab Techs. -
Physical Therapy
Provides physical therapy according to standards of care defined by the state practice act and other professional and governing agencies. -
Physical Therapy
Provides physical therapy, including selection and use of assistive equipment. -
Treatment Plans & Education
Trains and educates patients and family members or others and documents understanding of treatment plan and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Associate's Degree - accredited physical therapy assistant program
- 2 years Physical Therapy experience Required
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - .
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - .
TRAVEL IS REQUIRED:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Franciscan Alliance to provide equal employment to its employees and qualified applicants for employment as otherwise required by an applicable local, state or Federal law.
Franciscan Alliance reserves a Right of Conscience objection in the event local, state or Federal ordinances that violate its values and the free exercise of its religious rights.
Franciscan Alliance is committed to equal employment opportunity.
Franciscan provides eligible employees with comprehensive benefit offerings. Find an overview on the benefit section of our career site, jobs.franciscanhealth.org.
LOCATION
YMCA Lafayette
3001 S Creasy Ln Lafayette, Indiana 47905
WHO WE ARE
Franciscan Health is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and promoting health and wellness in our community. Our mission is to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care through innovation, compassion, and excellence. With 11 ministries and access points across Indiana, Franciscan Health is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. Franciscan Health takes pride in hiring coworkers who provide compassionate, comprehensive care for our patients and the communities we serve.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- New Grads Welcome
- Sign on Bonus Available - Ask TAA if eligible for Sign on Bonus
-
Patient Records
Documents and submits patient reports and charges within the established timeframe. -
Coordination of Care Collaboration
Collaborates with patient and other healthcare personnel or outside agencies regarding coordination of care. -
Patient Care
Reports patient progress and collaborates with evaluating therapist to implement therapy plan of care. -
Supervision
Supervises Rehab Techs. -
Physical Therapy
Provides physical therapy according to standards of care defined by the state practice act and other professional and governing agencies. -
Physical Therapy
Provides physical therapy, including selection and use of assistive equipment. -
Treatment Plans & Education
Trains and educates patients and family members or others and documents understanding of treatment plan and goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Required Associate's Degree - accredited physical therapy assistant program
- 2 years Physical Therapy experience Required
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - .
- Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - .
TRAVEL IS REQUIRED:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Franciscan Alliance to provide equal employment to its employees and qualified applicants for employment as otherwise required by an applicable local, state or Federal law.
Franciscan Alliance reserves a Right of Conscience objection in the event local, state or Federal ordinances that violate its values and the free exercise of its religious rights.
Franciscan Alliance is committed to equal employment opportunity.
Franciscan provides eligible employees with comprehensive benefit offerings. Find an overview on the benefit section of our career site, jobs.franciscanhealth.org.
LOCATION
YMCA Lafayette
3001 S Creasy Ln Lafayette, Indiana 47905
See all 2,649+ OPT Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Physical Therapy Assistant
Secure state licensure before your OPT start date
PTA licensure is required to work legally in most states. Apply for your state license immediately after graduation. Processing can take 6 to 12 weeks, so delays in licensure can eat into your authorized OPT period before you earn a single paycheck.
Target employers with established visa sponsorship history
Large rehabilitation networks, hospital systems, and skilled nursing facilities are far more likely to sponsor H-1B visa or other visas after OPT than small private practices. Prioritize employers with HR infrastructure that can support future immigration filings on your behalf.
Clarify the supervision structure during interviews
PTAs must work under licensed physical therapist supervision, which is both a legal and licensure requirement. Confirm your prospective employer has a qualified supervising PT in place. Gaps in supervision can jeopardize your license and your OPT employment authorization simultaneously.
Document your employment accurately on your I-983 if applicable
If your PTA role qualifies under a STEM OPT extension, your employer must complete Form I-983 and implement a formal training plan. Work with your DSO early to determine eligibility and ensure your job description aligns with your degree field on file.
Apply well before your OPT authorization window opens
Hiring timelines in physical therapy can be slow due to credentialing and background checks. Start applying three to four months before your OPT start date to account for employer onboarding, state licensure verification, and any credentialing delays at the facility level.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles that explicitly sponsor OPT
Many PTA job listings do not specify visa sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate filters for employers actively open to OPT candidates, saving you time and reducing the risk of investing in applications at organizations that will not move forward with your work authorization.
Physical Therapy Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Physical Therapy Assistant on OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program and your employment is directly related to that field of study. You must also hold an active state PTA license before beginning work. OPT authorizes employment in your field of study, and PTA roles generally satisfy that requirement when your degree specifically covers physical therapy assisting.
Does a Physical Therapy Assistant job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most PTA associate degree programs are not classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, which means a 24-month STEM OPT extension is typically not available for standard PTA degrees. However, if your degree was in a qualifying health sciences or biomedical science field and your PTA role applies that training, you should confirm eligibility directly with your DSO.
What happens to my OPT if my state PTA license is delayed?
Your OPT period begins on the authorized start date regardless of whether your license is ready. If your license is delayed, you legally cannot work as a PTA during that gap, and those weeks still count against your OPT window. Apply for state licensure as early as possible, ideally three to four months before your anticipated graduation date.
Will Physical Therapy Assistant employers sponsor an H-1B visa after OPT?
Some do, but it varies significantly by employer size and structure. Large hospital networks, outpatient rehabilitation chains, and long-term care organizations are the most likely sponsors. Small private practices rarely have the HR resources to manage H-1B filings. When evaluating offers, ask directly about post-OPT sponsorship policy. Migrate Mate highlights employers open to visa sponsorship, which helps you focus your search.
Can I work at multiple clinics as a Physical Therapy Assistant on OPT?
OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is directly related to your field of study and each employer meets the minimum 20 hours per week threshold collectively. However, holding multiple PTA licenses across different states adds complexity. You must report all employers to your DSO and ensure each role satisfies your OPT employment requirements to maintain valid status.