PT Jobs for OPT Students
PT jobs on OPT are widely available across outpatient clinics, hospitals, sports medicine facilities, and home health agencies. Most roles require a DPT degree and active state licensure, both of which satisfy the specialty occupation standard that supports H-1B sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
See All PT JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 967+ PT jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 967+ PT jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new PT roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
HOURS:
Shift Start Time:
7 AM
Shift End Time:
3:30 PM
AWS Hours Requirement:
8/40 - 8 Hour Shift
Additional Shift Information:
Weekend Requirements:
Every Other
On-Call Required:
No
Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum):
$25.150 - $28.950 - $32.420
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SEIU-UHW. As part of the terms of employment, employees in this role are required to join the union within 31 days of hire and remain a member (e.g. dues paying, fee paying, religious exception contributor) for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement.
In alignment with the SEIU CBA, this position will be posted for 7 days internally from 3/16/2026 to 3/24/2026 and available only to existing members of the ratified SEIU Bargaining Unit with a contract expiration date of 9/30/2027.
What You Will Do
Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in the delivery of quality patient/resident care under the direction of a licensed nurse. Delivers care with consideration to age specific needs/care. Contributes to overall unit functions.
Required Qualifications
- Completion of an approved nursing assistant course
- California Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) - CA Department of Public Health - REQUIRED
- AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association - REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
- 1 Year Recent experience in geriatric setting or an acute care hospital
Other Qualification Requirements
- Current certification as Nursing Assistant for long-term care and skilled nursing required, rehab preferred.
Essential Functions
- Admissions, discharge and transfer responsibilities
Ensures complete room set up for new admission (bedpan, urine container, tissue paper, basin, fresh water, etc.)
Meets and greets new patient/resident and family members on admission to unit.
Orients patient/resident and family to the facility/room.
Inventories and documents patient's personal belongings on inventory sheet upon admission and update as needed.
Patient's belongings are accounted for during transfer and discharge process.
Transfers/transports patient to activities, therapies and other departments on time and in a safe manner.
Removes all patient's equipment and supplies upon discharge.
Ensures room preparation set-up for next admission.
-
Assures availability of patient equipment and supplies
Checks, cleans equipment, materials as appropriate as indicated by Infection Control Policy.
Provides patient with appropriate assistive device/s as needed.
Checks and follows up on patient's requests for additional supplies or comfort measures.
Utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner, and ensures accurate charging per corporate compliance policy.
Obtains and returns supplies and materials from other departments. -
Completes delegated tasks within scope of practice
Seeks individualized patient information/instructions and goals from licensed nurse.
Clarifies, validates expectations with licensed nurse.
Makes agreement about completion of delegated tasks, including necessary resources (i.e., equipment, physical assistance) and time frame.
Reports back if unable to complete task per agreement.
Participates and implements in the completion of plan of care to meet established goals as delegated. -
Department support
Demonstrates skills at a competency level.
Completes and assists with routine tasks (e.g. hygiene, positioning, etc.) per unit standards.
Maintains privacy and confidentiality. -
Patient care activities
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Documents daily care of patient per unit standards.
Identifies and communicates new resident/patient care issues/concerns.
Communicates changes in patients/residents condition.
Takes rapid action in life threatening situations and immediately notifies the licensed nurse.
Communicates or questions requests outside of scope of practice to appropriate personnel.
Communicates plans to transfer patients/residents to other departments or discharge to home.
Communicates incomplete work requiring follow-up before the end of shift to licensed nurse. -
Regulatory compliance
Labels/stores, ensures safety of patient's belongings (hearing aids, glasses, dentures).
Complies with universal precautions and hospital infection control policies.
Consistently utilizes proper body mechanics and available support equipment to ensure patient's safety and avoid personal injury.
Identifies and communicates patients who are at risk for injury to self and others.
Complies with hospital policy in management of patients in restraints. -
Safety
Consistently utilizes proper body mechanics and available support equipment to ensure patient's safety and avoid personal injury.
Reports personal injury within two hours after incident happened, and completes the ART and state claim forms.
Follows safety procedure required for equipment use.
Reports observed hazards and unsafe practice. -
Time management
Demonstrates ability to prioritize workload in accordance with patient's needs and staffing patterns, as appropriate.
Validates understanding of new patient needs or changes in assignment.
Communicates with other staff to develop plan for best use of resources.
Asks for assistance to get workload done/completed.
Reports to licensed nurse or supervisor when unable to respond to number of current demands.
Seeks feedback from co-workers about strategy to complete work more efficiently.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform all baseline resident/patient care skills under guidance of licensed nurse.
- Fluent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class.

HOURS:
Shift Start Time:
7 AM
Shift End Time:
3:30 PM
AWS Hours Requirement:
8/40 - 8 Hour Shift
Additional Shift Information:
Weekend Requirements:
Every Other
On-Call Required:
No
Hourly Pay Range (Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum):
$25.150 - $28.950 - $32.420
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with SEIU-UHW. As part of the terms of employment, employees in this role are required to join the union within 31 days of hire and remain a member (e.g. dues paying, fee paying, religious exception contributor) for the duration of the collective bargaining agreement.
In alignment with the SEIU CBA, this position will be posted for 7 days internally from 3/16/2026 to 3/24/2026 and available only to existing members of the ratified SEIU Bargaining Unit with a contract expiration date of 9/30/2027.
What You Will Do
Collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) in the delivery of quality patient/resident care under the direction of a licensed nurse. Delivers care with consideration to age specific needs/care. Contributes to overall unit functions.
Required Qualifications
- Completion of an approved nursing assistant course
- California Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) - CA Department of Public Health - REQUIRED
- AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association - REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
- 1 Year Recent experience in geriatric setting or an acute care hospital
Other Qualification Requirements
- Current certification as Nursing Assistant for long-term care and skilled nursing required, rehab preferred.
Essential Functions
- Admissions, discharge and transfer responsibilities
Ensures complete room set up for new admission (bedpan, urine container, tissue paper, basin, fresh water, etc.)
Meets and greets new patient/resident and family members on admission to unit.
Orients patient/resident and family to the facility/room.
Inventories and documents patient's personal belongings on inventory sheet upon admission and update as needed.
Patient's belongings are accounted for during transfer and discharge process.
Transfers/transports patient to activities, therapies and other departments on time and in a safe manner.
Removes all patient's equipment and supplies upon discharge.
Ensures room preparation set-up for next admission.
-
Assures availability of patient equipment and supplies
Checks, cleans equipment, materials as appropriate as indicated by Infection Control Policy.
Provides patient with appropriate assistive device/s as needed.
Checks and follows up on patient's requests for additional supplies or comfort measures.
Utilizes supplies in a cost effective manner, and ensures accurate charging per corporate compliance policy.
Obtains and returns supplies and materials from other departments. -
Completes delegated tasks within scope of practice
Seeks individualized patient information/instructions and goals from licensed nurse.
Clarifies, validates expectations with licensed nurse.
Makes agreement about completion of delegated tasks, including necessary resources (i.e., equipment, physical assistance) and time frame.
Reports back if unable to complete task per agreement.
Participates and implements in the completion of plan of care to meet established goals as delegated. -
Department support
Demonstrates skills at a competency level.
Completes and assists with routine tasks (e.g. hygiene, positioning, etc.) per unit standards.
Maintains privacy and confidentiality. -
Patient care activities
Completes and signs appropriate documents accurately and timely.
Documents daily care of patient per unit standards.
Identifies and communicates new resident/patient care issues/concerns.
Communicates changes in patients/residents condition.
Takes rapid action in life threatening situations and immediately notifies the licensed nurse.
Communicates or questions requests outside of scope of practice to appropriate personnel.
Communicates plans to transfer patients/residents to other departments or discharge to home.
Communicates incomplete work requiring follow-up before the end of shift to licensed nurse. -
Regulatory compliance
Labels/stores, ensures safety of patient's belongings (hearing aids, glasses, dentures).
Complies with universal precautions and hospital infection control policies.
Consistently utilizes proper body mechanics and available support equipment to ensure patient's safety and avoid personal injury.
Identifies and communicates patients who are at risk for injury to self and others.
Complies with hospital policy in management of patients in restraints. -
Safety
Consistently utilizes proper body mechanics and available support equipment to ensure patient's safety and avoid personal injury.
Reports personal injury within two hours after incident happened, and completes the ART and state claim forms.
Follows safety procedure required for equipment use.
Reports observed hazards and unsafe practice. -
Time management
Demonstrates ability to prioritize workload in accordance with patient's needs and staffing patterns, as appropriate.
Validates understanding of new patient needs or changes in assignment.
Communicates with other staff to develop plan for best use of resources.
Asks for assistance to get workload done/completed.
Reports to licensed nurse or supervisor when unable to respond to number of current demands.
Seeks feedback from co-workers about strategy to complete work more efficiently.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform all baseline resident/patient care skills under guidance of licensed nurse.
- Fluent knowledge (written and spoken) of English.
Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in PT
Apply for your state PT license before OPT starts
Licensure timelines vary by state and can take two to four months. Starting the application while still in school ensures you can work legally on day one of OPT without losing authorized work time waiting on your license.
Apply for your STEM OPT extension early if your DPT qualifies
DPT programs classified under eligible CIP codes may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO and file the extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires.
Target large hospital systems and therapy networks over solo practices
Large healthcare systems like hospital networks and national therapy chains have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with immigration sponsorship. Solo or small private practices rarely have the infrastructure to support H-1B filings.
Be transparent about your OPT status and timeline during interviews
Mention your work authorization upfront and frame it clearly: you have authorization now and are looking for an employer who can sponsor your H-1B after OPT. Clarity early prevents misaligned expectations from derailing late-stage offers.
Match your specialty area to employer sponsorship patterns
Outpatient orthopedics, pediatrics, and neuro rehab roles at large health systems sponsor more consistently than niche or travel PT contracts. Focusing on settings with higher sponsorship rates improves your chances of a long-term employment pathway.
PT jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find PT JobsSee all 967+ PT jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new PT roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a PT on OPT without a state license?
No. Physical therapy is a licensed profession in all 50 states, and you cannot legally practice without an active state license regardless of your OPT authorization. You need both your EAD card and a valid PT license in the state where you'll practice. Apply for licensure as early as possible since processing times range from six weeks to four months depending on the state.
Does a PT role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and future H-1B purposes?
Yes. Physical therapy roles consistently qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a professional degree in a specific field. This makes PT one of the more straightforward job titles for H-1B petitions. Your DPT directly satisfies both the OPT employment requirement of working in a field related to your degree and the H-1B specialty occupation standard.
Can I work across multiple PT settings or for multiple employers on OPT?
Yes, but each position must be directly related to your DPT program and must be reported to your DSO. You can work part-time for more than one employer simultaneously as long as combined hours are within your authorized limits. If you're on post-completion OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week in qualifying employment. Notify your DSO before adding or changing employers.
How do I find PT jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Many PT job postings don't explicitly mention OPT sponsorship, so filtering by employer sponsorship history matters more than what the listing says. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces PT roles from employers with documented sponsorship activity, saving you from applying to positions that will disqualify you at the offer stage.
Does my DPT qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the CIP code your program is classified under at your university. Some DPT programs are coded under Health Professions CIP codes that are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, while others may qualify. Check with your DSO to confirm your program's exact CIP code against the current DHS STEM list. Do not assume your DPT qualifies without verifying through your institution.
See which PT employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search PT Jobs