Speech Language Pathology Jobs for OPT Students
Speech Language Pathology OPT jobs are widely available across hospitals, school districts, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month OPT window is the key timeline to plan around. Many employers in healthcare and education settings are experienced with OPT work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Type:
Leading - Campus Professional/Speech Therapist
Date Posted:
3/25/2026
Location:
To Be Determined
Closing Date:
04/09/2026
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Reports to: Director – Special Education
PCN: 14060
Pay Grade: 202
Duty Days: 187
Salary Range: $49,544 - $59,590
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Purpose
Conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to develop or restore communication efficiency of individuals diagnosed with communication problems of organic and/or non-organic etiology under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implements a program for individual and/or group speech-language intervention under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
- Coordinates program for students identified with speech, language and/or hearing impairments under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist within the scope of the District's program.
- Consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals regarding therapy, appropriate classroom modifications and progress of students under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
- Helps maintain eligibility file on speech impaired students and uses Special Education Electronic Management system for all information and Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) documentation under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
Personal Work Relationships
- All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
- Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
- Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
- Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork. Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding special population students' services and programs.
- Skill in written and oral communication including ability to interact with all levels of central office and campus staff as well as parents.
- Ability to collect and provide data to the supervising SLP to assist in making decisions about academic settings and accommodations for individual students.
- Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
- Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports, under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
- Ability to organize, plan, and implement programs.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work, including maintaining attention to details and quality, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
- Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
- Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Exerting: Occasional force of 20 pounds, frequent 10 pounds of force, and/or negligible amount of force to constantly move objects.
- Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
- Environment: Works in an office setting; occasional work outside to travel between buildings or in the preparation/completion of meetings; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences & Disorders required; Acceptance to a Communication Sciences & Disorders graduate program preferred.
- Certification/License: Licensure by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Committee of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology as a Speech-Language Pathologist-Assistant, or have completed all of the requirements for and have applied for said licensure for one of the following licenses:
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
- Deficiency plan as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
- Experience: 3 years' working with special populations preferred.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) working proficiency preferred.
This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
Position Type:
Leading - Campus Professional/Speech Therapist
Date Posted:
3/25/2026
Location:
To Be Determined
Closing Date:
04/09/2026
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Reports to: Director – Special Education
PCN: 14060
Pay Grade: 202
Duty Days: 187
Salary Range: $49,544 - $59,590
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Purpose
Conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to develop or restore communication efficiency of individuals diagnosed with communication problems of organic and/or non-organic etiology under the direct supervision of a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Implements a program for individual and/or group speech-language intervention under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
- Coordinates program for students identified with speech, language and/or hearing impairments under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist within the scope of the District's program.
- Consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals regarding therapy, appropriate classroom modifications and progress of students under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
- Helps maintain eligibility file on speech impaired students and uses Special Education Electronic Management system for all information and Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) documentation under the supervision of a licensed speech/language pathologist.
Personal Work Relationships
- All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
- Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
- Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
- Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork. Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.
Other Duties as Assigned
- Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding special population students' services and programs.
- Skill in written and oral communication including ability to interact with all levels of central office and campus staff as well as parents.
- Ability to collect and provide data to the supervising SLP to assist in making decisions about academic settings and accommodations for individual students.
- Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
- Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports, under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.
- Ability to organize, plan, and implement programs.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work, including maintaining attention to details and quality, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
- Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Travel Requirements
- Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
- Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
- Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
- Exerting: Occasional force of 20 pounds, frequent 10 pounds of force, and/or negligible amount of force to constantly move objects.
- Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
- Environment: Works in an office setting; occasional work outside to travel between buildings or in the preparation/completion of meetings; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
- Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
- Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences & Disorders required; Acceptance to a Communication Sciences & Disorders graduate program preferred.
- Certification/License: Licensure by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Committee of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology as a Speech-Language Pathologist-Assistant, or have completed all of the requirements for and have applied for said licensure for one of the following licenses:
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
- Deficiency plan as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant.
- Experience: 3 years' working with special populations preferred.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) working proficiency preferred.
This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Speech Language Pathology
Target employers familiar with OPT authorization
Hospitals, rehab networks, and school districts regularly hire SLPs and often have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. These settings are more likely to onboard you without treating authorization as an obstacle.
Highlight your CCC eligibility progress
Many employers require or strongly prefer candidates pursuing the Certificate of Clinical Competence. Demonstrating your CFY plan and CCC timeline shows commitment and helps employers see a long-term employment relationship worth sponsoring.
Prioritize roles in underserved or high-need settings
School districts and rural healthcare facilities face persistent SLP shortages. Employers in these settings often have stronger motivation to sponsor visas because qualified candidates are difficult to find and retain without offering long-term authorization support.
Understand H-1B specialty occupation requirements for SLP
SLP roles generally qualify as H-1B specialty occupations given the master's degree requirement. Confirm the job description explicitly requires an advanced degree in communication sciences, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument in any future petition.
Apply early to account for state licensure timelines
State SLP licensure can take weeks to months depending on the state. Start your application before OPT begins. Employers may delay your start date if licensure is pending, which eats into your authorized employment window.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Speech Language Pathology qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Speech Language Pathology is classified under CIP code 51.0203, which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. F-1 students in this field are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning your job search and visa transition timeline around that 12-month window is essential.
Do I need a state license to work as an SLP on OPT?
Yes, in nearly every clinical setting. Most states require a state-issued SLP license or temporary permit before you can practice independently. Licensing timelines vary by state but often take four to twelve weeks. Apply to your target state's licensing board before or immediately after graduation so licensure does not delay your OPT employment start date.
Where can I find SLP employers who are open to OPT authorization?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It surfaces Speech Language Pathology jobs from employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas, so you spend less time filtering out companies that won't consider OPT candidates. Hospital systems, school districts, and outpatient rehab networks tend to be the most OPT-friendly settings in this field.
Can I complete my Clinical Fellowship Year on OPT?
Yes. The Clinical Fellowship Year, required for the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence, counts as authorized OPT employment as long as it falls within your OPT period and directly relates to your degree in communication sciences or disorders. Confirm with your Designated School Official that the CFY position is reported correctly on your SEVIS record.
What happens to my OPT if I switch SLP employers mid-authorization?
You can change employers during OPT, but you must report the new employer to your DSO within 10 days. Unlike CPT, OPT is not employer-specific, so you do not need a new EAD card. However, any gap in employment exceeding 90 cumulative days can jeopardize your OPT status, so avoid extended periods between positions.
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