OPT Speech Language Pathology Jobs
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 JobsLooking to make a difference as a pediatric physical, occupational or speech language therapist? UCP of Central Florida provides pediatric therapy at two settings charter schools and medical/out-patient. Charter Schools are a network of 8 PreK-12th grade schools for students with and without disabilities in Central Florida. Therapy is provided as part of a multi-discipline team.
Job Summary:
The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based position follows the school calendar and is responsible for providing direct therapy services to UCP of Central Florida students according to all local, state, and federal regulations. The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based reports to the school principal at each campus where services are rendered. The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based ensures all students under her/his care caseload receive a high-quality therapy program by optimizing each student’s abilities.
Job Responsibilities:
- Conducts and implements appropriate and effective therapy sessions/interventions based on students’ needs.
- Assists speech language pathologist in establishing goals.
- Meets productivity; ensures all students on his/her caseload receive services according to the frequency and duration of their IEPs.
- Collaborates with education staff to facilitate incorporating students' therapy goals into classroom activities.
- Participates in meetings as assigned.
- Identifies and pursues appropriate equipment based on students’ needs.
- Reports accountability data according to UCP guidelines.
- Completes and submits accurate documentation.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
What UCP Offers
Our mission at UCP is to empower children with and without disabilities to achieve their potential by providing individualized support, education and therapy services in an inclusive environment. When you join UCP of Central Florida you partner with a team that is making a positive impact on the futures of our children. For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities across Central Florida. We provide individualized Support, Education, and Therapy services to thousands of children at 8 campuses in: Downtown Orlando, East Orlando (near UCF), Kissimmee, Pine Hills, Lake Mary, and Winter Garden.
UCP of Central Florida offers a competitive benefit package available to all employees! Some perks to being a UCP Team Member may include: health insurance (free option after the first year), dental insurance options, free life insurance, paid time off, discounted on-site childcare, 403B/Retirement match, short & long term disability, and support in continuing your education.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders
Active Speech Language Pathology Assistant License from the State of Florida
Minimum Experience:
One (1) year experience preferred in a pediatric population in an interdisciplinary setting.
New graduates will be considered.
Looking to make a difference as a pediatric physical, occupational or speech language therapist? UCP of Central Florida provides pediatric therapy at two settings charter schools and medical/out-patient. Charter Schools are a network of 8 PreK-12th grade schools for students with and without disabilities in Central Florida. Therapy is provided as part of a multi-discipline team.
Job Summary:
The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based position follows the school calendar and is responsible for providing direct therapy services to UCP of Central Florida students according to all local, state, and federal regulations. The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based reports to the school principal at each campus where services are rendered. The Speech Language Pathology Assistant – School-Based ensures all students under her/his care caseload receive a high-quality therapy program by optimizing each student’s abilities.
Job Responsibilities:
- Conducts and implements appropriate and effective therapy sessions/interventions based on students’ needs.
- Assists speech language pathologist in establishing goals.
- Meets productivity; ensures all students on his/her caseload receive services according to the frequency and duration of their IEPs.
- Collaborates with education staff to facilitate incorporating students' therapy goals into classroom activities.
- Participates in meetings as assigned.
- Identifies and pursues appropriate equipment based on students’ needs.
- Reports accountability data according to UCP guidelines.
- Completes and submits accurate documentation.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
What UCP Offers
Our mission at UCP is to empower children with and without disabilities to achieve their potential by providing individualized support, education and therapy services in an inclusive environment. When you join UCP of Central Florida you partner with a team that is making a positive impact on the futures of our children. For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities across Central Florida. We provide individualized Support, Education, and Therapy services to thousands of children at 8 campuses in: Downtown Orlando, East Orlando (near UCF), Kissimmee, Pine Hills, Lake Mary, and Winter Garden.
UCP of Central Florida offers a competitive benefit package available to all employees! Some perks to being a UCP Team Member may include: health insurance (free option after the first year), dental insurance options, free life insurance, paid time off, discounted on-site childcare, 403B/Retirement match, short & long term disability, and support in continuing your education.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and Disorders
Active Speech Language Pathology Assistant License from the State of Florida
Minimum Experience:
One (1) year experience preferred in a pediatric population in an interdisciplinary setting.
New graduates will be considered.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Speech Language Pathology is not a STEM field, so you have a 12-month OPT window. Being transparent about your end date early helps employers plan for H-1B visa sponsorship or other visa transitions before your authorization expires.
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.
Speech Language Pathology OPT: Frequently 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.