OPT Speech Therapist Jobs
Speech Therapist jobs on OPT are available across hospitals, school districts, outpatient clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Most roles require or are actively pursuing a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month window is what you're working with.
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INTRODUCTION
The future is full of possibilities. At Banner Health, we’re excited about what the future holds for health care. That’s why we’re changing the industry to make the experience the best it can be. If you’re ready to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Banner Health was named to Fortune’s America’s Most Innovative Companies list for the second year in a row for 2024 and named Most Trustworthy Companies in America by Newsweek. We’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to the latest health care advancements and excellent patient care.
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has served the Northwest Valley for more than 25 years and our unrelenting focus on excellent patient care has helped us become one of the most preferred hospitals in the Valley. In addition to being a Level 1 Trauma Center, the facility also includes a heart and vascular center, state-of-the-art surgical suites and a new Emergency department.
As a Speech Pathologist, you will have the opportunity to work with our adult patient population and utilize your skills in a fast-paced setting. You will also have the chance to observe, learn and grow as you expand your skills in multiple departments throughout the facility. Banner Thunderbird's team culture creates a dynamic opportunity to provide excellent patient care and collaboration. If you wish to learn more about this incredible opportunity, apply today!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Speech Pathologist is a full-time, day shift position: 40 hours per week. It is 5 8 hour shifts per week. The shift is Monday through Friday. Previous NICU experience is preferred.
This position provides screening, evaluation, and rehabilitation services for patients with speech and language disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency. This position plans and carries out specialized treatment programs, documents treatment, and maintains data regarding patient care. This position demonstrates the clinical competence and knowledge necessary to provide treatment appropriate to the age of the patients served.
CORE FUNCTIONS
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Evaluates patients’ functional abilities and limitations to determine appropriate intervention. Develops a plan of care and treatment goals, as ordered by physician or other referral source.
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Implements individualized treatment plans that consider patients’ physical, social, spiritual, cultural, educational, and age-specific needs. Ensures that treatment plans are supported by standard practices and/or current literature. Re-evaluates treatment plans, as needed, to ensure maximum patient benefit.
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Educates patients, family, and other care providers to promote patient participation and attainment of therapeutic program goals. Provides individualized home programs with clear instructions.
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Documents patient treatment according to professional and regulatory standards.
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Participates in the provision of training to other staff and students.
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Follows plan of care to accomplish functions within established procedures and scope of practice. Makes independent judgments based on specialized knowledge. Confers with supervisor on any unusual situations. Internal customers: All levels of nursing management and staff, medical staff, and all other members of the interdisciplinary health care team. External Customers: Physician offices, patient families, third party payers, and medical supply companies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited university program.
Current licensure in the state of practice. Certificate of Clinical Competence or documented acceptance in Clinical Fellowship Year. BLS certification required.
Requires the ability to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers. Must have strong interpersonal communications and human relation skills.
Must have the ability to become proficient with computer software applications commonly used in an automated patient care environment. Employees working for Banner Home Care AZ must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
LOCATION
Primary City/State: Glendale, Arizona
Department Name: Thrpy-Acute-Hosp
Work Shift: Day
Job Category: Clinical Care
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
Privacy Policy:
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See all 1,003+ OPT Speech Therapist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Speech Therapist
Target employers who already hold H-1B sponsorship history
Hospitals, health systems, and large rehabilitation networks like Kindred or Encompass have sponsored SLPs before. Check OFLC disclosure data to confirm which employers have filed Labor Condition Applications for speech-language pathology roles.
Get your CCC-SLP application in motion before OPT starts
ASHA's Certificate of Clinical Competence is the credentialing standard most employers require. Starting the application process early means you can demonstrate progress to employers even before the certificate is officially issued.
Use your bilingual skills as a differentiator
Bilingual SLPs, particularly Spanish-English, are in high demand and short supply. Employers serving large non-English-speaking populations will prioritize candidates with those skills, making sponsorship conversations easier to initiate and more likely to succeed.
Start sponsorship conversations at the offer stage, not after
Raise your OPT status and future visa needs during the final interview or offer negotiation. Waiting until after you start creates unnecessary urgency and limits the employer's preparation time for H-1B filing deadlines.
Browse Migrate Mate to identify employers actively open to OPT
Migrate Mate filters Speech Therapist roles by sponsorship willingness, so you're not guessing which employers are open to OPT workers. This saves time and targets your applications where they are most likely to convert.
Speech Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Speech Therapist on OPT without a state license?
In most states, you cannot independently practice as an SLP without a state license, but many employers will hire you under a clinical fellowship or supervised provisional license while you complete licensure requirements. OPT work authorization is separate from state licensure. You need both to practice legally. Check your state's specific licensing board requirements before accepting an offer.
Does Speech Therapy 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. Your OPT work authorization is limited to 12 months. This makes finding an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B, O-1, or another long-term visa before your OPT expires a time-sensitive priority.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor Speech Therapists for H-1B visas?
Large hospital systems, national rehabilitation networks, and public school districts with documented SLP shortages are the most common sponsors. Smaller private clinics rarely have the resources or familiarity to navigate sponsorship. Browsing Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find Speech Therapist roles at employers who are already open to sponsoring OPT workers.
Does my OPT job as a Speech Therapist need to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study. For an SLP degree, roles in speech-language pathology, communication disorders, or clinical fellowship positions qualify. A customer service or unrelated healthcare administrative role would not. If USCIS audits your OPT employment, you need to document the connection between your job duties and your degree program.
Can I work in a school district as a Speech Therapist on OPT?
Yes. Public and private school districts are valid OPT employers, and many actively hire SLPs on OPT due to persistent staffing shortages. School-based SLP roles count as qualifying OPT employment as long as the position requires your degree. Some districts also have experience navigating H-1B cap-exempt sponsorship through government entity status, which can benefit your long-term visa planning.