Orthopedic Physical Therapist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Orthopedic physical therapists qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Most sponsors are hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics. Physical therapy is exempt from H-1B cap restrictions when working for nonprofit hospitals or university medical centers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team within our growing, nationally recognized health system that provides world-class care at 10 hospitals and more than 200 locations in communities throughout Chicago, the suburbs and northern Illinois. Together with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, we are pushing boundaries in innovative care delivery, training the next generation of rehabilitation specialists, and pursuing excellence in patient care.
Rehabilitation Services values building relationships with our patients and their families, understanding the needs of our clinical and non-clinical staff, and providing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and program development. Our integration with hospitals and clinics across Northwestern Medicine make it possible for us to serve more patients, closer to where they live and work. While each of our locations has a unique story, Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine is unified under one mission – Patients First.
Job Description
This role will be split between two outpatient clinics in Glen Ellyn and Naperville
The Physical Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- A licensed physical therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and by the State of Illinois.
- The position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement.
- Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
- Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
- Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions to help patients and customers with finding their way.
- Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
- Maintains primary responsibility over patient plan of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PT/PTA(s).
- Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
- Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
- Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
- Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
- Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
- Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidenced by team feedback and documentation.
- Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly. Evidenced by chart review.
- Assumes complete responsibility over the course of physical therapist patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation. Maintains primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PTA(s).
- Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. All notes are documented in electronic medical record (EMR).
- Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
- Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
- Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
- Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations.
- Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
- Accepts constructive feedback and can make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
- Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay (forms and follow up phone calls).
- Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI) as per department expectations.
- Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations.
- Maintains productivity standards per department expectations.
- Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy.
- Licensed Physical Therapist in State of Illinois.
- BLS from American Heart Association upon hire.
Preferred:
- Masters or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team within our growing, nationally recognized health system that provides world-class care at 10 hospitals and more than 200 locations in communities throughout Chicago, the suburbs and northern Illinois. Together with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, we are pushing boundaries in innovative care delivery, training the next generation of rehabilitation specialists, and pursuing excellence in patient care.
Rehabilitation Services values building relationships with our patients and their families, understanding the needs of our clinical and non-clinical staff, and providing opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and program development. Our integration with hospitals and clinics across Northwestern Medicine make it possible for us to serve more patients, closer to where they live and work. While each of our locations has a unique story, Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine is unified under one mission – Patients First.
Job Description
This role will be split between two outpatient clinics in Glen Ellyn and Naperville
The Physical Therapist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
- A licensed physical therapist who complies with the Code of Ethics/Standards of Practice as outlined by their professional organization and by the State of Illinois.
- The position includes direct patient care, teaching, participation on appropriate committees and departmental process improvement.
- Serves as a role model for all therapists and clinical interns in all aspects of professional, clinical, communication, education and leadership activities.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
- Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
- Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions to help patients and customers with finding their way.
- Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
- Maintains primary responsibility over patient plan of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PT/PTA(s).
- Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
- Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
- Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
- Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
- Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
- Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidenced by team feedback and documentation.
- Demonstrates essential skill competencies in selecting the appropriate evaluation in the use of treatment modalities, equipment and protocols. Performs re-evaluations according to department guidelines, adjusting the treatment plan accordingly. Evidenced by chart review.
- Assumes complete responsibility over the course of physical therapist patient management from the time of initial contact to discharge for functional progress, safety and treatment outcome as evidenced by team feedback and documentation. Maintains primary responsibility over patient plans of care through timely and consistent collaboration with treating PTA(s).
- Adheres to department policy regarding evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries. All notes are documented in electronic medical record (EMR).
- Completes daily notes that reflect patient’s response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
- Provides educational materials and methods appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding and motivation as evidenced by chart review, observation and team feedback.
- Participates in committees, department processes and special projects in accordance with clinical expertise and individual performance plan.
- Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations.
- Creates a culture of respectful communication by listening, asking for team member input, open and honest conversation, approachability, and timely acknowledgement of individual and team contributions.
- Accepts constructive feedback and can make timely changes as evidenced by written coaching forms/chart audits and team feedback.
- Proactively completes non-patient care responsibilities within established timelines (coverage notes, PTO/schedule change requests, bonus pay (forms and follow up phone calls).
- Contributes to educational efforts of department/clinic (e.g., in-services, journal clubs, new hire orientation, PI) as per department expectations.
- Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations.
- Maintains productivity standards per department expectations.
- Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings and department specific meetings outside of normal work hours.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy.
- Licensed Physical Therapist in State of Illinois.
- BLS from American Heart Association upon hire.
Preferred:
- Masters or Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
See all 50+ Orthopedic Physical Therapist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Orthopedic Physical Therapist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Orthopedic Physical Therapist Jobs
Target hospitals and medical centers first
Nonprofit hospitals and university medical centers are cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning no lottery or October start date restrictions. These facilities also have established visa sponsorship processes for clinical staff.
Emphasize your specialized orthopedic training
USCIS approves physical therapy H-1B petitions more easily when the role requires specialized knowledge in orthopedics, sports medicine, or post-surgical rehabilitation rather than general physical therapy.
Get your credentials evaluated early
Foreign DPT degrees need credential evaluation to establish U.S. equivalency. Start this process before job searching since employers want confirmation your education meets licensing requirements.
Research state licensing requirements
Each state has different physical therapy licensing requirements and processing times. Some states accept foreign clinical hours while others require additional supervised practice before full licensure.
Consider outpatient orthopedic clinics
Private orthopedic and sports medicine clinics increasingly sponsor H-1B visas for specialized physical therapists, especially those with manual therapy certifications or experience with specific patient populations.
Highlight outcome measurement experience
Employers value physical therapists who can demonstrate measurable patient outcomes and quality metrics. This clinical documentation expertise strengthens your specialty occupation case for USCIS approval.
Orthopedic Physical Therapist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Orthopedic Physical Therapist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DPT degree for H-1B sponsorship as an orthopedic physical therapist?
Yes, USCIS requires a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree for H-1B approval in physical therapy roles. A master's degree in physical therapy may qualify if it's equivalent to current U.S. entry-level requirements, but you'll need a credential evaluation to confirm equivalency.
Can foreign physical therapists get H-1B sponsorship without U.S. clinical experience?
Yes, but you must meet state licensing requirements before starting work. Many states require supervised clinical hours or additional examinations for foreign graduates. Some employers sponsor H-1B visas contingent on obtaining state licensure within a specific timeframe.
How to find Orthopedic Physical Therapist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Orthopedic Physical Therapist positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in sponsored healthcare roles. Focus your search on hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports medicine clinics, and orthopedic practices that commonly sponsor H-1B or EB-2/EB-3 visas for specialized therapists. These employers often need licensed physical therapists with orthopedic expertise and are willing to sponsor qualified international candidates.
Are physical therapy H-1B petitions frequently approved by USCIS?
Physical therapy generally has good H-1B approval rates when the position clearly requires a DPT degree and involves specialized orthopedic knowledge. Generic physical therapy roles or those that could be performed by physical therapist assistants face more scrutiny from USCIS.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor orthopedic physical therapists?
Hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, university medical centers, and specialized orthopedic clinics are the most common sponsors. Nonprofit healthcare employers are cap-exempt, avoiding H-1B lottery requirements and allowing flexible start dates throughout the year.
Can I work as a physical therapist on other visa types besides H-1B?
Yes, if you qualify. Australians can use E-3 visas, Canadians and Mexicans can use TN visas for physical therapist positions. O-1 visas are possible for physical therapists with extraordinary ability in specialized areas like sports medicine or research.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Orthopedic Physical Therapist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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