Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Physical therapy assistants can secure visa sponsorship through healthcare employers, though the role's educational requirements create specific challenges. Most positions require an associate degree from an accredited PTA program, which may not meet the bachelor's degree requirement for H-1B visas, making alternative visa pathways more relevant. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the BioMEMS Laboratory led by Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang. We seek a highly motivated, independent researcher to lead scientific efforts and technology development on microfluidic-based in vitro diagnostics for bloodstream infections under an NIH-funded project.
Key Responsibilities
-
Independently lead and collaborate on research projects spanning human infectious diseases, especially bacterial bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance.
-
Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments; develop and validate nucleic acid and microbiological assays for diagnostics.
-
Contribute to the development, prototyping, and testing of microfluidic devices and related workflows.
-
Help advance technologies toward clinical laboratory implementation and regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA EUA/510(k)).
-
Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
-
Prepare progress reports and present results to collaborators and sponsors.
-
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
-
Contribute to competitive grant and contract proposals to federal agencies (e.g., NIH).
-
Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety practices at the BSL-2 level.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Ph.D. in microbiology, infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
-
Demonstrated track record in the in vitro diagnosis of human and/or animal infectious diseases.
-
Experience working in BSL-2 laboratories, including safe handling of blood samples and infectious materials.
-
Expertise in microbiological assays (e.g., culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
-
Expertise in molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR, digital PCR, LAMP, RPA, CRISPR-based assays).
-
Experience designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices and platforms (e.g., cleanroom microfabrication, laser cutting, thermoforming, 3D printing) and in microscopy-based characterization.
-
Proficiency in data analysis and computational tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
-
Strong written and oral communication skills and a record of publishing and presenting research.
SALARY RANGE
The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
TOTAL REWARDS
Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The University is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
If you are interested in applying for employment with Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations at Johns Hopkins University for disabilities, medical conditions (including medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), accessibility, or religious reasons, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
After receiving a conditional offer, the successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification. When deciding whether a candidate’s conviction history is job-disqualifying, the University considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought.
EEO IS THE LAW
https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants
VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
Exceptions to the seasonal flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine (for SOM) requirement(s) may be provided to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions that preclude them from receiving the vaccine. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.
The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those candidates who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
The Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) and Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the BioMEMS Laboratory led by Tza-Huei “Jeff” Wang. We seek a highly motivated, independent researcher to lead scientific efforts and technology development on microfluidic-based in vitro diagnostics for bloodstream infections under an NIH-funded project.
Key Responsibilities
-
Independently lead and collaborate on research projects spanning human infectious diseases, especially bacterial bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance.
-
Design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments; develop and validate nucleic acid and microbiological assays for diagnostics.
-
Contribute to the development, prototyping, and testing of microfluidic devices and related workflows.
-
Help advance technologies toward clinical laboratory implementation and regulatory submissions (e.g., FDA EUA/510(k)).
-
Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.
-
Prepare progress reports and present results to collaborators and sponsors.
-
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
-
Contribute to competitive grant and contract proposals to federal agencies (e.g., NIH).
-
Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety practices at the BSL-2 level.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Ph.D. in microbiology, infectious diseases, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
-
Demonstrated track record in the in vitro diagnosis of human and/or animal infectious diseases.
-
Experience working in BSL-2 laboratories, including safe handling of blood samples and infectious materials.
-
Expertise in microbiological assays (e.g., culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing).
-
Expertise in molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR, digital PCR, LAMP, RPA, CRISPR-based assays).
-
Experience designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic devices and platforms (e.g., cleanroom microfabrication, laser cutting, thermoforming, 3D printing) and in microscopy-based characterization.
-
Proficiency in data analysis and computational tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
-
Strong written and oral communication skills and a record of publishing and presenting research.
SALARY RANGE
The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.
TOTAL REWARDS
Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The University is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
If you are interested in applying for employment with Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the HR Business Services Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations at Johns Hopkins University for disabilities, medical conditions (including medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), accessibility, or religious reasons, please visit accessibility.jhu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
After receiving a conditional offer, the successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification. When deciding whether a candidate’s conviction history is job-disqualifying, the University considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and the nature of the job being sought.
EEO IS THE LAW
https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants
VACCINE REQUIREMENTS
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
Exceptions to the seasonal flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine (for SOM) requirement(s) may be provided to individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs or medical conditions that preclude them from receiving the vaccine. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.
The following additional vaccine requirements may apply, depending upon your campus. Please contact the hiring department for more information.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those candidates who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
See all 13,602+ Physical Therapy Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Physical Therapy Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Physical Therapy Assistant
Target healthcare systems with immigration experience
Large hospital networks and rehabilitation chains like Genesis HealthCare and Encompass Health have established visa sponsorship programs and understand the complexities of healthcare immigration requirements.
Emphasize specialized certifications and skills
Highlight certifications in wound care, aquatic therapy, or neurological rehabilitation. Specialized skills can help differentiate your application and demonstrate the specific expertise employers need.
Consider TN visa if you're Canadian or Mexican
The TN visa covers physical therapy assistants under healthcare professions. This pathway offers faster processing and doesn't require employer petitions like the H-1B visa process.
Focus on underserved rural markets
Rural hospitals and rehabilitation centers often face severe staffing shortages and may be more willing to sponsor international candidates to fill critical physical therapy assistant positions.
Build relationships through clinical rotations
International students completing PTA programs can leverage clinical placements to demonstrate value to potential employers, making sponsorship conversations more concrete and relationship-based rather than cold applications.
Research state licensing reciprocity early
Each state has different physical therapy assistant licensing requirements. Understanding reciprocity agreements and examination requirements helps target employers in states where your credentials transfer most easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do physical therapy assistants qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Physical therapy assistants face challenges with H-1B sponsorship because most positions require only an associate degree, while H-1B visas require bachelor's degree roles. However, PTAs with bachelor's degrees in related fields like kinesiology or exercise science may qualify if the job description emphasizes those qualifications.
What visa options work best for international physical therapy assistants?
TN visa for Canadians and Mexicans covers PTAs directly. Other nationals should explore EB-3 green cards for skilled workers, which accept associate degrees, or consider upgrading to physical therapist roles that clearly qualify for H-1B sponsorship through additional education.
Which employers sponsor visas for physical therapy assistants most frequently?
Large healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospital chains, and skilled nursing facilities with existing immigration programs offer the best sponsorship prospects. Rural healthcare facilities facing critical staffing shortages also show higher willingness to sponsor international PTAs despite the additional paperwork and costs.
Can international PTA students get work authorization after graduation?
F-1 students completing accredited PTA programs can apply for OPT work authorization, providing 12 months of work experience in the U.S. This period allows time to find employers willing to sponsor longer-term visa options or transition to other pathways.
How to find Physical Therapy Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Physical Therapy Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with employers offering visa support. Focus on healthcare systems, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or O-1 visas for qualified PTAs. These employers often face staffing shortages and actively recruit international physical therapy professionals.
Do physical therapy assistants need specific licenses for visa applications?
Yes, PTAs must obtain state licensure before beginning work, and some visa applications require proof of eligibility for licensure. Requirements vary significantly by state, including different examination standards and continuing education requirements that impact where you can realistically seek employment.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Physical Therapy Assistant 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.