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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Explore opportunities with Willcare, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of businesses, we are dedicated to helping people feel their best, including our team members who create meaningful connections with patients, their families, each other and the communities we serve. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
As the Physical Therapist Assistant you will perform treatment and provide exercise instruction and patient education aimed at improving/enhancing the patient's well-being while following the established plan of care.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for following all state specific laws governing the provision of physical therapy in home care, to follow the treatment set only as defined by the supervising PT; to perform only those procedures that he/she is qualified and trained to perform and to make all recommendations for changes in the plan of care to the supervising Physical Therapist
- Instructs and aids patients in active and passive exercise, muscle re-education, gait, functional, ADL, transfer, safety, and prosthetic training
- Observes, records, and reports to the supervising PT, the nurse supervisor, and/or the physician the patient's response to treatment and changes in the patient's condition. Coordinates care with the other members of the healthcare team as appropriate
- Instructs patient, family, caregiver, and other members of the health care team in the areas of therapy within the scope of the physical therapy assistant
Ability to function in any home situation regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, disability, or financial condition of the client
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current, licensed, registered, or certified to assist in the practice of physical therapy in state of practice
- Current driver's license and vehicle insurance, access to a dependable vehicle, or public transportation
- Available to work a weekend rotation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current CPR certification or ability to complete within 90 days of hire
- Ability to perform physical tasks required for patient care, including lifting, transferring, and assisting with mobility
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $23.89 to $42.69 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone - of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income - deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
INTRODUCTION
Explore opportunities with Willcare, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of businesses, we are dedicated to helping people feel their best, including our team members who create meaningful connections with patients, their families, each other and the communities we serve. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
As the Physical Therapist Assistant you will perform treatment and provide exercise instruction and patient education aimed at improving/enhancing the patient's well-being while following the established plan of care.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for following all state specific laws governing the provision of physical therapy in home care, to follow the treatment set only as defined by the supervising PT; to perform only those procedures that he/she is qualified and trained to perform and to make all recommendations for changes in the plan of care to the supervising Physical Therapist
- Instructs and aids patients in active and passive exercise, muscle re-education, gait, functional, ADL, transfer, safety, and prosthetic training
- Observes, records, and reports to the supervising PT, the nurse supervisor, and/or the physician the patient's response to treatment and changes in the patient's condition. Coordinates care with the other members of the healthcare team as appropriate
- Instructs patient, family, caregiver, and other members of the health care team in the areas of therapy within the scope of the physical therapy assistant
Ability to function in any home situation regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, disability, or financial condition of the client
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current, licensed, registered, or certified to assist in the practice of physical therapy in state of practice
- Current driver's license and vehicle insurance, access to a dependable vehicle, or public transportation
- Available to work a weekend rotation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current CPR certification or ability to complete within 90 days of hire
- Ability to perform physical tasks required for patient care, including lifting, transferring, and assisting with mobility
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $23.89 to $42.69 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone - of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income - deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
How to Get 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.
Physical Therapy Assistant jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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.
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