Speech language pathology and H1B

Ok, since my last posts i've done some more research, talked to an few people at a several companies - I will need to apply for an H1B as a speech-language pathologist, I will need to obtain a certificate from a credentialing agency prior to submission because it involves health care (costs 500$ but shouldn't be a problem since I got my master's in the States). I found out that there are an additional 20,000 H1B visas reserved for people who got their graduate degree in the States and that last year, those visas did not run out until 30 days AFTER the initial period (therefore the end of April)....So here is my question:

If I was offered a job say, by the end of january with a company (several are showing interest), would there be enough time to have everything in by April 1st? Is the employer's part a long drawn out thing?

Any H1B applied for this April will be for a job that can't start until October AFAIK.

Yes i know that - i meant if they prepare a job offer, understanding I will only start in October, do they have the time to prepare the paperwork by April 1st to submit, not for me to start work. I can't get any info on how long this takes other than they have to submit some form and then some labour thing. Is that process several months?

I honestly have no idea. I'm sure you could probaby find the answer either on the USCIS website, or google somewhere.

I'm an SLP who went through this process last year. From my experience, it shouldn't take too long to get all of your paperwork in order once you have found a place to hire you. I'm an SLP who went through this process last year. Although, I was just switching status, my lawyer didn't start my H1B application until the first week of March. I recommend hiring an immigration lawyer to help you out with the process. Mine sent my paperwork off in time, and I heard back within 3 weeks (without even paying for premium processing!).

Good Luck!