New Grad PT Jobs: What We Look for at Back in Action Therapy

Graduating from PT school is a huge accomplishment — but stepping into your first professional role can be intimidating. At Back in Action Therapy, we don’t expect perfection. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, connect, and make an impact. Here’s what we look for in new grad PTs — and how we help you thrive.

1. Curiosity Over Perfection

We know you won’t have all the answers on day one — and we don’t want you to. What we truly value is a curious mindset. Are you willing to ask questions, reflect on your clinical reasoning, and seek feedback?

Curiosity leads to growth, and we’re here to support it. New grads who thrive in our clinic tend to be the ones who say, “Why do we do it that way?” or “Can I shadow that eval?” We’re happy to teach — especially when you’re excited to learn.

Picture from a monthly skills session. Skills sessions are two hour lunches where our clinicians teach the rest of the team new skills, treatment techniques, evaluation tools, etc.

2. Strong Communication Skills

Great PTs know how to build trust. That starts with the ability to explain complex ideas simply and empathetically — to patients and teammates alike.

As a new grad, we’re not expecting you to be a master communicator right away, but we look for:

• Active listening with patients

• Clear explanations of home exercises

• Willingness to communicate when you need support

Whether it’s chatting with a patient about their goals or asking for a second opinion from a senior therapist, good communication keeps everyone moving forward.

And we don't expect you to have all the skills right out of school. That's why the first seven weeks of our structured mentorship include soft skills, and often overlooked skills, that PT schools don't typically focus on.

3. A Team-First Attitude

At Back in Action, we don’t believe in lone wolves. We believe in squads.

Team players are the lifeblood of our clinic culture. We want PTs who:

• Collaborate across specialties (ortho, sports, peds, pelvic health)

• Help out when a tech needs a hand

• Share wins (and challenges) in team meetings

• Get excited about participating in a 5K with teammates (especially when the company covers the entry fee :) )

Being a team-first clinician helps patients succeed and makes your workday more enjoyable.

Some of the Las Cruces Back in Action team from a 2024 run club morning

4. A Growth Mindset

We’re not just hiring you for where you are now — we’re investing in where you’re headed.

Are you passionate about sports rehab? Curious about pelvic health? Want to master manual therapy techniques? At Back in Action, we help you define your niche and build the path to get there.

Here’s how:

• 12 month structured mentorship sessions

• CEU support + specialty certifications

• Time to observe or co-treat with other clinicians

• Long-term professional development planning

You won’t be stuck in one lane — unless it’s the lane you love.

And we have other exciting paths as well if you're interested in obtaining your OCS or learning more about private practice! These options include:

• OCS Mastery Track

  • 3 hours of structured mentorship every week for 12 months

  • Blocked off study time to prepare for your OCS exam months 13-18

  • Company fully covers all study materials and exam costs

• Business Mentorship Track

  • Access to leadership meetings

  • Market analysis education

  • KPI discussions

  • Everything you need to prepare to open your own private practice

5. Energy + Compassion

We treat patients from all walks of life — post-op athletes, weekend warriors, geriatrics, and new moms — and each one deserves someone who shows up fully.

We look for PTs who bring:

• A positive attitude (especially on tough days)

• Patience when someone’s having a hard time

• A spark that makes therapy more than an exercise checklist

Treatment session from a 2024 new grad clinician

At the end of the day, compassion and energy are contagious. They change the vibe of the room — and the outcomes too.

Ready to Start Your Career?

We know what it’s like to be new — and we’re committed to making your transition from student to staff as smooth, supported, and exciting as possible.

If you’re ready to join a clinic that values mentorship, team culture, and your personal growth — we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Apply at backinactiontherapy.com/careers