30 Seconds Of Therapy: New Grad PTs: What You Need to Know Before You Start

START

1.  Start Completing the Required Trainings First

   1. Before your first official day, make sure you’ve completed all mandatory trainings and certifications:

      1. CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) – for patient safety and emergency readiness.

      2. HIPAA and Patient Privacy Training – to protect sensitive health information.

      3. Infection Control & Universal Precautions – essential for home settings where environments vary.

      4. Documentation & Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Training – helps you stay organized and compliant.

2. Start Understanding Clinical and Field Training

   1. Once your compliance training is done, your field orientation begins—and this is where your PT career truly comes to life. You’ll:

      1. Shadow experienced PTs during real patient visits.

      2. Learn how to assess safety hazards and adapt therapy to each patient’s home setup.

      3. Observe how therapists build trust and communication with patients and families.

      4. Practice accurate documentation and learn how to manage your time effectively between visits.

         
         

3. Start Familiarizing Yourself with Home Health-Specific Training

   1.  If you’re beginning in home health, there’s specialized training that builds your confidence and independence:

      1. Patient and environmental safety – recognizing risks in each unique home.

      2. Fall prevention and mobility strategies – using real-life objects and setups.

      3. Functional training – teaching patients how to navigate stairs, bathe safely, or move from bed to chair.

      4. Time management – learning to schedule efficiently while maintaining care quality.

STOP

1. Stop Skipping the Basics

   1. Rushing through the fundamentals—like documentation or infection control—only makes things harder later. Mastering these early helps you handle patients safely and confidently.

2. Stop Expecting Perfection Right Away

   1. No one expects you to know everything from day one. Home health is full of unique situations—you’ll learn by doing, observing, and reflecting. Be kind to yourself as you grow.

      
      

3.  Stop Underestimating the Value of Mentorship

   1.  Every great PT had a mentor who guided them through the tough parts. Ask questions, seek feedback, and stay open. A strong mentor will fast-track your growth and help you find your rhythm.

WHY

1. Why Proper Training Matters First

   1. Early training sets your professional tone. It’s how you develop safe habits, clinical confidence, and efficiency. By focusing on compliance, documentation, and patient interaction, you’ll feel more capable handling your first solo visits.

      
      

2. Why Home Health Is the Best Setting for New Grads

   1.  Home health gives you more than just experience—it gives you freedom and balance. You’ll:

      1. Work one-on-one with patients in real environments.

      2. See faster progress and stronger relationships with patients and families.

      3. Enjoy flexible scheduling that fits your lifestyle.Develop independence and confidence early in your career.

At Biomechanics PT, we guide new grads step-by-step with personalized mentorship, hands-on training, and flexible caseloads. You’ll grow as a clinician without missing out on life outside of work.