Celebrating the Next Generation of Physical Therapists

Updated on May 28, 2026

Congrats Graduates!

At Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness, we have a lot to celebrate.

This season, we are proudly recognizing two incredible groups of people: the rehab techs who officially got into PT school and the students who have officially graduated and earned their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

These milestones represent years of dedication, perseverance, growth, and passion for helping others. Getting accepted into PT school is no small accomplishment, and neither is making it all the way through graduation day. We are so proud of every student taking the next step in their journey toward becoming a physical therapist.

Supporting future PTs is something deeply rooted in the culture at Balanced, especially through leaders like Tomas Tafoya, DPT, OCS, who works closely with PT students both in the clinic and in the classroom. Through mentorship, teaching, and hands on clinical guidance, Tomas helps students navigate the challenges and rewards of the PT journey from the very beginning.

And here at Balanced, we love being part of that journey too.

Because before the graduation photos, the white coats, and the “DPT” behind the name… there is a whole story behind becoming a physical therapist.

The Journey Starts Long Before PT School

For many future physical therapists, the journey begins with simply getting exposure to the profession.

Volunteer or Rehab Tech Experience

Many students first enter the PT world through volunteer positions, often as part of a high school internship or undergraduate program. These opportunities give students their first glimpse into clinic life and patient care.

From there, many transition into rehab tech roles where they work more directly in the clinic while completing undergraduate studies. Rehab techs help support therapists, guide patients through exercises, learn clinic flow, and begin understanding the day to day reality of working in rehabilitation.

At Balanced, we love helping students gain experience, build confidence, and discover whether physical therapy is truly the right path for them.

And honestly? Some of the best future clinicians start right here.

Why Rehab Tech Experience Matters

Working as a rehab tech is one of the most valuable steps in the PT journey. It gives students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced therapists while building confidence, communication skills, and clinical understanding.

At Balanced, our rehab techs are not just “extra help.” They are future healthcare professionals, future colleagues, and future leaders in physical therapy.

We love helping students:

• gain experience hours

• prepare for PT school applications

• build clinical confidence

• learn patient interaction skills

• understand different specialties within PT

• grow into future clinicians

And somewhere between cleaning tables, setting up exercises, and learning documentation terms… they start realizing, “Okay wait… I really can do this.”

Undergraduate Studies & Pre PT Coursework

PT school requires students to complete a bachelor’s degree along with specific prerequisite coursework focused heavily in science and healthcare related subjects.

While students can technically pursue any undergraduate major, many choose programs like:

• Exercise Science

• Kinesiology

• Biology

These programs typically align well with PT school prerequisites and help students build a strong foundation in anatomy, movement science, and human physiology.

PT School (DPT Program)

Once accepted into PT school, students begin an intensive Doctor of Physical Therapy program, typically lasting about 3 years.

PT school combines classroom learning with hands on clinical experience across a wide range of patient populations and settings, including:

• orthopedic rehabilitation

• neurologic rehabilitation

• pediatrics

• geriatrics

• inpatient hospitals

• rehabilitation facilities

• outpatient clinics like Balanced

This is where students begin developing clinical reasoning skills, learning treatment techniques, and growing into confident future clinicians.

Meet Tomas Tafoya, DPT, OCS

One of the biggest reasons Balanced is so passionate about supporting PT students is because education is deeply rooted in who we are, especially through mentors like Tomas Tafoya.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Tomas plays a major role in helping students bridge the gap between classroom education and real world clinical practice.

Whether he is guiding students through patient evaluations during clinical rotations, teaching treatment techniques at UNM, or mentoring younger students who are just beginning to explore healthcare careers, Tomas helps future PTs develop the confidence, adaptability, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the profession.

Because becoming a PT is about more than memorizing muscles and passing exams. It is about learning how to connect with people, solve problems, adapt in real time, and help patients feel empowered in their recovery.

That kind of mentorship matters.

Clinical Rotations: Where Everything Starts to Click

One of the most exciting parts of PT school is finally stepping into the clinic during rotations.

This is where students begin applying everything they have learned in real patient situations. They learn how to communicate with patients, adapt treatments, think critically, and grow their confidence as clinicians.

At Balanced, we love hosting PT students during their clinical rotations because it gives us the opportunity to invest in their growth while sharing what makes our approach to care so special.

Plus, there is something really rewarding about watching a student slowly become a confident future PT.

Then Comes Graduation

After years of hard work, PT school graduates officially step into their careers as Doctors of Physical Therapy. It is a huge accomplishment, and one that deserves to be celebrated loudly.

To all of the graduates and students taking the next step toward becoming PTs: we are incredibly proud of you. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others are what make this profession so meaningful.

Licensure & Board Exams

After graduating from PT school, students must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) in order to become licensed physical therapists.

This standardized exam helps ensure PTs across the country meet national competency standards before entering clinical practice. Each state also has additional licensing requirements that must be completed before practicing independently.

Clinical Practice

After years of coursework, clinical rotations, studying, and board exams… it is finally time.

New graduates officially begin their careers as licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy. This is where all the hard work pays off and where PTs finally get to do what they have trained so long for: helping patients move better, recover stronger, and improve their quality of life every single day.

To all of the graduates and students taking the next step toward becoming PTs: we are incredibly proud of you. Your dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping others are what make this profession so meaningful.

The Future of PT Starts Here

At Balanced Physical Therapy + Wellness, we are passionate about supporting future clinicians at every stage of the journey, from rehab techs getting observation hours to students completing rotations to graduates beginning their careers.

Because physical therapy is not just a profession. It is a community.

And who knows… some of today’s rehab techs and students might just end up back here one day as the newest members of the Balanced PT team.

We will save you a spot.