As a student in our Massage Therapy Program, and later as a professional working the field, you'll encounter a number of tasks, skills and personal qualities vital to success. If you're "cut out for the job," you'll need to:

Tactile ability sufficient for assessment of data such as pulse, temperature, texture, size, shape, muscle tone and other palpation data Perform medium work (defined as lifting 60-pound maximum with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 30 pounds)   Use good body mechanics to move about specially designed tables or chairs Exhibit gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to move from room to room, to maneuver around massage tables or equipment, to provide safe and effective care including the ability to assist with positioning of patients/clients Ability to perform therapeutic interventions and safely utilize equipment that requires sensory awareness, ability to perform palpation, possess fine motor coordination to perform proper massage techniques Use interpersonal skills to professionally and sensitively interact with others verbally, non-verbally, and in writing Ability to express self verbally in a language that will be understood by a majority of patients/clients Ability to explain interventions, provide patient/client education, and assess/relate patient/client response to interventions Possess sufficient interpersonal skills to establish meaningful and effective rapport with patients/clients, families, and colleagues from a variety of different social, emotional, economic, cultural, ethnic, religious, and intellectual backgrounds as well as within all age groups Respect patient/family confidentiality Ability to identify cause-effect relationship in order to make judgments and set priorities in client/therapist situations Recognize physiological changes in patient/clients status and act appropriately Must be able to function during stressful situations Ability to instill confidence in patient/clients