The Power to Heal Quiz

Massage therapists are probably some of the most interesting, creative, adventurous, and caring people you’ll ever meet. Dreaming of a career in massage therapy? Take the Power to Heal Quiz now. Get insight to your future as a massage therapist by completing this simple quiz and mapping your path to success.

1. What is your preferred lifestyle?	a. On the road: in my car, on a plane, train or boat. b. Always in motion: on my bike, in the gym, in the water, or on the trail. c. Always meeting new people: anywhere where I can socialize and network. d. In a quiet place: in the yoga studio, in my meditation room, at a retreat center, or buried in a book about eastern philosophy or energy healing. e. In a learning environment: in the classroom, lab, library or my favorite reading chair. f. The artist’s life: artistic expression in the fine arts, dance, theatre or music. g. In a community: living in co-housing or a tight-knit community and/or belonging to a community of like-minded people.
2. What expression best describes you?	a. I love to travel and explore new places. b. I’m really fit and active. c. I’m really social – I’m a people person. d. I’m dedicated to a contemplative practice such as yoga or meditation. e. I’m intellectually curious, especially, about the human body and how it works. f. I’m creative – I need to express myself in an artistic way. g. I’m community-oriented. I thrive in a group committed to certain ideals or principles.
3. .What would be your ideal working environment?	a. International, exotic, or urban – someplace new and exciting. b. Self-employed or part-time employment, so I can train or work out a lot. c. At the helm of my own business, including a private practice. d. One-on-one in a peaceful, quiet setting. e. In a learning environment - classroom, library, lab, or at my computer writing. f. Surrounded by artists and healers – in any way, shape or form. g. In a place where I can make a difference – every day.
4. Which of the following best describes the kind of work you have done in the past?	a. English teacher in a foreign country, magician’s assistant, flight attendant b. Professional or amateur athlete, fitness instructor, trainer c. Self-employed, business owner, customer service d. Yoga teacher, minister, active in a spiritual community e. Teacher, researcher, technical writer, scientist, college student (science degree) f. Dancer, musician, actor, painter g. Parent, social worker, counselor, volunteer, nonprofit work
5. Which of the following best describes a great day for you?	a. Buenos Aires – the sights, the neighborhoods, the nightlife - or a trek in the remote reaches of the Amazon jungle. b. Sweaty and active: an all-day hike, a challenging bike ride, or a long swim across a lake. c. A celebration or festival with good food, great people and great networking, too. d. A day at the Yoga Journal Conference or on a meditation retreat. e. In a workshop or seminar that expands my knowledge of the human body f. Dancing, jamming, painting, or performing. g. Planting a community garden, building a house for Habitat for Humanity, working at a soup kitchen.
6. What about massage therapy as a career is most attractive to you?	a. I can work anywhere in the world, which will allow me to travel. b. I’ll learn about the potential of the human body - how to maintain a healthy body and optimal physical performance. c. It’s a booming field – I’ll be able to build a solid practice or massage therapy business. d. It’s a healing art, one that supports the integration of body, mind and spirit. e. I’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the workings of the human body. f. Every massage therapist is unique. I’ll be able to develop my own style – one that reflects my talents, creativity and passion. g. It’s a helping career. I’ll be making a difference in people’s lives each and every
7. What area of massage and bodywork are you most interested in exploring?	a. A unique area, e.g., canine massage, lomilomi, Mayan abdominal massage b. Deep tissue, sports and orthopedic massage c. Spa-related massage, e.g., hot stone massage, body masques and salt scrubs d. Eastern, e.g., shiatsu, reflexology and Thai massage e. Specialization in an area that involves ongoing, in-depth study, e.g., shiatsu, and neuromuscular massage techniques f. All types so I can adapt and create according to my clients’ needs g. Rehabilitative, nurturing massage for elderly, infirm, babies and moms, e.g., Swedish, prenatal/postpartum/infant massage, and energy healing modalities

A. THE ADVENTURER

THE ADVENTURER is invigorated by the new: new people, new places, new cultures, new challenges, and new experiences.

ADVENTURERS PREFER working at destination spas, five-star hotels/resorts, cruise ships, and teaching abroad. They may also build a private practice that is as diverse and daring as they are.

BCMT ADVENTURERS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:
HOTELS & CRUISE SHIPS - The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park, CO), Omni Interlocken Spa (Broomfield, CO), Brown Palace (Denver, CO), Steiner TransOcean (UK) SPAS - Allegria Spa (Beaver Creek, CO), Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa (WA), Sunflower Spa (Longmont, CO), Blue Sage Spa (Breckenridge, CO), Gold Lake Mountain Resort (Ward, CO), Natural Balance (WY), Orvis Hot Springs (Ridgway, CO), Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs, CO), Sensorielle Spa (Boulder, CO), The American Club (Singapore), Zeldas Therapeutic Massage & Spa (Denver, CO)

TEACHING – Canterbury College of Natural Medicine (New Zealand), Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy, Lha Organization (Dharamsala, India), New Zealand College of Massage, Touch Line Institut de Massage Assis (Switzerland)
PRIVATE PRACTICES - in 50 states and over 20 countries

B. THE ATHLETE

THE ATHLETE is at his or her happiest when active, fit, and training for an event. He/she might be an amateur or professional athlete.

ATHLETES PREFER working with athletes and sport teams or in rehabilitative clinics, and therapeutic movement studios. They may also build a private practice around athletes with whom they train or compete, and participate in massage therapy research.

BCMT ATHLETES FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

ATHLETES/SPORTS TEAMS – Ironman champions, The US Postal Service Cycling Team, Colorado Rapids (soccer), U of Virginia (intramural-recreational), US Olympic Hockey Team, San Diego Padres, U.S. National Track Cycling team, Health Net Pro Cycling Team

THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT STUDIOS – Austin BodyWorks (TX), Body Dynamics (Boulder, CO), Boulder Bodyworks (Boulder, CO), Eastside Yoga Shala & Bodywork (HI), Forever Fit (Steamboat Springs, CO), IMX Pilates (national), It’s Yoga Puerto Rico (PR), Kolestar Studio (Longmont, CO), Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center (Boulder, CO), Sangati Healing Arts (NC)

RESEARCH – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (AMTA Foundation), Chronic Tension Headache (National Headache Foundation), Post-Race Recovery Intervention (BCMT)

MASSAGE & BODYWORK CLINICS - BodyOptions Massage Therapy (TN), Bodywise Physical Therapy (Boulder, CO), Boston Bodyworker (MA), Carew Chiropractic (IA), Cassidy’s Massage Clinic (CA), Center for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, Inc. (Littleton, CO), Coreance Rehabilitation & Training Center (Boulder, CO), Full Circle (NJ), Gillette Chiropractic (WY), MassageSpecialists (Boulder/Denver, CO), Medical Massage Center (Littleton, CO), Soulstice (Englewood, CO), The Center for Spine Pain (Greenwood Village/Littleton, CO)

C. THE ENTREPRENEUR

THE ENTREPRENEUR is a self-starter who makes things happen through personality, planning, and persistence.

ENTREPRENEURS PREFER to create new ventures, founding massage therapy clinics, schools, spas, and massage therapy-related businesses.

BCMT ENTREPRENEURS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

PRIVATE PRACTICES - in 50 states and over 20 countries

MASSAGE THERAPY BUSINESSES – Body Systems Therapeutic Massage (KY), Center for Neuromuscular Therapy, (Denver, CO), Inman Oasis (Cambridge, MA), JoyLife Therapeutics Chair Massage (national), MassageSpecialists (Boulder & Denver, CO), Medical Massage Center (Littleton, CO), Soulstice, Inc (Denver & Englewood, CO), The Massage Store & Colorado Healing Arts Products (Boulder, CO), Village Massage (TX), Zeldas Therapeutic Massage & Spa (Denver, CO)

MASSAGE THERAPY SCHOOLS/TRAINING - CenterPoint Massage & Shiatsu Therapy School & Clinic (MN), Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy (Costa Rica), Healing Spirits (Boulder, CO), Lha Organization (Dharamsala, India), Northern Lights School of Massage Therapy (MN), Touch Line Institut de Massage Assis (Switzerland)

D. THE PHILOSOPHER

THE PHILOSOPHER is interested in Eastern philosophy and Eastern healing arts. He/she most likely has a contemplative practice such as yoga or meditation.

PHILOSOPHERS PREFER to work at wellness and integrative health care centers or build a practice around Eastern massage and bodywork therapies. They may also practice complementary health disciplines, and teach in their area of expertise.

BCMT PHILOSOPHERS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

NATURAL MARKETS - Wild Oats Market (national), - Whole Foods (national), Sunflower Farmers Market (Boulder/Denver, CO)

WELLNESS/INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTERS - Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa (WA), Hale Mana Wellness Center (HI), Integrative Health Care Services (MN), Hawthorne Wellness Center (OR), Lha Organization (Dharamsala, India), Medical Massage Center – Colorado Wellness Group (Littleton, CO), The Chiropractic Experience: A Creating Wellness Center (KS), The Wellness Space (IN), Whole Health Wellness Center (Boulder, CO)

THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT STUDIOS – Austin BodyWorks (TX), Body Dynamics (Boulder, CO), Boulder Bodyworks (Boulder, CO), Eastside Yoga Shala & Bodywork (HI), Forever Fit (Steamboat Springs, CO), IMX Pilates (national), It’s Yoga Puerto Rico (PR), Kolestar Studio (Longmont, CO), Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center (Boulder, CO), Sangati Healing Arts (NC)

TEACHING– Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Canterbury College of Natural Medicine (New Zealand), Cortiva Institute (national), Health Works Institute (MT), Institute for Therapeutic Massage (NJ), Mueller College (CA), New Zealand College of Massage (New Zealand), Southwest Acupuncture College, The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (NY), Touch Line Institut de Massage Assis (Switzerland)

E. THE ALCHEMIST

THE ALCHEMIST is fascinated by the human body, and hungers for knowledge, especially about the human body. He/she may have a college degree in the sciences.

ALCHEMISTS PREFER working at medical, rehabilitative, or chiropractic clinics and hospitals. They may also teach science at massage colleges, write books or articles about the body and wellness, and participate in research on massage therapy.

BCMT ALCHEMISTS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

MASSAGE & BODYWORK CLINICS - BodyOptions Massage Therapy (TN), Bodywise Physical Therapy (Boulder, CO), Boston Bodyworker (MA), Carew Chiropractic (IA), Cassidy’s Massage Clinic (CA), Center for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, Inc. (Littleton, CO), Coreance Rehabilitation & Training Center (Boulder, CO), Full Circle (NJ), Gillette Chiropractic (WY), MassageSpecialists (Boulder/Denver, CO), Medical Massage Center (Littleton, CO), Soulstice (Englewood, CO), The Center for Spine Pain (Greenwood Village/Littleton, CO)

HOSPITALS: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, (WY), Exempla Health and Healing Center (Lafayette, CO), Longmont United Hospital (Longmont, CO), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kenya), St Anthony’s (Denver, CO), University Hospital (Denver, CO)

TEACHING– Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Canterbury College of Natural Medicine (New Zealand), Cortiva Institute (national), Health Works Institute (MT), Institute for Therapeutic Massage (NJ), Mueller College (CA), New Zealand College of Massage (New Zealand), Southwest Acupuncture College, The Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy (NY), Touch Line Institut de Massage Assis (Switzerland)

WRITING – Le Massage Assis: Art Traditionnel Japonais D'accupression AMMA (Editions Jouvence), Recapture Your Heath (Sunrise Health Coach Publications), Teaching Massage (ABMP), “The Treatment of Diabetes” (Massage Magazine), The Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Chinese Medicine (Blue Poppy)

RESEARCH – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (AMTA Foundation), Chronic Tension Headache (National Headache Foundation) Post-Race Recovery Intervention (BCMT)

F. THE ARTIST

THE ARTIST is inspired by beauty, art, music, dance and self-expression. Always in need of a creative outlet, he/she may pursue an artistic endeavor as an amateur or professional in music, dance, theatre, radio, or TV.

ARTISTS PREFER to work part-time in private practice in gorgeously decorated space, leaving time for artistic pursuits. They work in varied settings allowing, working with a diverse clientele and employing a combination of techniques. They may also build up practice from the artists in their field.

BCMT ARTISTS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

BACKSTAGE - Members and crew of touring groups (music, dance and theatre) such as Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Cirque de Soleil, Blink182, Widespread Panic, Ween, Grateful Dead, Phish, and String Cheese Incident. In recent years, the producers of Broadway shows such as The Lion King, 42nd Street, Oklahoma, Riverdance have all hired massage therapists for on-call, backstage sessions.

SPAS - Allegria Spa (Beaver Creek, CO), Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa (WA), Sunflower Spa (Longmont, CO), Blue Sage Spa (Breckenridge, CO), Gold Lake Mountain Resort (Ward, CO), Natural Balance (WY), Orvis Hot Springs (Ridgway, CO), Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Steamboat Springs, CO), Sensorielle Spa (Boulder, CO), The American Club (Singapore), Zeldas Therapeutic Massage & Spa (Denver, CO)

THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT STUDIOS – Austin BodyWorks (TX), Body Dynamics (Boulder, CO), Boulder Bodyworks (Boulder, CO), Eastside Yoga Shala & Bodywork (HI), Forever Fit (Steamboat Springs, CO), IMX Pilates (national), It’s Yoga Puerto Rico (PR), Kolestar Studio (Longmont, CO), Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center (Boulder, CO), Sangati Healing Arts (NC)

WELLNESS/INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTERS - Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa (WA), Hale Mana Wellness Center (HI), Integrative Health Care Services (MN), Hawthorne Wellness Center (OR), Lha Organization (Dharamsala, India) Medical Massage Center – Colorado Wellness Group (Littleton, CO), The Chiropractic Experience: A Creating Wellness Center (KS), The Wellness Space (IN), Whole Health Wellness Center (Boulder, CO),

G. THE ACTIVIST

THE ACTIVIST is dedicated to causes – save a tree, heal the planet, create world peace. He/she is a community builder who’s often green conscious, politically active, and passionate about making the world a better place.

ACTIVISTS PREFER to work in places that nurture a specific group of people such as rehabilitative clinics, hospitals and hospice. They may start a private practice within an integrative health center or build private practices that allow them to nurture a particular clientele.

BCMT ACTIVISTS FOUND EMPLOYMENT:

NATURAL MARKETS - Wild Oats Market (national), - Whole Foods (national), Sunflower Farmers Market (Boulder/Denver, CO)

WELLNESS/INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTERS - Ballard Health Center & Wellness Spa (WA), Hale Mana Wellness Center (HI), Integrative Health Care Services (MN), Hawthorne Wellness Center (OR), Lha Organization (Dharamsala, India), Medical Massage Center – Colorado Wellness Group (Littleton, CO), The Chiropractic Experience: A Creating Wellness Center (KS), The Wellness Space (IN), Whole Health Wellness Center (Boulder, CO)

MASSAGE & BODYWORK CLINICS - BodyOptions Massage Therapy (TN), Bodywise Physical Therapy (Boulder, CO), Boston Bodyworker (MA), Carew Chiropractic (IA), Cassidy’s Massage Clinic (CA), Center for Neuromuscular Massage Therapy, Inc. (Littleton, CO), Coreance Rehabilitation & Training Center (Boulder, CO), Full Circle (NJ), Gillette Chiropractic (WY), MassageSpecialists (Boulder/Denver, CO), Medical Massage Center (Littleton, CO), Soulstice (Englewood, CO), The Center for Spine Pain (Greenwood Village/Littleton, CO)

HOSPITALS - Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, (WY), Exempla Health and Healing Center (Lafayette, CO), Longmont United Hospital (Longmont, CO), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (Kenya), St Anthony’s (Denver, CO), University Hospital (Denver, CO)