It’s now been a year since I did my CMTO entrance exams (the OSCE and the MCQ). Time really flies when your life is busy! There are times when I just can’t believe it’s been a year already.
I’ve learned a great deal in the last year. I think your first year or two as a new therapist are probably just time for you to find your feet, so to speak. I know I certainly had a lot of ‘finding my feet’ moments over the last year.
In the weeks after my OSCE, I realized that the CMTO is really a pretty fair organization. As a stressed out student, I was worried about how strict their marking would be. Honestly, as long as you exhibit at least basic knowledge of the body for the situations they give you, how to give a massage, how to professionally speak to people, and don’t do anything they feel might harm someone, you’ll probably pass your exams. If during your exam, or after, you find an issue with it that you feel makes a station unreasonable, please report it to the examiners. They appreciate those things, because it improves the integrity of the exam. And those therapists who don’t pass the first time? They aren’t any less of an RMT than the rest of us, they just had to work out some kinks (nervousness in most cases!) before they passed their exam.
In my first few months of practice, I was so nervous. I knew how to massage but I wasn’t really sure about, well, a lot of other things! Business practices, how to properly deal with insurance companies, how an assessment really fits into your practice for the average client. I’d get questions from clients that I didn’t know the answer to, and I’d feel stupid or silly for not knowing the answer.
Those first few months were real learning experiences too. I learned a great deal from the boss at my first clinic, which I am grateful for. I also learned a great deal from the owner of the clinic where I currently work. Having people who can ‘mentor’ you a bit is a good thing at all stages of your practice, but especially when you’re just starting out.
I’d say my business knowledge has improved over the last few years, but especially over the last few months. I’ve learned so much about building a client base and keeping them happy. Advertising methods that work and don’t work. Accounting and keeping good financial records. It’s been a process, but I’m glad to have done it.
My techniques have also improved. I admit I was in a bit of a ‘massage rut’ for a few months there, where nearly all my treatments were very similar: head, neck, shoulders and back, mostly deep tissue. While I wouldn’t say I gave the exact same treatment to every person, I was using a lot of the same techniques. I’ve now started to add in more stretches, more shoulder blade work, and more myofascial work. I hope to take a course on more advanced myofascial techniques in the fall or next spring. On the flip side of that, I’ve also taken Reiki level 1 and am currently learning hot stone massage. For me, having a balance between the standard massage techniques and the more ’spiritual’ ones is important, because I can have a more holistic approach to treatments.
Am I now able to answer client questions more effectively? On most days, yes. I am also able to say that I don’t know or I’m not sure when someone asks something outside of my general knowledge. When I know where to get the answer to something, I go look it up and send them the information.
Basically: This past year has been filled with a lot of learning experiences, and with getting my feet under me. I’m pleased with how it has gone and look forward to continuing to learn and grow and expand my practice.