Date Completed

Self-Assessment Tool
Instructions for using the Self Assessment Tool

_____________________
November
29, 2014

RETAIN FOR YOUR RECORDS

STEP 1: Create your personal knowledge and skill inventory

A listing of the key knowledge and skill competencies needed by massage therapists is contained in the
Knowledge and Skill Inventory.
Read over each statement. Ask yourself, Can I consistently and reliably do this? Then place a checkmark in
either the Satisfactory or Needs Development column against that statement. (You may end up with several
checkmarks in the Needs Development column. Dont worry, youll only need to choose 3 areas for
development this cycle.)
STEP 2: Assess your overall level in each competency.
Using the easy Five-point Scale, on page 10, determine your overall level for each competency. It is not
necessary to determine levels for each knowledge and/or skill statement. Use the scale as a guide to make your
most honest assessment. Assigning your level is more an art than a sciencea method to help you determine
where to focus your development.
Enter your rating against the appropriate competency listed on the Target Levels page in the Your Level
column.
Remember: This self-assessment process is designed to help you clearly identify which areas will be most beneficial for you to develop. To
gain the most from this exercise, you will need to be honest with your self-assessment. Being true to yourself is the only way for you to
identify your critical development areas. You may find that you rate yourself as a 1 or 2 in several competencies. Please

remember that no rating can be lower than 1 or higher than 5.

STEP 3: Determine the difference and choose 3 areas for development

Compare Your Level with the Target Level for each competency. In the Difference column enter the
positive (if you rate higher) or negative (if you rate lower) amount of the difference between the target level and
your level. If the target level and your level are the same, enter 0 in the difference column.
Scan the Difference column to identify what you consider to be your most significant areas for development.
Highlight those competencies.
Now, go back to your Knowledge and Skill Inventory, review the checked boxes for your selected competencies
and choose three areas to develop over the next cycle.
Add the reference numbers of your three selected development statements (i.e. 4.7) to the space provided at the
bottom of the Target Levels document.
A point to consider: Some knowledge and skills are easier to learn than others and take far less time. Some can be learned through
attending a course or seminar; others can only be learned through experience and persistence. When choosing your three areas, be careful to
ensure a good mix of development that will not prove to be too easy or onerous on you.
STEP 4: Build a development plan
Now using the Development Log write the reference number of the development statement in the first column.
In the second column, write down the actual competency and development statement.
Now, identify how you plan to develop that particular knowledge or skill. Think about courses/workshops that
are available; research using books, magazine articles and the internet; attending discussion groups; using a mentor
or shadowing a peer therapist to help you learn. There are many different ways to learn. Add this information
to the third column.

Also, think of situations when you have found learning to be easy and enjoyable. How did you go about learning? Do you learn best in a
structured/classroom environment or by teaching yourself at your own pace? This will give you a good indication of your learning
preference/style. If you make learning enjoyable, you are far more likely to acquire and apply the newly learned knowledge and skill.
In the fourth column, set a reasonable time frame for completing your development. Take into consideration the
method you plan to use and how long it will take; consider your client schedule, upcoming vacations, etc.
In the last column, indicate how you will determine whether you have been successful in learning and applying the
newly acquired knowledge or skill. This may be through feedback from peers, clients or even through a peer
assessment. Everyday, you come into contact with a variety of people who can provide you with valuable
feedback.
You will need to evaluate this area carefully, otherwise your time spent in development might not be maximized. Do not overlook this
important step ensure it is complete before moving onto the next development topic.
Repeat the previous steps for the other two areas you have chosen to develop.
An optional step you may choose to complete is to determine which competencies you have identified as
strengths. (They will show as a positive number in the Difference column.) You may possess a particular
expertise that can be shared with others. Consider various activities, (i.e. mentoring, facilitating discussion groups,
workshops, writing articles, working on committees) that will assist others with their personal development and
help you maintain and possibly enhance your current expertise.
Add this information to your Development Log.
Remember to review your Development Log annually. This will help you keep track of your progress and allow you to
re-prioritize the knowledge and/or skills you are developing. You may have completed all your areas for development
and are ready for the next challenge. You can review the ticked boxes and the notes you have already made; then
choose new areas you would like to develop.
How does this process help me?
This self-assessment questionnaire has been developed with input from your peers as part of the Colleges Quality
Assurance Program (QAP). It has been designed to help you identify your current levels of knowledge and skill and
areas that you consider may need development. This should become the basis for your CEU activity selection over
your cycle.

Knowledge and Skills Inventory

Competency Title

Satisfactory

Need
Develop
-ment

Knowledge and Skills

Read each statement and ask yourself: Can I consistently and reliably? If the answer is
yes, place a checkmark in the Satisfactory column. If the answer is no, place a checkmark
in the Needs Development column.
General Competencies These knowledge and skills are transferable and can be used in most professions. They are
organized in alphabetical order for easy reference.

1. Business Acumen

2. Business
Development

3. Client Focus

4. Client Relations

I can consistently and reliably:

1. Understand and implement general principles of business management.
2. Understand the general principles of financial management, accounting,
budgeting, personal and business taxes.
3. Understand relevant legislation, restrictions and functions of regulatory bodies
4. Understand business ownership issues/concerns.
5. Identify what constitutes reasonable fees for services and create appropriate
fee structure.
6. Understand the impact of client satisfaction on business results and client
outcomes.
7. Operate all applicable business systems/software essential to perform work,
improve effectiveness and profitability.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Examine current client base to identify retention and expansion potential.
2. Identify target client groups for marketing initiatives.
3. Develop business plans that articulate business goals and timelines.
4. Develop a network of contacts to expand business.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Encourage and be responsive to clients choices regarding treatment.
2. Encourage the clients full involvement in the planning, implementation and
management of their own healthcare.
3. Adjust treatment in line with changing client preferences and priorities.
4. Act in the clients best interest at all times.
5. Advocate, respect and support clients ethical and moral rights.
6. Identify clients objectives and jointly develop reasonable goals.
7. Follow-up with client regarding satisfaction levels and/or reasons for
discontent.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Interact cooperatively with clients and substitute decision-makers.
2. Acknowledge, value and respect others needs, viewpoints, opinions and
cultural beliefs.
3. Recognize and respect client boundaries.
4. Demonstrate empathy and concern for the feelings and needs of others.
5. Create rapport by establishing open and honest communication.
6. Define therapeutic relationships including therapist/client power differential,
transference/countertransference, privileged communication and
confidentiality.
7. Provide constructive feedback and willingly accept feedback from others.

Competency Title

Satisfactory

Need
Develop
-ment

5. Communication

6. Compliance

7. Conflict Resolution

8. Interprofessional
Relations

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Provide complete and accurate information in a sensitive and timely manner.
2. Communicate verbally, clearly articulating the meaning and content of the
message.
3. Listen effectively, using silence and questioning techniques to clarify
communication.
4. Recognize own body language and interpret body language of others.
5. Use language and terminology that is suitable to each persons understanding
and background.
6. Acknowledge the client.
7. Write clear, concise treatment plans, reports, letters and memos in a timely
manner.
8. Make effective formal and informal presentations.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand and comply with:
Regulated Health Professions Act
Massage Therapy Act and its regulations
Healthcare Consent Act
Standards of Practice
Code of Ethics
Other applicable legislation (municipal, provincial and federal).
2. Comply with informed choice and consent requirements.
3. Report any occurrence required under the Mandatory Reporting requirements.
4. Understand insurance regulations and issues particularly with respect to third
party billing.
5. Safeguard/protect the clients right to physical and emotional privacy and
confidentiality.
6. Recognize potential conflicts of interest and deal with related issues and
conduct.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Bring conflicts into the open to enable collaborative resolution.
2. Maintain objectivity.
3. Use disagreements as a tool to strengthen working relationships and improve
client focus.
4. Seek assistance, when necessary, if conflicts arise between the therapist and
the client.
5. Address important issues, recognizing the difference between main and lesser
issues.
6. Acknowledge the value in all points of view.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Collaborate with members of other healthcare professions and third party
payers to meet public and individual healthcare needs.
2. Refer clients to other healthcare providers/specialists and draw on their
expertise to improve client outcomes.
3. Demonstrate respect and support for other healthcare professions and members
4. Promote teamwork and consider others needs.
5. Work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds and adapt
responses/approach accordingly.

Competency Title

Satisfactory

Need
Develop
-ment

9. Ongoing Learning

10. Problem Solving

and Decision
Making

11. Records
Management

12. Self Management

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Take responsibility for own learning and personal development.
2. Assess own levels of knowledge, skill and judgement in relation to
professional norms.
3. Continuously seek and assimilate new information.
4. Access and use the internet to communicate with other healthcare
professions/practitioners and access new information.
5. Openly seek opportunities for learning.
6. Use criticism and knowledge of past mistakes to avoid future mistakes.
7. Share learning with others.
8. Seek out new technology to support and enhance performance.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand and apply critical thinking techniques.
2. Identify the source of the problem by gathering and analyzing sufficient
information before making a decision.
3. Generate and consider innovative alternatives.
4. Evaluate potential risk and impact of possible solutions.
5. Identify and remove potential barriers.
6. Use sound judgement, combining knowledge and experience, and make
timely, effective decisions.
7. Recognize own limitations when making decisions and know when they
should be referred.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Set-up and maintain accurate client clinical records in accordance with
regulations and standards.
2. Establish and maintain accurate business records including financial, business,
equipment and client appointment records.
3. Establish and maintain an effective filing system whether manual or computerbased adhering to security and protection procedures.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Be aware of own values and identify when value conflicts interfere with client
care.
2. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
3. Be accountable for own actions and decisions.
4. Perform only those functions for which one is qualified.
5. Set realistic timeframes that do not compromise quality of care.
6. Take responsibility for own health and well being.

Technical Competencies - These knowledge and skills are specific to Massage Therapy.

For ease of use, they have

been organized by process. e.g. the most logical order.

13. Anatomy

I can consistently and reliably:

1. Use directional vocabulary (e.g. proximal & distal).
2. Use movement vocabulary (e.g. flexion & extension).
3. Use anatomical vocabulary (e.g. scapula vs. shoulder blade).
4. Identify relevant anatomical landmarks and:
Muscles and tendons
Fascia and connective tissue
Bones
Joints
Viscera
Major arteries and veins
Lymphatic vessels
Central and peripheral nervous systems
5

Competency Title

Satisfactory

Need
Develop
-ment

14. Physiology

15. Pathology

16. Massage Theory

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand the operation, functions and impact of:
Cells
Inflammation and Repair
Tissues, i.e. epithelial, connective, muscle, nerve
Regulation of homeostasis
Nervous system
Muscular system
Cardiovascular system
Lymphatic system
Immune system
Respiratory system
Renal system
Gastrointestinal system
Endocrine system
Reproductive system
Integumentary system
Fluid and electrolyte dynamics
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand the reactions of the body to injury such as:
Cellular adaptation/tissue responses
Neoplasia/anaplasia
Cellular degeneration/necrosis
Infective agents
2. Understand the pathophysiological process of:
Inflammation and Repair
Nervous system (e.g. Flaccidity, spasticity, neuritis, upper/lower motor
neuron lesions)
Muscular pathologies (e.g. contraction, spasm, trauma)
Cardiovascular pathologies (e.g. Congestive heart failure, Hypertension)
Lymphatic pathologies (e.g. Edema, Malignancy)
Immune pathologies (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, HIV)
Respiratory pathologies (e.g. Asthma, Emphysema)
Renal pathologies (e.g. Kidney Stones, failure)
Gastrointestinal pathologies (e.g. colitis, diverticulitis)
Endocrine pathologies (e.g. adrenal insufficiency, hypo/hyperthyroid)
Reproductive pathologies (e.g. ovarian cysts, prostatitis)
Skin pathologies (e.g. lipoma, atopic dermatitis)
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances (e.g. hypokalemia)
Infectious diseases (e.g. hepatitis, tuberculosis)
Skeletal pathologies (e.g. osteoporosis, osteoarthritis)
Psychopathology (e.g. anorexia, mental and emotional conditions)
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. scurvy, vitamins and minerals)
3. Understand pain, pain theories and pain referral theories.
4. Understand maladaptive stress responses.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand the principles and practice of massage therapy.
2. Employ critical thinking skills in planning client care.
3. Apply knowledge, skills and judgement derived from various sources and
disciplines.
4. Understand the contraindications of therapeutic treatment.
5. Understand mechanical and reflex effects of therapeutic treatment on client
health and well being.
6

Competency Title
17. Massage
Techniques

Satisfactory

Need
Develop
-ment

18. Client Assessment

19. Pre-treatment

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Apply Swedish Techniques, e.g. effleurage, petrissage, tapotement,
rocking/shaking, stroking and vibrations.
2. Apply other techniques such as:
Joint mobilization
Stretch techniques
Trigger point therapy
Fascial therapy
Frictions
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Identify and record through effective questioning, the clients overall situation,
history, and goals, using subjective and objective techniques.
2. Examine client by observing gait, posture, signs of pain and general well
being.
3. Apply regional assessment techniques.
4. Perform special tests, including:
Orthopedic
Neurologic
Circulatory
Muscular (e.g. pain at rest, stretch, resisted action)
Range of motion
Proprioception
Client questionnaires (e.g. Oswestry, Vernon-Mior)
5. Develop an appropriate treatment plan which includes:
Measurable goals and outcomes
Client expectations and commitment
Types of treatment(s)
Effects of treatment(s)
Frequency and duration
Client self-care plan
Ongoing client evaluation
6. Analyze responses and interpret information to determine clients needs.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Prepare the treatment area and self in accordance with the prescribed
Standards of Practice.
2. Position and drape the client appropriately for treatment.
3. Clearly communicate the role of the massage therapist.
4. Inform clients of other healthcare service options and treatments known to
you, or refer to medical practitioner.
5. Provide information about the proposed treatment, alternatives, material
affects, risk and side affects, and consequences of receiving or not receiving
treatment.
6. Receive proper consent for treatment.

Competency Title

Satisfactory

20. Applying
Treatments

Need
Develop
-ment

21. Hydrotherapy

22. Remedial Exercise

23. Ongoing Client

Evaluation

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Identify and adapt treatment for the client through the stages of healing.
2. Apply appropriate techniques, within the scope of practice, for the treatment
of:
Inflammation and repair
Nervous system (e.g. flaccidity, spasticity, neuritis, upper/lower motor
neuron lesions)
Muscular conditions (e.g. contraction, spasm, contusion)
Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. hypertension)
Lymphatic conditions (e.g. edema, drainage)
Immune conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Respiratory conditions (e.g. Asthma, Emphysema)
Gastrointestinal conditions (e.g. constipation, spastic colon)
Reproductive conditions (e.g. secondary treatment of symptoms)
Skin conditions (e.g. skin adhesions, scar tissue)
Skeletal conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis, scoliosis, fractures)
Psychopathology (e.g. stress, depression)
Pain management
Trigger points
Fascial dysfunction
Prenatal/post natal care
Postural, structural and biomechanical conditions
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand the principles of hydrotherapy and adapt applications.
2. Understand the effects, properties and functions of water.
3. Understand definitions of temperatures.
4. Apply various hydrotherapy techniques (e.g. local and systemic applications of
hot and cold, cryotherapy, baths).
5. Employ appropriate additives.
6. Control treatment variables (e.g. temperature, duration of treatment, water
pressure, degree of submersion).
7. Monitor client during treatment.
8. Maintain hygiene and care of equipment.
9. Monitor specific contraindications for the use of hot, cold and contrasts.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand and apply the principles of therapeutic remedial exercise.
2. Understand the principles of kinesiology, kinematics and kinetics.
3. Understand muscle and ligament biomechanics.
4. Understand the effects, uses, indications and contraindications for remedial
exercise.
5. Understand the differences between safe versus unsafe aerobic exercise.
6. Identify the conditions affecting the application of therapeutic exercises.
7. Perform range of motion exercises.
8. Design an appropriate program of exercise and ensure correct performance by
client.
9. Monitor progress.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Observe, understand and interpret clients responses to treatment and adjust
treatment accordingly.
2. Select and implement an evaluation process that will monitor the effectiveness
of the treatment plan and maximize patient outcomes.
3. Collect, analyze and use the evaluation feedback to identify personal strengths
and weaknesses and to improve practice standards.
8

Competency Title

Satisfactory

24. Healthcare Services

Knowledge

Need
Develop
-ment

25. Public Health

Knowledge and Skills

I can consistently and reliably:
1. Interpret the applicability and impact of relevant legislation.
2. Maintain an awareness of current issues and events, and their impact on
healthcare services and the general public.
3. Assess future trends and their impact on healthcare services and the general
public.
I can consistently and reliably:
1. Understand and apply the principles of hygiene and sanitation as they relate to
the client, equipment and materials and the work environment.
2. Understand the role of public health inspectors.
3. Understand the control of:
Communicable diseases
Micro-organisms: viruses, bacteria and parasites
Sexually transmitted diseases
4. Advocate with other healthcare providers to promote and support social
changes that enhance individual and community health and well being.

Choose three items from the Knowledge and Skills Inventory that youve checked as Needs
Development. Record these items in the space provided below, on the target level documents and on
your development log. Use the reference number of the specific areas you will be developing, for
example, 22.5 Understanding the differences between safe versus unsafe aerobic exercise.
1. Development Area
18.2 Examine client by observing gait, posture, signs of pain and general well being.

2. Development Area
22.1 Understand and apply the principles of therapeutic remedial exercise.

3. Development Area
21.1 Understand the principles of hydrotherapy and adapt applications

FIVE-POINT SCALE
Use this scale to determine the overall level of knowledge and skill you have in each competency. Read the definitions and
then enter your level in the appropriate column on the Target Level form.

TITLE

KNOWLEDGE

SKILL

LEVEL
1

AWARENESS/ENTRY

Fundamental awareness and

knowledge of essential concepts
and processes in the competency
area.

Able to recognize concepts or

processes and refer to others for
assistance.
Able to apply minimal/limited skills
within competency area (Dependent).

BASIC

Basic knowledge and

understanding of general concepts
and processes in the competency
area.

Able to work without assistance in

many skill areas of the competency.
Still needs assistance with application
of some skills (Partially independent).

OPERATIONAL

Practical working knowledge and

understanding of standard,
everyday concepts and processes

Able to apply skills in routine, stable

situations without assistance
(Independent).

EXTENSIVE

Comprehensive knowledge and

understanding of standard and
non-standard concepts and
processes.

Able to apply skills in complex,

diverse, unstable and shifting
situations.
Uses knowledge and skills to interact
with other disciplines to advance
organizational effectiveness
(Organizational interdependence).

EXPERT

Vast, widespread, expert

knowledge and understanding of
competency area.

Able to contribute to and advance

global thinking in area of competence.
Recognized as a leader/expert by peers
(Global interdependence).

10

Target Levels (For your own records)

Using the easy Five-point Scale, on page 10, determine your overall level for each competency. It is not necessary to
determine levels for each knowledge and/or skill statement. Use the scale as a guide to make your most honest assessment
Enter your rating against the appropriate competency listed in the Target Level column in the Your Level column.
Your
Level

Target
Level

COMPETENCY

Difference

General:
1.

BUSINESS ACUMEN

2.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

3.

CLIENT FOCUS

4.

CLIENT RELATIONS

5.

COMMUNICATION

6.

COMPLIANCE

7.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

8.

INTERPROFESSIONAL RELATIONS

9.

ONGOING LEARNING

2
1
4
4
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3

10. PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

11. RECORDS MANAGEMENT
12. SELF MANAGEMENT

1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1

Technical:

3
3
3
4
4
3
4
4
3
3
4
2
3

13. ANATOMY
14. PHYSIOLOGY
15. PATHOLOGY
16. MASSAGE THEORY
17. MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
18. CLIENT ASSESSMENT
19. PRE-TREATMENT
20. APPLYING TREATMENTS
21. HYDROTHERAPY
22. REMEDIAL EXERCISE
23. ONGOING CLIENT EVALUATION
24. HEALTHCARE SERVICES KNOWLEDGE
25. PUBLIC HEALTH
1. Development Area

1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
T

21.1

2. Development Area
22.1

3. Development Area

Using your Knowledge and Skill Inventory, fill in the reference

number of the specific area you will be developing. i.e. 4.7, 5.1,
17.1..

18.2

11

September, 4 2014
November, 29 2014
Development Log from ___________________
to ____________________
(Date)

Ref.#
Example

4.7

What do I need to develop?

How will I learn it?

Client Relations:
Provide constructive feedback and willingly accept
feedback from others.

Take a course on giving and receiving feedback.

Read books/articles I can obtain from the library.
Ask for feedback from clients and peers. Analyze
how I respond. Ask peers how they felt giving me
feedback and how I reacted.
(d) Participate in local discussion group.
(e) Implement a client feedback sheet and follow-up
with clients on both positive and negative
feedback.
(a)
(b)
(c)

Understand the principles of hydrotherapy and

adapt applications.

Review text books

Include Hydrotherapy in practice more

21.1

Ask question to peers and professors

Understand and apply the principles of

therapeutic remedial exercise.

Review textbooks
Provide patients with better home care

22.1

Read a new book on Remedial exersize

Examine client by observing gait, posture,

signs of pain and general well being.

Review textbooks
Practice on the public

18.2

Ref.#
Example

2.3

17.1

25.1

Focus on the gait of patients

Area of Strength

Business Development
Develop business plans that articulate business goals and
timelines.
Apply Swedish Techniques, e.g. effleurage, petrissage,
tapotement, rocking/shaking, stroking and vibrations.

Understand and apply the principles of hygiene and

sanitation as they relate to the client, equipment and
materials and the work environment.

12

How will I use this?

(a) Develop a course in creating business plans and
goals.
(b) Find out how to apply for CEUs.
To warm up muscle tissues
To relieve patents stress

To keep my practice clean and orgainized

To maintain standards of practice

How will I know Ive learned it?

By when?
September 30th, 2005

When people thank me for giving them feedback that has been honest and open.
When I can react positively to negative feedback from clients and peers, and use it to
improve/enhance my business and performance.
When I can view feedback as an important tool for my personal growth and development.
When people tell me that I have been open to receiving feedback and have not been
defensive.

When i confidently adapt hydrotherapy for a client

September 30, 2015

When I confidently perform it during practice

21.1

when I buy a book about remedial exersize

When I confidently perform it during practice
September 30, 2015
22.1

Confidently perform a gait assessment

September 30, 2015
18.2

Development for next year

Additional Comments

21.2 Massage Techniques Apply other techniques

Intra-oral treatment

None

23.1

Observe, understand and interpret clients

responses to treatment and adjust treatment
accordingly

13