Noel Olsen

Noel Olsen graduated from the Professional Massage Program from the Salt Lake campus of the Utah College of Massage Therapy in June of 2000. Noel has been in the employ of the Armed Forces since the Vietnam War. He decided to attend the Utah College of Massage Therapy to better serve the athletes of the Army throughout the United States. Upon graduation, Noel set up a part-time private practice and began working with the military to implement massage therapy into the athletic programs of the military. He recently sent a Salt Lake campus Career Counselor the following update:

"I am the coach of the Utah National Guard Biathlon Team. While I was in school I took my table with me to training camps and national competitions. Since graduating last June, I’ve had the opportunity to do five more training camps and competitions. My trips are usually nine or ten days each. Officially, the Army does not have massage therapy. A typical day for me is to do four or five massages per day in the afternoon and evening. The Army pays my travel and per diem plus regular Army pay. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a broad range of cross-country skiers from beginners to Olympic Team members. I’ve also had a really great experience in working with a great Sports Massage Therapist from West Yellowstone… So far, my invitations to work with the Army Biathlon Team is about equal to the time I can spare away from my regular job. My skill in massage therapy has greatly increased my value to the athletes I work with and it has likely been the reason for my increased opportunity to travel with the team."