Questions & Answers

If you have a question about the Spa Industry, ask it here

1. Rating: +9

   

   I’m finished school now and would love to work in a spa. Can I get training that will increase my chances for employment?

   Institute of Spa Management offers several programs that may of interest to you. Our most popular is the Spa Management course which covers every aspect of acting as manager or director of a spa. Some of the courses covered in this program are: Business Management, Marketing, Retail Sales, Human Resources, Customer Service and Finances. If you need more information, do not hesitate to contact us or post your comments here. Thanks!

2. Rating: +8

   

   How long does it take to complete the Spa Management course? It sounds like exactly what I am looking for but I don't really want to be in school for years! Please let me know ASAP - Amy

   Hi Amy - Thanks for your interest in ISM's college level spa management program. Study is self-paced, meaning you can do studies around your busy home and career life. We do have some students that complete the course in 3-5 months, committing about 15-20 hours a week. Students with busier schedules take 6-12 months to complete the course, committing 2-6 hours a week. Each module of the program includes approximately 20 hours of reading, review and chapter assignments plus an exam and a comprehensive, written essay assignment that is turned in for grading at the end of each module. Currently, there are 8 modules in the Spa Management Program. I hope this information was helpful. Let us know if you have further questions.

3. Rating: +10

   

   Do I need to be a beautician to start a career in the spa industry. I have management experience and have always wanted to work in the spa industry but have no direct experience. Thanks in advance, M. Parker

   Hi M - A background in general management is a very good start. You do not need to be a clinician or an aesthetician to become a spa manager or director. In fact, more and more of the high end spas are looking for business professionals to manage their facilities - due to the ever increasing competitive nature of the industry and the demands of discerning clientele. When a spa manager has to juggle staffing, clients, finances, marketing and business operations - it takes a skilled business executive, preferably with an educational background in spa management. If you want to get your feet wet, spas in every city are always looking for receptionists, reservation/booking clerks and client service liaisons. This would be a great way to jump into the industry and gain some inside industry knowledge while you are completing your Spa Management Program. If you have any more questions, we are here to help!

4. Rating: +5

   

   What is the difference between your school programs and taking it at a local university? I want to make sure that I get the best education possible so I can get a great job working on a cruise ship in the spa. Paulina L.

   Paulina: That is a very good question and I am glad you asked. The most important difference is that there are very FEW colleges or universities that even offer a specialized management program for the Spa Industry. Although there are hundreds of schools that offer programs for estheticians and massage therapists, there are only a scant few that offer Spa Management training. The schools that do offer Spa Management programs require you to attend the school which may be very inconvenient if you have a full time job, a family or are not located near the school. Institute of Spa Management offers college level programs and individual courses that will provide you with excellent management training for the spa industry - day spas, destination spas, medical spas and even the cruise industry is covered within our Spa Management Program. All of our programs and courses are offered via distance education meaning you can study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world. However, we have an online learning center where you can get help and support from teachers and tutors and discuss assignments with other students. If you need more info, let us know...

5. Rating: +1

   

   Hi ISM - I am a recent graduate of your Spa Management program. I have a job interview and I want to bring a copy of my grades. How do I get a copy from your office? I am very excited about this interview with a large hotel spa and I want to be able to show how well I did in school. I believe it will really help me get the job. Please email me as soon as possible. T. Clooney (Student #13942)

   Tina: All you need to do is log into your personal account at the ISM Learning Center and access the folder marked as GRADES. If you need an official transcript from ISM right away, simply send off a quick email to your Student Liaison directly and she can quickly fax or email you an official marks transcript. You will also receive an official copy of your marks with your certification diploma. You received an interview so quickly, we haven't had time to get those to you yet! Best of luck with your pending job interview - keep us posted!!

6. Rating: +2

   

   My husband and I are heading off on a couples vacation and looking for a resort in Southern California that has spa and golf. Any suggestions for a resort that has great amenities and services for both of us?

   There are a few that I would recommend:

   La Quinta Resort & Club has been a Hollywood hideaway since the roaring 20's. Very close to Palm Springs, La Quinta has a fabulous 23,000 square-foot spa, and FIVE championship golf courses. Not small and intimate but big on amenities and services.

   Palm Desert in Palm Desert is a Marriott Resort & Spa. They offer 36 holes of championship golf, and a 30,000 square foot spa that includes fabulous hot and cold plunge pools and are famous for their Ayurvedic treatments.

   Have a fabulous time on your couples retreat - Be sure to come back and tell us about it!

7. Rating: +0

   

   How could I get A scholarship...I read an article al spa opprtunities magazine, thank you in advance! Sugey Villalon

   Sugey, thank you for your interest in ISM and our scholarship program.

   You can download our scholarship application at the following link: http://www.spacollege.org/ism_scholarships.php

   If you need further assistance, please feel free to let us know what we can do to help.

   Team ISM

8. Rating: +1

   

   Hi, I am considering your Management Course, but would like to know which educational institute recognizes your certification, or if you have references/recommendations by third parties. Best regards, Matthijs

   Matthijs:

   Thanks for your interest in the ISM Spa Management Program. ISM is a privately owned company and considered a training company for adult learners. The programs offered are considered continuing education and we are not a college or university, nor do we claim to be. Having said that, the Spa Management Program is college level training and one of the best training programs available online for students looking to break into a spa management career. Our program is a certificate program that is recognized by many leading spas around the world, and our curriculum is rigorous and broad based, in terms of high-level management skill that applies directly to the spa industry. You will receive official transcripts of your grades, as well as a certificate of completion.

   Team ISM

9. Rating: +1

   

   I have done B.com & i am working in call center from last four years & i want to beigin my carrer in spa industry. I am from india, could u pls help.

   Having a B.Comm is a great asset when taking the ISM Spa Management Program - although it is not required, our program is college level with an online exam and a written essay assignment required for each of the 10 modules in the program. Being in India is NO problem - We ship you your 10 module textbooks and you study using your text and via our busy online learning center. Assignments and exams are done online so you never need to mail anything back to us in the USA. It is very convenient for international students and our program is recognized by spas around the globe.

   More information can be found on our website at the following URL: http://www.spacollege.org/spa_training_courses.php

   Team ISM

10. Rating: +1

    

    Do you have statistics on graduated students placements? Thanks.

    In our popular Spa Management Program, we have a very high rate of success and graduate placements following completion. It is true that about 20% of our students are already employed in the spa industry. Some are studying with us because their employer is sponsoring their studies because they are being groomed for a management position. Recently we have a student who is currently in the program that was promoted from Asst. Spa Manager to Spa Manager because her employer was impressed with what she was learning and bringing to her job.

    In terms of students who are not employed in the spa industry when they begin the program, approximately 42% of our students have secured an entry level position before they finish the program with another 30% gaining employment within the spa industry quickly following graduation. As you can imagine, not all students let us know what happens once they leave the program.

    We have a newly launched ISM Job & Career Center that allows spas and employers to post job postings and internships for our students and that has proven to be a very popular new feature in the short time it has been operating.

    More information is available at http://www.spacollege.org

    Team ISM

11. Rating: +0

    

    Hello, do you provide any placement cell for students who complete the Spa Management Training from your institute?

    We have a newly launched ISM Job & Career Center that allows spas and employers (worldwide) to post job postings and internships for our students and that has proven to be a very popular new feature in the short time it has been operating.

    More information is available at http://www.spacollege.org

    Team ISM

12. Rating: +0

    

    I am from india how can i join in the spa management course?

    Being in India is NO problem - We ship your module textbooks (without charge - shipment is included in our study fees) and you study using your textbooks and via our busy online learning center. Assignments and exams are done online so you never need to mail anything back to us in the USA. It is very convenient for international students and our program is recognized by spas around the globe.

    More information can be found on our website at the following URL: http://www.spacollege.org/spa_training_courses.php

    Team ISM

13. Rating: +1

    

    i am currently finishing up advanced esthetic , however i want to pursue spa management. how do i proeceed to get started

    Hi there and thanks for your interest in the Spa Management Program at Institute of Spa Management. It is so easy to get started! You simply visit our Courses page and immediately download the information. http://www.spacollege.org/request_a_course_outline.php

    Tuition is affordable and we offer weekly and monthly payment plans, so it is affordable for everyone. Textbooks are shipped to you immediately upon enrollment and you receive access to our busy interactive online learning center - essentially you can start right away!!

    If you need further information, please feel free to contact us via the ISM website http://www.spacollege.org/contact.php or call an ISM specialist:
    Toll Free: 1-800-708-5403
    Direct Line: 718-249-4886 (for callers outside of North America)

14. Rating: +0

    

    Once your Spa management program is completed, is there any test applied in order to achieve any sort of diploma or certification?

    The Spa Management Program consists of 10 modules. For each module, you must submit a written essay assignment and take an online exam. Each module is worth 10% of your overall program grade. You will receive official transcripts of your grades, as well as a ISM certification of completion.

    Complete information on the program can be found in the download area at http://www.spacollege.org/request_a_course_outline.php

    Team ISM

15. Rating: +0

    

    what does spa stand for?

    The word “spa” is derived from the Latin phrase “alud per aqua” and literally means “health from water”. Some surmise that the word was derived literally from a small village near Liege in southern Belgium, near the German border. This village, named Spa, was discovered by the Romans and possesses hot mineral springs that relieved Roman soldiers’ aches and pains after long marches and battles.

16. Rating: +1

    

    Can you give me a rough idea of the courses that are taught in the Spa Management Program? I am already a junior spa supervisor and I would like to move up into management but want to be sure that I choose a program that matches my needs. Thanks, Erica

    Erica - I think you will find that the ISM Spa Management Program is the ideal educational venue for you. We have great success with students who are already employed in the industry and helping them gain promotions and career satisfaction through excellent training that is current and industry relevant.

    Below is an outline of each of the 10 modules in the Spa Management Program:

    *course content is subject to change without notice

    MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE SPA INDUSTRY: A MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE
    1. Evolution of the Spa Industry
    2. Types of Spas
    3. Management Issues Within the Spa Industry
    4. Anatomy of a Spa Manager
    5. The Future of Spa Management

    MODULE 2: BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    1. Understanding Business Operations in the Spa Industry
    2. The 3 Pillars in Spa Management
    3. The Leadership Factor
    4. A Spa Manager’s Work Ethic
    5. The Continuous Learning Curve

    MODULE 3: FINANCIAL MATTERS
    1. Economics and the Spa Manager
    2. Accounting in a Service Environment
    3. Budget Planning and Financial Decision Making

    MODULE 4: MARKETING
    1. Marketing for the Spa Industry 101
    2. Brand Loyalty and Client Retention
    3. Successful Marketing Strategies and Advertising for the Spa Industry
    4. Basic Ad Development
    5. Reservations: The Spa’s Secret Weapon

    MODULE 5: LAW & ETHICS
    1. Legal Considerations in the Spa Industry: A Global Perspective
    2. Hygiene and Safety in a Service Environment
    3. Business Ethics: Issues and Social Responsibilities
    4. The Rights of the Consumer

    MODULE 6: SPA PRODUCTS & SERVICES
    1. Treatments and Spa Offerings
    2. Menu Design and Pricing
    3. Discounting and Bundling
    4. Retail Management: Front Line Revenue
    5. Product Merchandising and Display

    MODULE 7: CUSTOMER SERVICE
    1. Customer Service Overview
    2. Customer Experience Management
    3. The Essential ‘Front of House’
    4. Developing a CEM Program
    5. Achieving Client Loyalty & Customer Retention

    MODULE 8: HUMAN RESOURCES
    1. Human Resources/Critical Spa Management Functions
    2. Hiring, Training and Employee Orientation
    3. Compensation for Spa Employees
    4. Handling Employee Problems & HR Issues

    MODULE 9: FACILITY MANAGEMENT
    1. Physical Design, Space Planning and Flow
    2. Planning for Both Sides: Staff and Clients
    3. The Ambiance: Get it Right
    4. Equipment, Supply and Maintenance

    MODULE 10: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
    1. Doing Business Online
    2. Spa Management Software
    3. 21st Century Spa Management Online: Website
    4. Online Customer Service Practices

17. Rating: +0

    

    What is the difference between a spa manager and a spa director?

    Often times, the terms Manager and Director in the spa industry tend to be frequently interchanged depending on the employer, the size of the spa and often times, the location in the world.

    For example: In a larger spa, or hotel chain, a spa supervisor (entry level management) would work for the spa manager (mid level management) - and the spa manager would work for the spa director (senior management).

    However, in a small or mid sized day or destination spa (which represents the bulk of the industry), a spa manager and spa director would likely be the same thing. Some spas prefer the term Director and some prefer the term Manager.

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