Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Institute of Spa Management?

The Institute of Spa Management is a privately owned adult training company that specializes in curriculum and training for spa industry professionals. ISM believes that with the rapidly evolving spa industry and the extreme competition that day and destination spas worldwide are now facing, the future success belongs to those companies who recognize that a spa facility must be managed with expertise. The average spa manager or director is responsible for human resources, inventory management, high level customer service, daily supervision, facilities management, sales, marketing and accounting. Talk about a full plate! A modern day spa director must be a focused, energetic and a disciplined business management professional. Although we cannot provide the energy, we do teach our students current, pertinent and critical management methods that relate directly to the spa industry.

What programs are offered at ISM?

Currently, we offer two programs: Spa Management and Spa Ownership. Each are comprehensive, college level adult training courses that will educate a student to become a competent and professional spa manager, director or owner.

Can I take just one course instead of a whole program?

Yes you can! We offer a number of individual courses that you are welcome to take on an individual basis. Our individual courses are designed for spa industry professionals that already work in a spa environment or have previous management training. For a complete list of courses, click here

Where do ISM students learn?

Learn from anywhere in the world. Study materials are mailed to students at no cost to you. Assignments and exams are submitted online, meaning that you never have to mail anything back to us. For maximum convenience and professional tutor support, all students have secure access to the ISM Online Learning Center. Our innovative learning center allows you to chat with other students, discuss questions and issues with tutors and download supplementary reading in the Spa Library.

Do I need a computer to study with ISM?

All courses and programs are offered via distance education. As such, you don’t necessarily need a computer to study with ISM. Although we do encourage students to send assignments electronically, you are permitted to mail them to us. However, in order to have interactive access to the learning center, including student chat forums and tutor support, you must have a computer and an internet connection.

What kind of support is available?

ISM hires only the most talented training experts and spa professionals. Upon enrolment, you are assigned a personal Student Liaison who is there to answer your questions, assist with study issues and support your learning success. Additionally, within our secure ISM Online Learning Center, you can talk to a tutor at any time.

Can I collaborate with other students?

Absolutely – within our secure learning center, there is a student chat forum where you can discuss programs, assignments and learning issues with other students enrolled in your program.

Does ISM offer training for aestheticians, clinicians or massage therapists?

The Institute of Spa Management specializes in management level training only. We do not offer any kind of training or programs for certifications that include massage therapists, aestheticians, massage therapists or other types of hands-on treatment professionals. We have decided to stick with what we know best – spa management.

I have a full time job and family – can I be successful at ISM?

One of the greatest advantages of our programs is that you study at your own pace without leaving home. You certainly don’t need to quit your job and your family time will not be affected. You study whenever you can, wherever you are able. Many of our students commit 6-10 hours a week so they can finish in 4-6 months and enter the spa industry. However, most of our students only have a few hours a week to commit to studying and complete the program successfully in 9-12 months.

I am on a tight budget – can ISM help?

Just like you, we are working professionals trying to make ends meet. ISM is committed to the education of spa management professionals and to that end, we offer very flexible payment plans. Weekly, monthly and one-time full payment plans are offered; with generous discounts offered for full payment and early payment of courses and programs. We also offer a partial and full tuition scholarship program for eligible students. Click here for scholarship information.

How much does it cost to study with ISM?

There are very few adult learning institutes or private career colleges that even offer programs that are focused only on spa management and NONE that offer it via distance education only! Those that do, generally charge in the region of $600 to more than $1000 for a SINGLE course, with complete programs costing thousands of dollars. At ISM, you will find our courses and programs very affordably priced, beginning at just $200. Click here to request a course outline and fee card.

Is there a deadline for completing a course or program?

We impose no deadlines. We realize that you will want to commit to your program, complete your education and get out into the work world. You are free to work at your own pace, without the added stress of assignment or course deadlines. Our only stipuation is that you cannot move onto a new module in a program until you have submitted a written assignment and taken the online exam for the previous module.

What are the educational requirements at ISM?

Our average student has worked in the spa industry and is now interested in taking their career to the next level: spa management or spa ownership. However, we also have students from general management, finance and social services backgrounds who are looking to make a career change into the exciting spa industry. If you want to discuss your suitability, please contact us – we would love to hear from you.

What is required to pass an ISM course or program?

For each module, the student must pass an exam and submit a written assignment, which will be graded. For example, the Spa Management Program consists of 10 modules, so you would be required to submit 10 written essay assignments and take 10 exams online (each are 50 minutes in length). For the exam and the written assignment, the minimum passing grade is 60%. However, our median grade in our Spa Management Program is 76%. If you fail an exam or written assignment, you are given one opportunity to rewrite. To receive a certificate of course completion, a student is required to have an overall passing grade of 60%. No written assignments or exams are offered for individual courses.

Will I receive a degree upon completion?

ISM programs and courses will not result in a degree. We provide a certificate of completion for all courses and programs, which are custom printed and mailed to you at the end of your course or program. Similar to other adult education and professional development programs, you cannot transfer ISM credits to a traditional college or university.

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