Looking Fit 02/2004: Higher Learning

Higher Learning
NTTI Offers Host Of Certification Courses

One of the most important aspects to consider when looking at the indoor tanning industry is education. Since 1992, the National Tanning Training Institute has trained more than 14,000 salon professionals. In addition, a number of other industry educational groups also have traveled the nation, training salon owners. Overall, a general estimate of salon professionals who have received some type of certification is approximately 85 percent, which amounts to a more professional and educated industry.

How important is education? Many tanning salon owners are just starting to see the professionalism education can lend to their industry through the creation of seminars, symposiums and trade shows dedicated solely to tanning. Salon owners have started to realize that for their industry to evolve, education is the key to prosperity and integrity. Motivating themselves and their staff to learn and understand tanning will have benefits for years to come.

With educational classes being offered by the National Tanning Training Institute, and online at www.tanningtraining.com, salon owners have a wide choice of education options. If the owners have the training and the background necessary to run a tanning salon, then they can pass information on to their employees. In addition, certification classes are being held year-round at many different locations nationwide through educational organizations.

The mission of education is simple— to improve the professionalism and reputation of the indoor tanning industry. The solution is simple as well: Tanning salon owners need to promote educational training in all aspects of this enterprise. Formal training not only teaches salon personnel to structure secure exposure advice for each individual, it also helps them to understand the technical side of tanning and their level of responsibility. The control that is placed in the hands of the tanning consultant should be treated with great respect.

In June 2001, the National Tanning Training Institute became the first indoor tanning training program to offer an online option for industry certification and training. For the first time, salon owners and staff from 46 states had the ability to become certified online.

NTTI’s objective is to provide the indoor tanning industry with valuable, affordable and convenient training for tanning salon owners and operators. NTTI staff realizes that the indoor tanning industry will continue to grow in direct proportion to consumer confidence and that confidence only can be gained through knowledgeable tanning professionals who have the welfare of the tanning consumer utmost in mind. Professional competency gained through NTTI’s online programs has helped to increase tanning consumer confidence with the most up-to-date information available in the industry.

The NTTI Online Learning Center makes learning more accessible by removing the physical boundaries of the classroom, reducing class scheduling restraints and offering easy access to industry training via any online computer. Today, NTTI offers a complete lineup of online courses.

NTTI’s Basic Certification course provides indoor tanning salon owners and operators with an effective and inexpensive way to earn the crucial certification needed to successfully operate a tanning facility while staying competitive in an evolving industry. The Basic Certification course is designed for owners and operators and covers a range of topics including: Skin Anatomy and Function; Understanding Ultraviolet Light; The Tanning Process; Determining an Exposure Schedule; Eye Protection; and State and Federal Regulations.

NTTI Basic Certification is recognized in all states including Ohio and Florida. In addition to in-depth coverage of the topics above, the program also includes a 70-page training manual, discussion on handling daily operational standards, and a final exam. Successful participants in the course are issued a certificate of completion from NTTI.

Managing and operating an indoor tanning salon is not a simple task. Although the daily procedures may seem like second nature to the experienced professional, the novice salon operator may find them overwhelming. This program provides the operational procedures salon owners must use and understand in daily operations. Although some details may vary slightly depending upon location and business goals, the program offers solid steps to use as effective guidelines.

For years, lotions have proved to be the fastest-growing segment of the indoor tanning industry. With proper marketing and a full understanding of their benefits, salons can capture year round profits with lotions and skincare offerings if they implement solid marketing methods. And since time is a precious commodity, consumers are looking for a one-stop shop for all of their skincare needs.

This program highlights the importance of quality skincare and clears up misconceptions about the most common ingredients found in indoor tanning lotions. The course includes merchandising and display tips, as well as a section on salon necessities needed to keep a tanning salon one step ahead of the competition.

Remember, one of a salon’s best resources for specific product training is from the distributor or manufacturer of the products the salon carries. However, now salon operators have an online option to reinforce products knowledge.

NTTI also offers an online certification course for the rapidly growing sunless segment of indoor tanning. The course covers the basics about sunless tanning and is designed to help salon employees address customer needs and promote another increasingly popular service for the tanning industry.

This course is designed specifically for the airbrush technician. Based on research and tests conducted by some of the leading manufacturers of sunless spray systems, this course takes the technician from setup to application while discussing technique, safety, pricing and more.