Letters after your name when qualified!

[SugarByte]

Hi

I have completed my qualifications in IHBC Manicure Certificate, IHBC Advanced Nail Techniques Diploma, IIHHT Indian Head Massage Diploma and IIHHT Reflexology Certificate.....does this mean that I put any of these letters after my name when I do business cards??

Or is it only when you are a member of an organisation like the FHT etc??

Also, if I am too start a new mobile business I don't have to become a member of one of these organisations do I? Is it enought to be qualified and insured?

Thanks for your help!
Sass

 

[Preggo]

PS! These qualifications were all undertaken with VTCT if that makes any difference!!

 

[Melanie M]

Hi Sass[/align][/align]Generally the letters after someone's name refers to the organisation rather then their qualification, a bit like a builder putting they are a member of the guild of master builders.[/align][/align]I don't use any letters after my name at the moment because I amno longer a member of any organisation, when I was a member of the L.C.S.P I used their letters but there are none for a remedial massage therapist which is what I am qualified in on the massage front.[/align]

 

[jyssica martin]

Generally speaking, letters after your name would be limited to diploma level qualifications and above and/or grades of membership of professional/regulated bodies. There should be some details should be in the documentation your training provider gave you when you signed up for the courses. If not, just ring & ask them. Letters can get a bit unwieldy if you have several qualifications and can be difficult to fit on a business card. You can always use the descriptions as you detailed them above as a footer on your leaflets though.

The main 'benefit' of joining an organisation is that it might give you access to cheaper insurance through a block members' policy. The membership letters themselves for most organisations, i.e. AIPTI, MFHT etc don't inform potential clients of your areas of expertise.

derekw

 

[Waelfirst name Awad]

Personally I have never gone for the letters after name thing. The only exception being my IT Manager work business cards - it too me four years to get that degree!

Also I feel that with the membership details, most clients wouldn't know what the abbreviations are for or what they are. For example, I could have on my business cards:

Mat D. O'Marah LCM(Dip) mNHMA

That doesn't make too much sense, so on my leaflets, letter heads etc I have at the bottom:

London College of Massage Diploma in Therapeutic Massage
Founding member of the No Hands Massage Association

Something else to keep in mind, these things are printed as one offs or in very short runs. I have 2000 business cards, if I had the letters and left the association I would have to waste all those cards.

In answer to your 2nd question, no you don't have to be a member of an organisation / practice provided you are qualified and insured. There is an argument that by being a member of a professional body you are showing the standards you will work to. All bodies will have a Code of Ethics / Responsibilities.

Mat xxx

 

[Dani73]

Well....depends on the nature of the qualification. I have mine after my name and on all documentation as it puts patients at ease....and it looks pretty cool too:

Dale Pinnock BSc (Hons), Medical Herbalist.

We should let people know what standard of expertise we can deliver them for their own piece of mind, plus i personally feel that it is good business sense too. It can be the difference between a booking or no booking!!