Over the past few months we’ve received an influx of questions about our nutrition certifications and thought our answers would best serve the aspiring nutritionists from our community right here on our blog. If you have any additional questions about our nutrition certifications that you do not see answered, please don’t ever hesitate to reach out!
What Nutrition Certification course should I start with?
If you do not have any formal nutrition education or experience in the field of nutrition, we suggest you start with completing either the Nutrition & Wellness Consultant or the Holistic Nutrition program with AFPA, or have the equivalent nutritional education, prior to taking the Sports Nutrition program.
We suggest this to help ensure that you are qualified to provide excellent nutritional advice and meal planning to your future clients. If you’d like to learn more about all the nutrition certifications we offer, click here.
Can you tell me more about the Holistic Nutrition Certification program?
The Holistic Nutrition Certification provides unprecedented training for students, giving them a strong skill-set foundation to begin or advance their careers in the field of nutrition, wellness and optimal health. The course is based on a whole-foods plant-based diet and riding the body of toxic elements; and includes 4 course textbooks and 6 audio/digital dvds, course learning activities, assignments and examination. This is a self-paced, self-study program, therefore you set your own study time. Depending on your knowledge base and previous education, it may take on average 150 clock hours for study time and course/exam completion. You would have up to 6 months to complete the program from the time you receive it. Many students complete the program prior to the 6 month suggested completion date.
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What can I do with the Holistic Nutrition Certification once I complete my studies and pass my test?
Below are a few career options for Holistic Nutritionists:
Holistic nutritionists usually work as consultants, either in an integrated clinic or as solo practitioners. They may also work in school or corporate settings. Some holistic nutritionists choose to specialize in areas such as holistic sports nutrition, home nutrition or family nutrition therapy. Other careers in holistic nutrition include research, teaching and working for a supplement manufacturer or whole foods company. Writing nutrition guides or working as a chef are other career possibilities.
According to the BLS, the mean annual salary as of May 2014 for this profession is $57,440. The job opportunities for this career from 2012-2022 is expected to grow 21%.
What is included with the Nutrition & Wellness Consultant program?
The Nutrition & Wellness Consultant program is a distance-learning, home-study/hybrid course with optional online learning. The program includes two course textbooks, two audio/digital presentations, study guidelines, learning activities, self-assessment quizzes, and either online or mail-in testing, depending on your preference. *Optional Ebooks are available at an additional fee. There is no travel to a testing site, you may complete the course at your own pace, however we provide you with a suggested completion date of 6 months from the date you enroll.
What is the difference between a Dietitian and Holistic Nutritionist?
Registered dietitians and holistic nutritionists both study nutrition, but differ in their approach and programs of learning.
To become an RD you must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in nutrition, complete an accredited hands-on internship/practicum for 6 to 12 months, and pass a state examination. Registered dietitians must adhere to specific education and examination requirements administered by the state agency where that license is to be held. Requirements vary from state to state, with a wide range of certification types. Dietitians study a variety of subjects, ranging from nutrition sciences, computer science and courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry.
A Holistic Nutritionist looks at the person as a whole including current diet, lifestyle, health problems, as well as any emotional concerns that may be effecting a healthy lifestyle. Dietitians focus more on the American Food Plate, since that is where their training originates from, and perform a more rigid, scientific approach usually found in a Hospital on patients that have already been diagnosed with health issues. Whereas a holistic approach would focus more on organic, natural, whole food diets.
Holistic nutrition is a non-government-regulated profession that trains practitioners to use both practical science and healing knowledge found in traditional cultures, natural nutrition and disease prevention, aiming to promote health in a holistic way, (meaning body, mind, and spirit). Holistic nutrition offers a comprehensive approach to diet and lifestyle that can result in a real difference and substantial improvement in the quality of your life. The prerequisites are a high school diploma or international equivalent. Many enroll in the program with existing degrees and diplomas.
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