How to choose the right nutrition course?

With the health and fitness rage growing exponentially over the past few years, holistic nutrition offers a promising career path. There is an abundance of nutrition information on the internet and it can be difficult to sort through what is useful and what is misleading. At the same time, there is a growing need to remain up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. This explains the growing need for knowledgeable holistic nutritionists to give their clients the correct tailor-made recommendations. Thus, the role of a holistic nutritionist is of great value in today’s world.

Once you have decided to take up nutrition as your area of study, the next big questions are where to pursue the course and whether to go for a full-time program or distance education. These vital decisions depend on the following:

1. Will the course give you recognized qualifications? – Because holistic nutrition is not a regulated field in Canada, there are no government qualifications you must meet. However, there are professional organizations that set industry standards, such as the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro), the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners and, in the U.S., the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP). The program you choose should meet the standards of professional membership for one or more of these organizations.
2. Length and schedule of the course – Any course of study requires a time commitment in order to complete required reading, course work, assignments, etc. You must choose the program that works best with your schedule, whether that means attending classes or studying online.
3. Faculty support – If you are pursuing a distance education or online program, it is crucial the school has knowledgeable faculty that is available for assistance.
4. Pre-requisites for the program – Some programs require prior studies as a pre-requisite for enrolment. Other programs do not have any such requirements and are designed to impart all the necessary knowledge over the course of study. You need to know about prerequisites before enrolling.
5. Exam formats – Some schools evaluate students solely on the basis of multiple-choice tests, which is not a good reflection of the students’ understanding of the material. Search for a school that uses a variety of evaluation methods, including long answers, assignments, case studies, etc.
6. Cost of the program – Last but not least, the fees for the entire program have to be affordable for you. Look for a school that offers installment payments you can work into your budget.

The choice of an online nutrition course has to be made keeping in mind all of the above issues. While there is no shortage of online distance learning programs in today’s globally connected world, remember that selecting the one that is the most appropriate for you is the key to a successful career in holistic nutrition!