Program FAQ

CSNN offers the Natural Nutrition program in both the classroom study format and in the online education study format. Each format has its own unique benefits. Students who enjoy learning in a classroom environment with scheduled dates, tests, and assignment deadlines are advised to register in classroom studies. Students who prefer learning at their own pace and creating their own personalized schedule are advised to register in online education studies.

The benefits of the classroom study format are as follows:
a. Instructor brings his/her experience and knowledge into the classroom
b. Students are able to ask questions of the instructor and receive an answer back on the spot
c. Students share their knowledge and experience in the industry and are a support network for each other
d. Set schedule for those who like structure
e. Case study practicals

The benefits of online education study format include:
a. Detailed notes for online education students
b. Staff advisors to answer student questions
c. Chat group for online education students and graduates
d. Students create their own schedule

a. The Natural Nutrition program requires approximately 1,200 hours to complete, including 332 hours of formal classroom training (some branches may vary), 250 hours of off-site independent working on case studies, and 600 hours of self-study and prep time. (*Since online education students do not have practicals, the program takes approximately 1,100 hours to complete.)

b. In the classroom, the program can be completed in one year (full time) or two years (part time). Some classroom branches also offer accelerated options. Online education students are given two years to complete the program but may finish sooner.

a. In addition to regular classroom instruction in natural nutrition, each student completes a minimum of 50 hours of mandatory practicals, out of approximately 100 hours offered to students. The focus of the practicals is case study work including follow-up case studies. Practicals are run by qualified holistic nutrition professionals who have experience in the industry.

b. Students also have the option of completing 14 hours of external practicals as part of the 50 required practical hours. Students gain industry experience in external practicals, which are offered independently of CSNN and take place at external venues.

c. Practicals are covered in the cost of classroom tuition.

*Please note: Some branches may use different terminology to refer to practicals, for example, practicums, workshops, co-requisites

Case studies are basically practice client assessments, so that students gain experience before they graduate and have their own holistic nutrition practice. Each student is required to complete 10 case studies including follow-up assessments, in order to be eligible to graduate. Case studies provide the student with practical experience in assessing the client’s individual nutritional needs and in making nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.

CSNN offers flexible payment plans, including a monthly payment plan and quarterly payment plan. For more information, please contact us directly.

CSNN Ottawa has both Spring and Fall intake. Visit our Schedules page for more details.

Approximately 10,000 graduates have earned CSNN’s exclusive designations. You can read their stories in our Alumni Profiles page.

Since our Graduates’ designations are the most recognized in the holistic nutrition industry, companies seek out CSNN Graduates to fill their employment opportunities. Job ads are posted in the classroom, on the graduate section of the website, and on Distance Education’s online chat group. CSNN graduates also qualify to join the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro) and the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP).

Instead of co-op, CSNN informs students of many different paid part- and full- time positions available to them. These job opportunities enhance students’ learning experience in the industry. Students also gain practical experience from practicals and preparing their case studies, which eliminates the necessity for a co-op placement.

Yes, CSNN provides tuition and education tax receipts to students.

Each state has its own laws in regard to practicing as a holistic nutrition professional, so students are advised to check which laws exist in their state. The National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) in the U.S. recognizes CSNN Graduates, once they have also completed the Advanced Holistic Nutrition workshops, AN106 and AN109. For more information about NANP, go to nanp.org.

In British Columbia, it is designated with the Private Training Institutions Branch of B.C. (PTIB)

b. In New Brunswick, it is legislated under the New Brunswick Private Occupational Training Act as a private career college

c. CSNN’s Natural Nutrition program is licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act (Alberta)

d. In Ontario, it is approved as a vocational program under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005

CSNN’s Natural Nutrition program is the most recognized and sought-after holistic nutrition program, with the most recognized professional designations in the industry. Our Natural Nutrition program is also recognized by the Canadian Association of Holistic Nutrition Professionals (CAHN-Pro), the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners (CANNP), and by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) in the United States.