Nutrition Training and Careers Guide
| | What is the natural science of nutrition? |
Students learn how bad diet can increase the risk of serious health problems while modifications in diet can ease the symptoms or even cure a serious disease. Almost all natural medicine schools offer some courses in nutrition as part of a healer's training. Certain schools make nutrition their main focus and often teach a particular theory of diet such as macrobiotics. Still others offer special training in becoming a whole foods chef.
How is nutrition practiced?
Generally, nutritionists work as consultants either as part of a integrated clinic or in solo practice. Some use their training to do research for whole foods companies and supplements manufacturers. Others teach or even write books about nutrition. Those who graduate from schools that concentrate on food preparation often go on to become chefs for private spas or even start their own whole foods restaurant.
What nutrition degrees or certificates are available?
Degrees vary by the nature of the school. Many universities offer master's degrees in nutrition that qualify the student to teach or practice in a hospital setting as a dietitian. If your major interest is natural medicine, courses that emphasize "whole foods" (foods as unaltered as possible from their natural state) or holistic medicine are probably your best bet. Other schools offer certificates and specialized training in specific areas such as the use of food in Oriental medicine or cooking whole foods. Some classes are designed to be taken as continuing education for licensed practitioners to expand the scope of their knowledge.
Search our directory and find more: Massage Therapy Schools, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and more.