Diploma in Nutritional Therapy (Dip NT)

This course will give you all the tools you need to set up as a qualified Nutritional Therapist. You will develop the skills necessary to evaluate the health status of your client, and construct safe, effective nutritional and lifestyle programmes, including supplementation and clinical testing where appropriate.

The first year will lay the foundations with Premier's Integrated Systems Approach. This enables you to view the body as a series of interdependent systems which you will support with your dietary and lifestyle programme. You will also learn about the major disease states and how they are managed with medical drugs in order that you can confidently interact with primary medical care practitioners. In your second year, you will hone your skills with our Specialist Disciplines such as, 'Weight Management', which includes the Certificate in Gym Instruction (Cert GI) DVD-ROM box set, providing you with a unique opportunity to update to the full Cert GI qualification.

Both years benefit from an excellent Clinical Practice programme. The clinical programme is constructed to progress you from base level consultation techniques through to advanced nutrition programme design. The Business Skills programme also spans both years and teaches you how to think in terms of how you will market and sell your practice, from the way you talk on the phone to developing referral business and setting up a website.

Premier has written the course to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and has achieved Stage One accreditation with the Nutritional Therapy Council. Students of this course will be eligible for membership of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy (BANT). Insurance to practice can be obtained after completion of the course.

Qualifications and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points

• Diploma in Nutritional Therapy
• 16 REPs CPD points

Course Content

Year 1 - Integrated Systems Approach

Digestive, hepatic, urinary, immune, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems are all studied under the following titles:

• Anatomy and function
• Sub clinical dysfunction
• Pathology and Pharmacology
• Nutritional support
• Lifestyle and exercise solutions

Clinical Practice

• 3 DVD case studies
• 3 live workshop weekends

Business Skills

• 'Successful Private Practice' CD box set which evaluates the challenges of setting up in business, overcoming the inevitable barriers and building a successful and rewarding practice. Parts 1-3.

Year 2 - Specialist Approaches

• Weight Management (including Certificate in Gym Instruction DVD box set)
• Performance nutrition
• Nutrition for children and older adults
• Cancer care
• Mental health care
• Pregnancy and conceptual care
• Skin care
• Allergy management
• Clinical and anthropometric testing
• Herbs and superfoods

Clinical Practice

3 DVD case studies
3 live workshop weekends

Business Skills

• Research and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Business set up
• Practice management
• Marketing and sales (including website optimisation guidance)

Entry Requirements

All necessary scientific content is contained within the course. In addition, nutritional biochemistry pre-course reading is provided. A basic level of numeracy and literacy skills is required. Minimum age, 18.

Length and Format of the Course

2 years (based on 15-20 hours study per week). 4 annual start dates. Format: paper manuals, DVD consultations, DVD-ROM video lectures, Live workshops and CD audio business presentations.

Assessment

Continuous assessment throughout the course with tutor feedback. End of year two - 90 minute theory exam.