Nutritional Therapy Diploma

3-Year Programme

Nutritional Therapy (NT) is a dynamic holistic therapy that uses food, phytonutrients, therapeutic food supplements and lifestyle changes to modulate disease processes, strengthen vitality and promote optimal wellness based on scientific principles and innovative research.

Career Opportunities

The diploma is designed for those wishing to become Nutritional Therapists in clinical practice, either alone or alongside other therapists. Some of our graduates also educate the public and healthcare professionals on nutrition and health issues, act as food and nutrition consultants in businesses, write articles for publication and work in the health food sector.

Duration & Prerequisite

The Nutritional Therapy study programme, including clinical training, is completed over three years.
The Nutrition & Health Coaching programme forms the first year (see below)
- NEW from September 2009 -
Completing the Nutrition & Health Coaching programme is now the prerequisite for entering years 2 and 3 of our NT course. In addition to delivering important modules of the NT Diploma programme, the Nutrition & Health Coaching programme will:

• provide NT students with important practice and useful earning potential while they complete years 2 and 3 of the programme
• provide NT graduates with extra skills and competencies to enhance their therapeutic expertise, boost their business and earnings, and strengthen their longer-term career prospects.

Course Outline (Years 2 & 3)

NT students learn to develop cutting edge yet holistic understanding of how nutrition impacts the intricate interaction between gene expression, cells and organ systems. They also learn the clinical and practical skills necessary to design effective nutritional and lifestyle programs for people with previously diagnosed illness, injuries or chronic health problems. These include digestive dysfunctions, hormone imbalances and fertility issues, fatigue, stress related disorders, immune system dysfunctions, depression and learning/behavioural difficulties, among many others.

Course Modules include:

• Food Composition – Detailed understanding of the nutritional macro-nutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids & essential fatty acids) and how to explore and compare nutritional profiles of different foods
• Micronutrients and Phytonutrients – Sources, biochemistry, functions and interactions of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and phytonutrients (bioflavonoids, brassicas, carotenoids, polyphenols, etc.) and their therapeutic uses.
• Dietary Therapy and Cooking – Providing a firm understanding of how health and vitality from conception to old age are rooted in healthy dietary principles and lifestyle choices. Includes menu planning, food preparation and cooking skills.
• Food, Environment & Health – Fosters understanding of the impacts of the agriculture and food industries on food choice, availability and quality, and on eating behaviours and trends.
• Anatomy & Nutritional Physiology – Structure & functions of the organs and physiological systems, their integrated actions within the body and how nutrition influences them.
• Pathophysiology – A systematic, integrated explanation of the common diseases, their aetiology, clinical features and differential diagnosis.
  
• Nutritional Biochemistry – Processes and pathways at a cellular level including gene expression, energy production within cells, cell membrane integrity, receptor/hormone interactions and their control at molecular, cellular, tissue and whole body levels.
  
• Nutritional Therapeutics – Understanding, evaluating and applying the principles of modern-day nutritional therapeutic interventions (food, phytonutrients, herbs, food supplements). Combines a holistic perspective with evidence based knowledge.
  
• Pharmacology – Investigation of the major classes of drugs, their administration, uses and nutrient/drug/herb interactions.
  
• Research Methods – Exploring and applying research strategies to evaluate nutritional therapeutic approaches to disease. Involves collection of reliable data and development of critical appraisal skills.
  
• Clinical Practice & Practice Management – Developing the appropriate range of skills to assess clients and apply the appropriate range of knowledge in the practical clinical setting.
  
• Counselling Skills – Effective counselling and psychological skills are vital components of Nutritional Therapy.

Assessments

Classroom tests, formal exams, essays, case study reports and presentations, literature review and dissertation, supervised clinical practice.

Awards

Graduates of our Nutritional Therapy programme will have gained the following awards and qualifications:

• FETAC Level 6 Award ‘Nutrition & Health’
• IINH Certificate ‘Nutrition & Health Coach’
  
• Qualification in ‘Nutrition & Health Coaching’ from international accrediting body [in progress – call for details]
  
• ‘Diploma in Nutritional Therapy’ (Dip NT). This award is recognised by Nutritional Therapists of Ireland (NTOI - www.ntoi.ie), the independent professional body representing Nutritional Therapists in Ireland. IINH is a member of the NTOI Schools Forum.
  

Both IINH and NTOI uphold standards based on the National Occupational Standards and Core Curriculum for Nutritional Therapy formulated by the UK Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC – www.nutritionaltherapycouncil.org.uk).
Graduates from IINH can join the NTOI practitioner register, which enables the competence and conduct of those who practise nutritional therapy to be assessed.
NTOI’s Code of Ethics and Practice is based on the code upheld by the British Association for Applied Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy (www.bant.org.uk).
Practitioner insurance for IINH graduates is obtainable at very reasonable rates through the NTOI group scheme.

Study Format

The lecture weekends for the second and third year programmes are held in Bray once a month from September to June. Tutorials are held regularly in Bray. Tutorials by conference call begin in 2009.

Course Venue

Our principle teaching venue is the Ramada Hotel and Conference Centre, Southern Cross Road, Bray. (Click link for Map.)
Tutorials are generally held at the Nutritional Therapy Clinic, 2 Woodlands Office Park, Southern Cross Road, Bray. (Click link for Map.)

IINH Team

Members of IINH teaching staff, led by our Director, Richard Burton, BSc (Hons Nutrition), MBANT, DipAc, include graduates in Nutrition or Nutritional Therapy with a wealth of clinical expertise. They are joined and supported by specialist teaching staff in counselling and other specialised therapies.
Head of Academic Studies and of the NT Diploma programme is Dr David Smallbone, M.B., Ch.B., L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., M.F.Hom., F.C.O.H.
Dr Smallbone is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, a Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, a Member of the Faculty of Homoeopathy and a Fellow of the College of Healing. In September 2009 he becomes President Elect of the Food & Health Section of the Royal Society of Medicine - and President in 2011.
Please Click here for more details of the IINH teaching team.

IINH Library

Students may borrow books and other materials from the IINH lending library.

Visits from External Specialists & Experts

IINH arranges outside speakers in more specialised areas of expertise to support the Diploma studies and also as Continuing Professional Development events for graduates. These sessions are open to all IINH students and graduates where appropriate.
In recent years, guest lecturers have included Dr Alex Richardson, world expert in research into the effects of omega 3 fatty acids in children’s behaviour, mood and learning, and Heather Rosa, Head of Nutritional Therapy degree courses at University of Westminster, London.

Student Clinic

Our dedicated Nutritional Therapy Clinic in Bray is open to the public throughout the year. Third Year Diploma students attend clinical practice sessions here for supervision and assessment in order to gain their qualification. Clients are offered nutritional consultations at reduced fee when students are in attendance.
Please call 01 272 3003 for an appointment or for more information.

Nutritional Therapy Diploma - Course Fees

The fee structure for the 3-Year Nutritional Therapy Programme is as follows:

• Year 1 - € 3 500 (NHC course – prerequisite for years 2 & 3)
  
• Year 2 - € 3 500
  
• Year 3 - € 4 000 (includes clinical training fees)
  Total Fee - € 11 000 - This fee includes all clinical training, tutorials, exam fees and printed course materials.

How to Apply

Please Download an Application Form and return by post or email.
All applicants are interviewed prior to enrolment. A deposit of €600 is required upon enrolment.