There are many different options available when deciding to study nutrition and finding the right one that meets your needs can be difficult. There are various study methods, support available, and qualifications to choose. So, how do you decide which course is best for you? Here are our top tips.
- Your Reason for Studying – First of all, you need to determine why you’re pursuing an education in nutrition. If you want to practice in a clinic, be sure the course you select is designed for this. The course should have in-depth casework, legislation information, and lead you into professional registration. If instead, you are looking to improve the health of yourself and your family, the course should offer you information about nutritional principles, how to stay fit, and food options for creating better meals.
- Awards and Accreditation – Once you have established why you’re taking the course; the next step is to evaluate the end result. Certain career paths will require different diplomas and accreditation, such as a Registered Orthomolecular Holistic Practitioner (ROHP) with International Organization of Nutritional Consultants (IONC). Depending on where you wish to bring your career, be sure that the training and certificates you will receive upon completion of the course match your vision.
- Study Method – Where you’re located may not have schools that offer the courses you need. Some schools will offer online or correspondence to help accommodate these individuals. Check with the school to see what options are available for you. Another important consideration is your learning style. If you find you get distracted in a home setting and would learn better in a classroom, perhaps distance education would not be suitable for you.
- Time Required – Before committing to any course, be sure that it fits into your schedule. Learn approximately how many hours per week will be required to finish the course and decide if you have the availability. Consider also that you may wish to do further research and independent learning to better your understanding, so account for that time as well.
- Prerequisites and Coverage – Some courses require a prerequisite. This means that they are best completed by individuals who have prior knowledge. Others may cover everything you need to know in the course itself. If you aren’t sure of the requirements, ask the course provider to give you more information and possibly show you some sample coursework.
- Teacher Support – Be sure to find out how often you will get to speak with your instructors. If you’re taking an online course, ask if there are particular hours that the instructor can be reached. Different time zones can also impact the available hours. Try and establish how long it takes to mark assignments, and if there will be anyone else to help if your teacher is not available.
- Future Options – It’s worthwhile to consider if the qualification that you receive can be used to advance your studies. Sometimes there can be options to upgrade your diploma to an advanced diploma or degree in the future.
Selecting the nutrition course that best suits you is essential. If the information available from speaking to the school and browsing their website speaks to you, consider enrolling in the courses. At the Edison Institute of Nutrition, we offer our nutrition courses online, with one-on-one instructor support when needed and for clinical casework.
We are internationally recognized in Canada for our nutrition program, and our online courses are available for students around the world. These courses meet a variety of nutrition-related guidelines to help you further your career.
To learn more about our school and courses, call the Edison Institute of Nutrition today at or contact us to speak with one of our educational advisors.
