The Institute for Optimum Nutrition
Year One
The first year of the NTDC ensures that you gain the bedrock knowledge of food, nutrition and human health essential for the practice of nutritional therapy. You will study human physiology and biochemistry and the requirements of the various body systems. You will also explore the macro and micronutrient content of individual foods, meals and special diets. In these ways you can gain an understanding of how a multiplicity of nutritional, lifestyle and environmental factors influences our health and vitality. In the process you learn what is required for optimum health.
In addition, you will study ION’s method of analysing a client’s health status via a comprehensive health questionnaire, and how to design a nutritional programme to meet their specific needs. This will include identifying foods that are likely to be beneficial, those better avoided, relevant lifestyle factors and where appropriate, the use of food supplements.
You will be supported in your studies by a tutor and a small seminar group. There is guidance for students in the development of effective learning and research skills to enable you to study with confidence.
Year Two
This year marks the beginning of your transition from student to practitioner. Under tutor guidance you work with clients on a one-to-one basis, providing advice tailored to meet their individual needs and lifestyle demands. From the first term you will be giving consultations in the student clinic, observed and supported by a tutor and your peers. Your first consultation will be with a fellow student. The lectures, seminars and assignments are aimed at providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop as a practitioner.
Lectures focus on health problems and primarily how nutrition can address the underlying causes, while also seeking relief from symptoms.
Learning about and evaluating the wide range of laboratory tests available to nutritional therapists is another area of study in Year Two. Tests, when used appropriately and interpreted correctly alongside other client information, are a valuable diagnostic tool for nutritional therapists. You are encouraged to try some on yourself, so be prepared to donate some hair, saliva or drops of blood in the interests of scientific research!
Year Three
The third year of the NTDC is a culmination of the academic work and clinical practice that have gone before. You will develop the knowledge, qualities and skills to be an effective therapist. Year Three further develops your skills and adds Practice Management and the opportunity to explore topical issues and keep up to date with the latest ideas and research in the fast-moving world of nutrition. In lectures and seminars an emphasis on more in-depth knowledge of physiology and pathology, and their nutritional links, leads to a higher level of discussion and debate.
Students enjoy this year because among other things they find their own style of practise and personal ethos forming within the Training Clinic. Based on sound scientific research and clinical evidence, we encourage you to find achievable and imaginative solutions to help address your future clients’ health concerns. You will with full tutor support undertake a dissertation during the year. This is an invaluable opportunity to explore your personal interests within the field of nutritional therapy and employ ION’s library and archives to research a particular area in which you may choose to specialise as a professional therapist. By analysing and discussing cutting edge research, you can build your confidence in understanding the full role of nutritional therapy within the dynamic world of complementary medicine.
Register interest in our Nutrition Courses
If you are interested in one of our Nutrition Courses and would like to be sent one of our full colour information packs, details of available open days and an application form then simply visit our register interest page and fill out our online form
* General Disclaimer - Information and advice provided by The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone suffering from a condition that requires medical attention or who has symptoms that concern them, should consult a qualified medical practitioner. ION and its staff shall not be held responsible for any claims relating to illness or ailments that are deemed to have arisen as a consequence of reading any part, or all of the content provided on this website. The content is provided for general use and may be unsuitable for people suffering from certain conditions, diagnosed or otherwise.
The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is an independent educational charity, registered company number 2724405, registered charity number 1013084.
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