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  • becoming-a-nutritional-therapist
  1. Home
  2. Becoming a nutritional therapist

Becoming a nutritional therapist

A warm welcome to the world of functional nutrition

Whether you are already familiar with nutritional therapy or are a complete novice, here you can discover why others came to ION and what many have gone on to achieve since graduating with us. 

At ION we have been providing training in nutritional therapy, based on functional nutrition, since 1984. Since then, many of our graduates have gone on to carve out remarkable careers and have helped to make a difference to other people's lives. As advocates of personalised nutrition, they have not only helped to change the conversations around health; they are also part of a growing movement towards nutritional and lifestyle healthcare.    

Given current and predicted health challenges, we believe that functional nutrition, through nutritional therapy, is even more important than before.  

What is nutritional therapy?

Nutritional therapy is an evidence-informed, whole-body approach to nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Addressing potential underlying causes of ill health, rather than focusing on symptoms, it is used to promote health through nutrition and lifestyle support.

Practitioners may use a wide range of tools to assess individual health status and to identify potential nutritional imbalances that may be contributing to symptoms. The focus is always on the individual because many chronic conditions, as well as day-to-day fluctuations in health and wellbeing, can be linked to individual nutrition and lifestyle.

Nutritional therapy practitioners do not diagnose or treat diseases, however they often work alongside other healthcare professionals in supporting individuals with a wide range of health concerns. 

Nutritional therapy as a career choice

Many of our students come to nutritional therapy because of their personal experience in overcoming health and wellbeing issues; many have often suffered for a number of years before discovering the power of nutritional therapy. Having experienced its beneficial impact for themselves, they want to learn more – often to help family and friends too. However, although improving one's health can trigger the start of the journey, it is not the only reason for starting a career as a nutritional therapist.

Feed your passion for food and helping others

Many of our graduates have had busy and successful careers but have wanted something more; whether it has been to feed their passion for health and wellbeing, help to make a difference to other people's lives, or simply to be their own boss with a flexible portfolio career. Listen to or read some of our graduates' stories.  

Enjoy a flexible, varied career

Working as a nutritional therapy practitioner can give you the power to design your own work practices as well as the type and hours of work you do, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your life to the full.

There are so many different things that you can do once you qualify. Many people just think of clinical practice, but our graduates go on to create their own careers, drawing on their strengths and previous experience. From running wellbeing retreats to developing products, from writing books and blogs to teaching and training, from working as an expert supporting organisations to creating health videos or appearing on TV. These are just some of the options that will be open to you. 

eBook: Why become a Nutritional Therapist

eBook: Why become a Nutritional Therapist

Discover how you can enjoy a career that you can fit around your own life and responsibilities. Download our eBook "Why become a Nutritional Therapist" and find out more. Read more

Published: 4th December, 2020

Updated: 17th August, 2022

Author: Daniela Pop

Stories from our graduates, now working in nutritional therapy

Stories from our graduates, now working in nutritional therapy

Read stories from ION graduates who’ve started their careers - for inspiration about where this rewarding career could take you. Read more

Published: 1st January, 2020

Updated: 5th October, 2022

Author: Daniela Pop

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  • Speak to an advisor

    Speak to an advisor

    Book a phone or video appointment to discuss which nutritional therapy course for you.

  • BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy online open events

    BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy online open events

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  • April Open Day

    April Open Day

    Choosing the right course for you is an important decision and visiting us at an Open Day is the best way to discover what we can offer. Join us for our January Open Day to learn about our courses, entry requirements, student support and flexible post-study career options.

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Key facts


Award 
Certificate

Duration
 

7-9 months

Study time
 

10-17 hours per week and Touch point sessions

Course code
 

ED200PTD (online learning), rNTSAC

Entry dates
 

October: ED201PTD
January: ED202PTD
May: ED203PTD

Tuition fees

£2,900

Key facts

Course codes
C0502FTD (full-time) 
C0502PTD (part-time)

Award 
Graduate Diploma

Credits 
120

Duration
 

1 year full-time
2 years part-time


Study time

20 hours per week full-time
10 hours per week part-time

Entry month

February

Tuition fees*

£7,875 full-time
£3,940 part-time

£200 per 20 credits RCPL (certified)
£375 per 20 credits REPL (experiential)

£475 registration fee

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Entry:
September and February

Location:
Online with optional attendance activities

Duration:
4.5 years part-time or
3 years full-time

Course code:
C0503PTD (part-time)
C0503FTD (full-time)

Fees part time:
£5,250 - per year, years 1-4
£2,625 - year 5

Fees full time:
£9,250 - per year

Awarding body:
University of Portsmouth

* Fees may increase in line with inflation

Key facts

Course codes
C0503PTD (online)

Award 
BSc (Hons)


Credits 
120

Pathways 
Qualified nutritional therapist 

Duration
 

1.5 years part-time


Study time

15-20 hours per week plus time to watch lectures

Entry dates

February

Tuition fees*

£5,250 per year
£2,625 year 5

* For 2022/23 academic year. Fees for subsequent years may increase in line with inflation

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The Institute for Optimum Nutrition is an independent educational charity. Registered company number 2724405, registered charity number 1013084.

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