To become a naturopathic nutritionist, one must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from an accredited naturopathic school, followed by an internship program and passing a national dietetics exam. Whole food education is emphasized, and herbal medicine may also be utilized in practice.
To become a naturopathic nutritionist, or a nutritionist who emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to healing the body through food, an individual needs to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from an accredited naturopathic school or college. Only a few of these schools exist, but they all teach the fundamentals of basic nutrition needed to obtain registered dietitian (RD) status, as well as additional education that focuses on other natural alternatives to healing, such as herbs and plants. After graduating, the individual needs to move on to an internship program recognized by a nutritionist committee that lasts at least one year to gain experience in the field. By passing the national dietetics exam, an individual can be recognized as a naturopathic nutritionist.
Some naturopathic schools offer a degree in natural nutrition that fulfills the educational requirements to become a naturopathic dietitian or registered dietitian. To become a naturopathic nutritionist, an individual will complete a certain number of hours of nutrition education at a naturopathic school or university. These classes include the same ones offered at top universities that focus on nutrition, as well as classes that focus on whole foods and organic gardening. The whole food approach is emphasized in the school of naturopathy and holistic nutrition, as whole foods are seen as a way to reconnect with nature’s wisdom.
Once the nutritional requirements for a bachelor’s degree in naturopathic nutrition have been met in college, an internship is required to gain experience in the field of holistic nutrition. These internships usually last a full year and may include a scholarship. Some students who wish to become a Naturopathic Nutritionist will participate in an internship as well as work on their Masters in Nutrition, but this is not required to obtain the DR degree. Upon completion of an internship accredited by a national association of dietitians, a national examination for nutritionists and nutritionists must be passed to obtain registered dietitian status.
Whole food education is an important part of becoming a naturopathic nutritionist, as this education can help raise future clients’ awareness of the harmful chemical additives in many processed foods that lead to health problems. A naturopathic nutritionist works individually with clients and patients to incorporate a wholesome approach to this way of eating as the first step to healing with food. Often times, a naturopathic nutritionist will employ the additional education they gained from naturopathy school about herbs and herbal medicine and utilize it in their practice. This usually involves the use of herbal teas rather than homeopathic remedies or prescriptions, as there is some disagreement as to what level of education one should seek to safely offer this advice.
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