Holistic Nutrition Employment
Holistic nutritionists strive to healthfully integrate all aspects of the human mind, body and soul, believing the foundation of this integration is a beneficial diet. Therefore, holistic nutiritonists not only plan and suggest eating behaviors, but are trained to recognize lifestyle adjustments that may be needed for a more balanced life. Because their work is very specialized, holistic nutritionists are trained and certified, either through a degree, a certification program, or a mix of the two. If you are interested in or have your degree, there are many exciting and fulfilling job options.
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School and Training
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Many people seeking holistic nutrition jobs flourish after going to school for training to get a degree and/or a certification. Copious training is needed to recognize the intricate mind/body connection and ways to shape it around the diet. Training and degree programs are offered both online and in person, and are deeply interdisciplinary, focusing not only on biology, physiology, anatomy and nutrition, but psychology and anthropology, to name a few. Many schools offer degrees in nutrition and pride themselves on the holistic approach of their programs.
If you haven't a college degree or money for a certification program, don't worry. To be gainfully employed in the holistic nutrition sector, a high school diploma may not even be necessary, depending on how specialized you want to be and what kind of job you want to have. -
Different Options
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The holistic nutition sector offers a variety of interesting jobs, including holistic dietitians, alternative nutritionists, personal trainers or massage therapists. While some of these positions require certain qualifications, certificates or degrees, some require none at all, so there are careers for every level of education and skill set in the holistic nutrition sector.
Dietitian
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To be a dietitian, one must have a bachelors degree and complete an internship before sitting a state exam to become registered. Holistic dietitians may have extra certifications to satisfy background in the holistic aspects of dietary sciences, even if they went to a school that focuses on holistic nutrition.
Nutritionist
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Many dietitians can be considered nutritionists, but to be called a nutritionist, one does not even need a high school diploma. Nutritionists essentially are "food counselors," counseling individuals and groups about food and their relationship to food. Although pretty much anyone can be considered a nutritionist, to specialize in the field, including to be considered an alternative nutritionist, certificates may eventually be necessary.
Personal Trainer
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Personal Trainers don't necessarily need a bachelors degree, either, or a certification. However, most credible institutions only hire trainers who have proper background experience, such as training classes or certifications.
Massage Therapist
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Finally, massage therapists generally need certifications, if not an actual degree. However, less-reputable organizations will hire individuals with no background experience.
Schools and Certificates
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Some schools that offer certifications or degrees are Colorado State University, University of Delaware, Washington State University and Baylor University.
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References
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- Photo Credit "Apples" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: DeusXFlorida under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
