fbpx

Frequently Asked Questions

For Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Prospective Students

Is your program accredited?

The Nutritional Therapy Association is a private vocational school in Washington State, licensed by the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, that trains practitioners to address nutrient deficiencies and body imbalances through holistic nutrition. Our programs are not accredited by the Department of Education.

Does your program prepare you to sit for board exams?

The Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) Program is recognized by the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP), and graduates can sit for NANP’s National Board Exam.

What are the prerequisites for the NTP program?

The only prerequisite for the NTP program is a high school diploma. Students must have access to high-speed Internet and be comfortable working in a fully online environment. These are not 4-year degree programs and are not a prerequisite for a four-year dietetics program.

How long is the program and does it have to be completed consecutively?

The NTP program is approximately twelve months in length and must be completed within the scheduled time. There are approximately three pre-scheduled breaks during the NTP program.

What types of positions are available for graduates of your programs?

+ See what some of our graduates are doing in the field

NTA graduates find jobs in several fields. Some graduates combine their certificate with existing licenses or certificates in alternative medicine. Many establish private practices as nutritional consultants, while others work in a clinical setting with other like-minded professionals. The NTA has also graduated numerous healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, medical doctors, acupuncturists, registered nurses, and massage therapists. Note that the NTP program does not qualify you to work in a hospital or other government regulated settings as a nutritionist. Many graduates go on to do speaking events, write books, create courses, or lead group classes. Others use the knowledge to help heal themselves and their families.

Would it be practical to take this course while working full time?

Many of our graduates completed the NTP program while working full-time jobs. However, students should budget at least 20 hours per week for studying, assignments, and conference calls. We strongly recommend beginning the required reading before the class starts.

What kind of degree or certificate will I receive when I complete one of your programs?

Upon successful completion of the Nutritional Therapy Practitioner program, a certificate of completion is awarded by the Nutritional Therapy Association granting permission to use the designation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP).

Is this certificate recognized by any state?

States vary in their requirements for licensure for those providing nutritional counseling and advice. The majority of states allow NTPs to establish their own practice, but some states require additional licensure or working under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. The Department of Health in your state should have complete information on their individual requirements. You can also visit the Council of Holistic Health Educators: https://holisticcouncil.org/ for up-to-date information on the laws and regulations in your state.

Will I be able to bill insurance for my services?

Because the NTP program offers a certificate and not licensure, you will not be able to bill insurance for your services or supplementation unless you have another licensure that allows you this privilege.

What role does diet play in your programs?

Diet is fundamental to the NTP program. A cornerstone of our program is the belief that proper nutrition is built upon properly prepared, nutrient-dense foods. Though we discuss lifestyle choices, sleep, stress and its effects on the body, our instructors emphasize the critical importance of real, whole food as the primary source of nutrition

Is the nutrition training based primarily on supplement use or can the techniques be used with herbs and foods?

The primary focus of our NTP program is to use properly prepared, nutrient-dense whole foods and lifestyle practices to address the biochemically unique needs of each client and restore balance and function to the body’s foundational systems. While NTPs will learn how to utilize targeted supplementation when a client’s needs require that additional support, it is not the core mode of support nutritional therapy offers.

What is included in the curriculum? What is required for a certificate?

The course curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, basic chemistry concepts, and the science of food and its nutritional components. Students also learn how to identify and address imbalances in the body and intervene with nutrition to improve overall health. In order to graduate, you will need to complete all required reading, homework, projects, outside client-practitioner folders, review video lecture content, and pass a written and practical examination. There is a minimum passing standard of 80% for the program.

How are these nutrition programs different from other courses?

The NTP program offers a holistic, whole food, nutrition-based approach to addressing health problems, and promoting wellness.

We emphasize:

  1. a food-first approach rooted in the preparation techniques of traditional cultures
  2. the belief that each person is biologically unique, and
  3. that the body possesses innate intelligence and defaults to health when given what it needs. Our NTP program offers a system of evaluative measurements that help identify nutritional weaknesses in the body. The Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire, combined with Food and Mood journal analysis, lifestyle and environmental assessments, and motivational interviewing techniques, provides a powerful way to assess a client’s biochemical needs and make appropriate, personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations.
Is there financing available?

Tuition can be paid in full, through a payment plan, or with a personal loan. For our payment plan, there is a non-refundable enrollment fee to participate. You may also apply for a personal loan through your own bank or credit union.  Full details and applications for the payment plan can be found here: nutritionaltherapy.com/payment-plans/. For students in Australia, NTA Australia partners with Auswide Bank to offer loans for tuition and books. To learn more, go to ntaaustralia.com.au/courses.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes. The NTA will notify prospective students when scholarships become available. Announcements and applications will be posted here when scholarships are open: nutritionaltherapy.com/scholarships/

Does the NTA have an ADA policy?

Information about the Nutritional Therapy Association’s ADA policy can be found at nutritionaltherapy.com/ada-policy.

Can I take the program even though I don’t know if I want to start a business?

Yes, students take the NTP program for a number of reasons, with graduates going on to apply their credential in a number of ways. Some do indeed start their own businesses or private practices, while others join existing practices, augment existing licenses, write books, start successful blogs, etc. Some graduates don’t apply their credential professionally, but instead, use the skills they learn in their course to help improve the health of their family and community.

Can I complete your programs from overseas?

Our NTP program is a fully online course offering that can be completed from anywhere with access to the internet.

Will you train me how to open my own business?

During the NTP program, you’ll receive business education via the Practice Resources module. This module sets the stage for the considerations, decisions, and approaches you should considerto build your business—but the priority of the NTP program is to provide you with the most comprehensive holistic nutrition education. If you want a deeper dive and focused training that will enable you to launch your own career, we offer a robust, 8-week, 14 module Career Development Course that will empower you with the tools you need to succeed in the industry.

Does the NTP program count as continuing education credits?

In some cases, continuing education credits can be applied to other certificates or licenses. Inquires must be made to the institution that awarded the original license or certificate.

What does the week of a student look like?

At the beginning of the week, you will log into our online learning environment to see the module for that week and what the assignments are. You’ll watch the videos for that module and study the required reading. You’ll also complete an activity based on a combination of material from the videos and the assigned reading. Each module will also have a core assignment such as essay questions, a creative project, or a research paper. In the Nutritional Assessment and Clinical Application section of the course, students will also work with outside clients to put their clinical skills into practice. Each week, students will also have the opportunity to attend a live lecture delivered by the instruction team.

+ Check out our Instagram page where we do frequent Graduate Takeovers that give a glimpse into an NTPs ‘Day in the Life’

Who are these programs ideal for?

Success in an NTA program is more about attitude than aptitude. You will fit well if you are a person who questions the status quo, who is a lifelong learner and is propelled by curiosity, who has an eager spirit, and has a willingness to work hard and commit to being a contributing member of the NTA community. You don’t need any background in nutrition or fitness, but a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology can help.

Where will I be doing the learning?

We use an online learning environment called Canvas. This is where all the course modules live, including: videos, audio lectures, quizzes, assignments, etc. You will also have access to forums where you can ask questions of the instructors and other students. Finally, you’ll have access to conference calls that are led by your Lead Instructor where you can ask questions and have further discussion and learning time. You will get an invite to Canvas when the course begins and you will access it through nutritionaltherapy.instructure.com.