Brocklebank, Samantha - Holistic Nutritionist
From What can you do with a degree in psychology?
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| == Salary potential == | == Salary potential == | ||
| - | Average starting salaries for Holistic Nutritionists range from $40,000-$55,000<ref>The Institute of Holistic Nutrition (2015). FAQ’s. Retrieved from: http://www.instituteofholisticnutrition.com/about-us/faqs/#q8</ref>. Many people in this area of work contribute to magazines or offer educational workshops in addition to their practice, thus increasing their annual salary. | + | Average starting salaries for Holistic Nutritionists range from $40,000-$55,000<ref>The Institute of Holistic Nutrition (2015). FAQ’s. Retrieved from: http://www.instituteofholisticnutrition.com/about-us/faqs/#q8</ref>. Many people in this area of work contribute to magazines or offer educational workshops in addition to their practice, thus increasing their annual salary<ref name="health" /ref>. |
| == Job outlook == | == Job outlook == | ||
Revision as of 22:45, 25 March 2015
Contents |
General overview
A Holistic Nutritionist is someone who works with people either individually or in a group with the focus of educating people on proper diet and lifestyle[1]. Coming from an all-natural approach, a Holistic Nutritionist takes into account treatment plans that benefit the mind, body, and spirit[2]. The main goal in this practice is to provide people with nutritional advice that will help them maintain good health and/or provide relief from common ailments. This goal is achieved by creating individualized meal plans for clients along with recommendations of supplements they might also need[3].
Job duties and responsibilities
The goal of a Holistic Nutritionist is to help others achieve a healthier diet and lifestyle by providing advice and diet plans that are customized for each client[4]. General job duties and responsibilities include[5]:
- Meeting with clients in person, over the phone or online (via Skype)
- Creating individualized meal plans
- Keeping organized files for each client
- Keeping up to date on your knowledge of holistic nutrition treatments
- Working in conjunction with other holistic health care practitioners
- Teaching workshops
- Contributing to magazines
- Maintaining online blogs about holistic nutrition
Typical workday
The work hours associated with this job can vary greatly depending on the type of environment. If a Holisitic Nutritionist were to open their own practice then they would essentially create their own hours. However, if a Holistic Nutritionist were to work in a holistic health care centre they might work more regular shifts during usual business hours. The work setting would usually be in a private office where you could meet with clients[6]. The clients would vary from different backgrounds. And if you were working in an holistic health care centre, your co-workers would likely also be trained in holistic medicine including: Naturopath Practitioners, Homeopathic Doctors, Registered Massage Therapists, Yoga Instructors, and Acupuncture Therapists[7].
Educational requirements and other qualifications
There are currently no government restrictions in the field of Holistic Nutrition in Canada. Those who practice Holisitic Nutrition come from different academic backgrounds and are usually trained in either a certification or diploma course. The length and depth of these programs vary [1]. Some programs are as short as 4 months and others are upwards of 3 years[8]. The majority of these programs require applicants to hold a highschool diploma and are approved by various Holistic Nutrition associations. For example, the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners approves the 3-year Holistic Nutrition diploma offered by the Pacific Rim College[8]. Whereas, the Institute of Holistic Nutrition offers a 1-year certification and is approved by Certified Nutritional Practitioners Council of Canada and The International Organization of Nutritional Consultants[9].
Related skills, interests, and abilities
This job requires a person who is dedicated and ambitious. Much of the job involves interacting with other people so someone with more extroverted characteristics would likely excel in this area. You must also be honest, motivating and straightforward with clients because much of the work will be challenging for them to implement and maintain. Lastly, you must be a person with a love for food, education, health and overall well-being[10].
Relevance of Psychology undergraduate degree
Learning about development, mental health and personality provides a solid background knowledge, which can be used to support a health care practice that works with individuals with differing mental and physical needs. Having adequate nutrition is important for our physical and mental well being. Developmental Psychology courses stress the importance that nutrition plays the developing human being. Nutrition, or lack of, can affect both brain development and behaviour and can lead to a variety of internal issues. A Holistic Nutritionist with a Psychology background would have a better understanding of these important issues and would be better able to educate their clients while providing them with optimal nutrition advice[11].
Salary potential
Average starting salaries for Holistic Nutritionists range from $40,000-$55,000[12]. Many people in this area of work contribute to magazines or offer educational workshops in addition to their practice, thus increasing their annual salary[10]
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