A bachelor’s degree in nutrition from a certified naturopathic school or college is required to become a naturopathic nutritionist, or a nutritionist who emphasizes natural and holistic approaches to healing the body through food. Only a few of these schools exist, but they all teach the fundamentals of basic nutrition, which are required to become a registered dietitian (RD), as well as additional education on natural healing methods like herbs and plants. After earning a bachelor’s degree, a person must enter an internship program approved by a dietitian committee that lasts at least a year in order to gain experience in the field. An individual can be recognized as a naturopathic nutritionist after passing the national dietetics exam.
A degree in natural nutrition is offered by a few naturopathic schools, and it meets the educational requirements for becoming a naturopathic nutritionist or a registered dietician. A person must complete a certain number of nutrition education hours at a naturopathic school or university in order to become a naturopathic nutritionist. These classes include nutrition classes similar to those offered at major universities, as well as classes on whole foods and organic gardening. Whole foods are emphasized in naturopathy school and holistic nutrition because they are seen as a way to reconnect with nature’s wisdom.
After completing the nutrition requirements for the bachelor’s degree in naturopathic nutrition at the college level, an internship in the field of holistic nutrition is required. Internships are frequently for a full year and may include a stipend. Some students pursuing a career as a naturopathic nutritionist will complete an internship while also pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition, but this is not required to earn the title of RD. To become a registered dietitian, you must pass a national exam for dietitians and nutritionists after completing an accredited internship through a national dietitian association.
Whole food education is an important part of becoming a naturopathic nutritionist because it can help future clients become more aware of the harmful chemical additives found in many processed foods that contribute to poor health. A naturopathic nutritionist works one-on-one with clients and patients to implement a full-fledged approach to this way of eating as the first step toward food-based healing. A naturopathic nutritionist will frequently apply the additional knowledge he gained about herbs and herbal medicine from naturopathic school to his practice. Because there is some disagreement about the level of education required to safely offer this advice, it usually involves the use of herbal teas rather than homeopathic remedies or prescriptions.