Nutrition Consultant, Wellness Practitioner, Wellness Coach, Dietician, Holistic Nutritionist — what are all these careers and certifications in the health and wellness industry, and how are they different? When I began researching how to get my education started with a wellness certification, it was easy to get overwhelmed with the options and information.
I found a great overview of the different careers in this industry from the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). Summarizing from it:
- Nutrition Consultants, Wellness Coaches, and/or Nutrition Coaches, provide guidance and counseling to people seeking nutritional advice for health, fitness, healthy lifestyles and weight management.
- Holistic Nutritionists are trained in natural complimentary nutrition. You will identify nutritional needs for disease prevention and treatment.
- Registered Dietitians provide specific meal plans, nutritional counseling and guidance. A four-year degree is required.
- Nutritionists advise people on dietary choices, food and meal plans to promote optimal health, weight loss, treat diseases, and promote wellness. Certification is less regulated.
What is my goal?
For me, I wanted to explore holistic wellness and nutrition, being open to some emphasis in coaching aspects, but wanting more emphasis in wellness topics. At this moment, my priority lies in understanding how foods and holistic wellness are tied to health, and if there are takeaways that can help me improve on my own health issues. I wanted to learn for me. Identifying this goal removed pressure from me to select THE program — I have a tendency to invest a lot of time and weight into decisions, evaluating each and every option and treating the process almost like its ‘all or nothing’. Which isn’t great!
Which wellness certification options are there?
With my purpose in mind, I casted a wide net in my research, and identified the following options for my studies. There may be more and costs may no longer be accurate, as I compiled everything in February 2020.
Organization | Certification | Cost | Duration | Comments |
Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) | Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) | $5900 | 10-mo, teacher led | The program takes an in-depth look at the function and dysfunction of each body system, food quality and sourcing, culinary skills, meal planning, health and wellness barriers and influences, emotional well-being, environmental factors, the importance of sleep and movement, as well as stress and its effect on the body. |
The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) | Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | $6795 | Accelerated: 6mo | - Health and wellness principles to help you achieve certification |
Functional Nutrition Labs (FNL) | Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Course (FDN) | $5995 | 6mo | - How to stop chasing symptoms and identify underlying opportunities for healing |
American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) | Holistic Nutritionist Certification | $819 | Up to 6mo | - Evidence-based, professional training in holistic nutrition, whole foods, and plantbased nutrition. |
American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA) | Health & Wellness Coach Certification | $849 | Up to 6mo | - How to be an effective coach |
American Council on Exercise (ACE) | Health Coach Certification | $561.75 | 4mo | - Motivational interviewing |
ADAPT | Health Coach Training Program | $9997 | 12mo | - Art and Practice of Coaching (Training includes positive psychology, the science and art of behavioral change and conflict resolution.) |
Health Coach Institute (HCI) | Health and Life Coach Certification | $4950 | 6mo | Pillar One – Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Pillar Two – Habit Change Coaching Method Pillar Three – Personal Growth |
Precision Nutrition | Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification | $999 | Up to 4.5mo | Unit 1 teaches you the unique and proven Precision Nutrition approach to coaching. |
International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) | Sports Nutrition Specialist (SNS) | - The basics of nutrition and nutrition for athletes | ||
Nutrition Therapy Institute (NTI) | Nutrition Therapist Master Certification | $9955 | 18mo | |
Duke’s Integrative Medicine | Integrative Health Coach Certification | $1440 | 4.5mo | - Personal health planning - Mindful awareness |
To me, it was a clear choice to pursue the Holistic Nutritionist certification with AFPA, as it seemed to directly address my needs. The cost was so reasonable compared to the other options, and the content prioritized nutrition and health, yet still covering an introductory amount of coaching content. If I ended up being intrigued by coaching, I could always continue learning.
What did I particularly like about AFPA’s Holistic Nutritionist Certification program?
- The pace. The self-paced nature of the curriculum was great. I wanted the flexibility to go at my own speed, allowing me to finish within four months.
- The cost. Still affordable to me, especially given that I am exploring my own wellness journey.
- Curriculum: In particular, I was so drawn to the content on herbs! Totally unexpected and had no idea I would gravitate towards this, but I remember feeling hope for every ailment potentially having a natural, effective herbal solution. Such magic and power of herbs! I’m grateful for gaining exposure to this, and can’t wait to explore more.
I know I would have gained a lot of knowledge if I went with any of the other certification routes, but I’m happy with my decision. For those of you who are in the midst of your wellness certifications, or finished, what did you like about yours?
*https://www.afpafitness.com/blog/career-trends-in-holistic-nutrition-and-wellness
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