Nutritional therapists use their knowledge of nutrition and the health sciences to assist patients in regaining and maintaining their health. They collaborate with patients to recognize and get rid of toxins in the body that cause stress, and they help patients ease sickness or avoid it by selecting a suitable diet.
People of all ages, from toddlers to adults, may benefit from nutritional therapy for the treatment of a broad range of health issues, including the following:
- Ailments such as headaches and migraines
- Digestive difficulties
- Hormonal problems
- Fatigue
- Ailments that affect the skin, such as eczema
- Hyperactivity, depressive states, and sleeplessness
- Issues affecting the joints, such as arthritis
The nutritional treatment process is broken up into various stages:
When the therapist initially meets a client, one of their primary goals is to learn the motivation behind the client's decision to seek therapy.
After that, the therapist engages in some conversation with the patient in order to get a deeper comprehension of the issue at hand. In order to learn about the client's medical and family history, as well as their food and lifestyle, the client is questioned. In addition, the therapist could look at the client's tongue, hair, and nails when examining them.
In order to learn more, the therapist could provide diagnostic tests. In most cases, they are carried out in specialized labs with the use of samples of urine, feces, saliva, blood, sweat, or hair.
The nutritional condition of the client may be determined with the use of the information that was acquired. This includes the diagnosis of any dietary allergies and intolerances, as well as any potential variables that might be contributing to certain health concerns.
After that, the therapist will suggest a program that is specifically designed for the client. The software provides recommendations on which foods to steer clear of and which ones to consume more of. It is possible that it may suggest taking nutritional supplements. Alterations to the client's lifestyle that are healthy and useful may also be suggested.
In addition to providing their services, independent nutritional therapists are responsible for marketing their businesses and maintaining financial records.
There is no established schedule for the working hours. Appointments with nutritional therapists are often available both early in the morning and later in the evening. This is done to accommodate the schedules of their clients. The majority of nutritional therapists work on a part-time basis, and many of them also have other jobs.
The duration of client sessions might vary. The first consultation often lasts somewhere between 60 and 90 minutes, while subsequent appointments may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Indoor employment is required for nutritional therapists. It's possible that they operate out of their own homes, in private practice clinics, or make house calls to patients. Those who work in many places may find that having a valid driver's license is beneficial.
It's possible that starting pay will be at around £16,000 per year. The majority of nutritional therapists are self-employed, which means that their wages might vary significantly. They bill their customers for each each session. The first consultation may cost anywhere from £40 to £110, and future consultations can cost anywhere from £35 to £90. These prices vary depending on the therapist.
HOW TO BEGIN THIS OPTION FOR A PROFESSIONAL CAREER
The majority of nutritional therapists work for themselves. Some therapists choose to collaborate with colleagues from different fields or engage in group practices. A select handful are hired by corporations that produce nutritional goods, operate health and fitness centers, or are private businesses that are interested in improving the overall health of their workforce.
The number of people working as nutritional therapists has increased over time, and the British Association for Nutritional Therapy (BANT) can today count around 1,550 people as members on its registry. Although there are licensed therapists in every region of the UK, the majority of them work in London and the south of England. Job openings in the field of complementary treatment may be found posted in various journals devoted to the field as well as online.
EDUCATIONAL AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Beginning in October 2006, the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) began providing current practitioners with the opportunity to become registered. Additionally, it will start the process of accrediting courses for anyone who are interested in entering the profession.
It is essential to get a certificate that includes both the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Nutritional Therapy as well as the Core Curriculum offered by the NTC if one want to be acknowledged as a member of their chosen profession. Candidates should verify with the providers of the courses that they are taking that they are working toward receiving accreditation from the NTC.
There are three different levels of courses, each of which includes a certification that satisfies the NOS and the Core Curriculum of the NTC:
Diploma Programs The majority of diploma programs do not need students to have any academic credentials; however, there are a few programs that do require students to have A levels or H grades in chemistry or biology and five GCSE's or S grades (A-C/1-3), or similar qualifications. Every candidate must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to successfully complete the required biology and chemistry coursework.
Entry into degree programs often requires possessing at least two A levels or three H grades, which must include both chemistry and biology, in addition to five GCSEs or S grades (ranging from A-C/1-3). It is also possible to enter the program with a pre-degree certification in nutritional treatment that is equivalent to the level of a foundation degree.
Entry into postgraduate diploma and master's degree programs requires either a degree in conventional or complementary medicine or another certification with the same level of rigor.
Candidates should verify the entry criteria with the specific institutions or universities they are interested in attending.
There are also a lot of fundamental nutrition and diet classes that are just a few weeks long. Although they could serve as an excellent introduction to nutrition, they are not adequate on their own to allow one to work as a nutritional therapist professionally.
A HANDFUL MORE TESTS MAY BE REQUIRED OF YOU.
Diploma programs may be found at a number of different private training institutes located all across the UK. The majority of classes are offered on a part-time or distant learning basis.
The Centre for Nutrition Education and Life Management (which is validated by Middlesex University) and the University of Westminster both have degree programs in nutritional therapy that last for three years and may be completed in full-time study. Both of these classes may also be taken on a part-time basis. The Plaskett Nutritional Medicine College of Thames Valley University provides degree programs that may be completed via remote learning. Following completion of pre-degree nutritional therapy courses, students may continue their education at the University of Bedfordshire by enrolling in a part-time degree program that lasts for two years.
The London College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine provides courses that may be completed in one year on a part-time basis and lead to a Postgraduate Diploma or Masters Degree in Nutrition for Healthcare Practitioners. These courses are geared at medical professionals.
Nutritional therapists have a responsibility to maintain their skills and remain current with the latest research and practices in their area. In order to accomplish this goal, individuals might participate in a variety of different one-day workshops and seminars.
SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES NEEDED
Nutritional therapists need to do the following:
Have the ability to get along well with customers coming from a variety of different backgrounds.
Be able to acquire customers' trust.
When trying to solve an issue, try to do it in a logical manner.
Have the ability to emotionally detach yourself from the concerns of your customers.
Develop strong abilities in the art of communication.
Exhibit a demeanor that is soothing.
Have strong motivating skills.
Maintain the client's right to privacy.
It is important to be aware of when it is appropriate to refer a patient to a physician or other health professional.
If you are self-employed, you should have some commercial competence.