Diplomas
Diploma in Nutritional Science
The focus on nutrition in the western world has heightened in recent years with such trends as escalating obesity and diabetes rates. There has been an enormous amount of research to show that diet has an integral part to play in the prevention and treatment of a large number of common illnesses. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat”. This simple statement could not better sum up the fact that the tissues that make up our bodies are built on the foods that we put in the supermarket trolley.
This course is New Zealand’s first fully distance education Diploma in Nutrition, and is offered to students who wish to become clinical nutritionists. The programme is designed to provide a sound working knowledge and the skills to become employed in a wide variety of roles or as an autonomous practitioner.
Key areas of study include nutritional science and clinical practice, covering macro and micro nutrients, digestion and metabolism, theoretical approaches to nutrition, nutritional biochemistry, medical sciences, and professional development.
The topic and content of modules within the Diploma in Nutritional Science may be subject to change as the College deems necessary thus allowing continuation of improvement to our curriculum.
Course Outline
This qualification provides core knowledge and skills for clinical practice as a Clinical Nutritionist. Subjects studied include:
- Nutritional Science
- Medical Sciences
- Integrative Healthcare
- Therapeutic Diagnostics
- First Light New Zealand Flower Essences
- Tissue Salts
- Homeobotanical Therapy
- Iridology
- Culture, Legal and Ethical Issues
- Counselling
- Research
Graduates of this course are able to work independently as a Clinical Nutritionist or seek employment in a wide variety of roles within integrative health care.
Course Duration
This diploma is 2 years full time (approximately 30 hours per week) or 4 years part time (approximately 15 hours per week, with a total of 2400 hours of study.
Workshop Requirements
Workshops are a compulsory and essential part of training, offering students the opportunity to expand and develop their skills, network with fellow students and benefit from the knowledge of our tutors. The workshops are very interactive with lots of practical skills both taught and assessed.
You are required to attend two workshops; one workshop per year of study for full time students; or one workshop per two years of study for part time students. The first workshop of a weeks duration is towards the end of Module Two and the second workshop of two weeks duration is in Module Five.
You are also required to sit your Practical Examination at the College; therefore you must be prepared to come to the College for each year of study and for your Practical Examination.
Students must not confirm any travel arrangements until workshop bookings are scheduled and confirmed by the Student Support Officer. The College reserves the right to cancel workshops where, in rare cases, the minimum number of students required is not met. Students must consider this when making travel arrangements. It is therefore recommended that ‘flexi options’ be considered when confirming travel arrangements.
Workshop Dates
The workshop you will be booked into will depend on your enrolment date and whether you are studying full time or part time. For further details contact the Student Support Officer on 0800 759 0218.
| Workshop | Start Date | Finish Date |
|---|---|---|
| Year One | 27th February 2012 | 02nd March 2012 |
| Year One | 23rd July 2012 | 27th July 2012 |
| Year One | 1st October 2012 | 5th October 2012 |
| Year Two | 30th April 2012 | 11th May 2012 |
Examination Requirements
At the end of Year 2 students undertake final theory and practical examinations. In addition, a theory test is undertaken at each of the two workshops.
Portfolio of Evidence
Throughout the course of the Diploma, students are required to gain practical experience to support their learning. Before proceeding each year and prior to final graduation being awarded, a Portfolio of Evidence must be submitted to the College. This is a clinical record of all practical work completed throughout your training.
At the completion of each year of study you are required to provide evidence of practical work. The minimum requirement is 150 hours of approximately 35 nutritional consultations over the two or four years. In addition, 20 case studies are provided for you by the College for completion, and you may be asked to complete further case studies to develop clinical practice skills as required. It is the students’ responsibility to arrange practical sessions.
Entry Criteria
Applicants must have completed Year 11 or equivalent secondary school education, must be at least aged 18 and be able to read, speak and comprehend English language (for international non-English speaking applicants: at level 6.5 IELTS).
It is necessary to have a previous knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. A prerequisite is for students to have completed the NZQA Accredited Level Four Certificate of Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent. This can be studied through NCNZ and is a 15 week full time or 30 week part time course.
Intakes
There are five intakes per year in January, March, May, July and September. The closing date for enrolment applications is 4 weeks prior to each intake start date. However, as numbers are limited it is strongly recommended that you submit your application early. This will assist in securing a place on the intake and ensure your enrolment is complete on time. For more information go to the enrolment section.
Fees
Course fees are $3825 per year. Text book costs, medical equipment, administration fees and the undertaking of a First Aid course are in addition to this. For detailed information on fees please go to the enrolment section.
Career Pathways
- Private clinical practice
- Integrative practice with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists or other complementary therapists
- Natural health product company representatives and product consultant
- Working along side midwives in pre conceptual, pregnancy and post natal health care
- Teaching workshops and community education
- Working with businesses on Staff Wellness programmes
- Owning and managing health, whole food and organic stores
- Working as an advisor or consultant to health stores or pharmacies
- Working in specialist areas such as with elderly care and sports groups.
Course Curriculum
YEAR 1, MODULE 1
| DNUT1A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science I (a) | |
| Factors Influencing Nutrition | |
| Macronutrients | |
| Medical Sciences III (a) | |
| The Digestive System | |
| Neurophysiology |
| DNUT1B | |
|---|---|
| Professional Development I | |
| Health Regulatory Requirements I, II, III |
| DNUT1C | |
|---|---|
| Professional Development II (a) | |
| Managing Professional Development | |
| Developing Communication Skills | |
| Applied Complementary Therapies I (a) | |
| Flower Essences |
YEAR 1, MODULE 2
| DNUT2A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science I (b) | |
| Micronutrients | |
| Digestion and Metabolism of Nutrients | |
| Medical Sciences III (b) | |
| The Lymphatic System | |
| The Urinary System | |
| Medical Sciences IV (a) | |
| Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid Balance | |
| The Endocrine System |
| DNUT2B | |
|---|---|
| Professional Development II (b) | |
| Health Education | |
| Culture and Health | |
| Clinical Practice II (a) | |
| Developing Client Case Taking | |
| Applied Complementary Therapies I (b) | |
| Biochemic Tissue Salts |
YEAR 1, MODULE 3
| DNUT3A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science II (a) | |
| Special Health Requirements and Life Stages | |
| Theoretical Approaches to Nutrition | |
| Detoxification |
| DNUT3B | |
|---|---|
| Medical Sciences IV (b) | |
| Human Immune Response and Resistance to Disease | |
| The Reproductive System | |
| The Respiratory System | |
| Clinical Practice II (b) | |
| Developing a Health Care Programme | |
| Iridology |
| Year 1 Portfolio of Evidence – 30 hours |
YEAR 2, MODULE 4
| DNUT4A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science III (a) | |
| Nutritional Biochemistry | |
| Nutritional Aspects of Culinary Herbs and Spices | |
| Medical Sciences IV (c) | |
| Pathophysiology III |
| DNUT4B | |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice II (c) | |
| Determine Treatment Objectives | |
| Physical Examinations and Health Assessments | |
| Clinical Practice III (a) | |
| Clinical Tests and Diagnostic Data |
YEAR 2, MODULE 5
| DNUT5A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science III (b) | |
| Public Health Nutrition | |
| Sports Nutrition |
| DNUT5B | |
|---|---|
| Professional Development III (a) | |
| Business Development | |
| Developing Counselling Skills | |
| Applied Complementary Therapies II | |
| Introduction to Homeobotanical Therapy |
| DNUT5C | |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice III (b) | |
| Therapeutic Treatment of Disease |
YEAR 2, MODULE 6
| DNUT6A | |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Science III (c) | |
| Nutritional Biochemistry II | |
| Clinical Practice IV (a) | |
| Stress and Relaxation | |
| Integrated Case Studies |
| DNUT6B | |
|---|---|
| Clinical Practice IV (b) | |
| Drug, Herb and Supplement Interactions | |
| Developing Clinical Practice Skills | |
| Professional Development III (b) | |
| Developing Research Skills |
| 20 Case Studies |
| Theory Examination |
| Portfolio of Evidence – 120 hours |
| Practical Examination |
The total credits for this course is 240. All modules are compulsory.
To gain the Diploma in Nutritional Science you are required to hold a current First Aid Certificate. You may be required to complete a Comprehensive Two Day First Aid Course or Refresher training as appropriate. The cost of any training is the responsibility of the student. A copy of your valid First Aid Certificate must be sent into the College.
