Get the Skills to Become a Nutrition Consultant

An asian woman working on a laptop in her home. Take an Online Nutrition Consultant Certificate at Hawthorn.
The NC program trains people who are motivated to work in the dynamic field of integrated nutrition, holistic health and wellness to be Nutrition Consultants

24-Month* Online Nutrition Consultant Certificate

At some point, you likely became curious about the effects that nutrition has on your overall health and wellbeing. As you began to delve deeper into the field of holistic nutrition, you may have become both fascinated and overwhelmed with all of the information that’s out there. That is where a Nutrition Consultant comes in – as more people seek trustworthy health information the need for Nutrition Consultants grows!

If you are self-directed and passionate about holistic nutrition consider the Nutrition Consultant Certificate program. Hawthorn presents a comprehensive holistic approach to health education with practical activities as well as evidence-based studies and is distinguished by a nurturing relationship with an instructor, who guides and supports your learning.

The best way to see if Hawthorn University is the right fit for you is to contact an admissions advisor. Get more information on the Nutrition Consultant Certificate program, the online learning format, and pay-as-you-go options so that you can make an informed decision about your future.

Become Qualified in Nutrition Consulting

As a graduate of the NC Certificate program, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to help consumers bridge conventional and complementary health models. Help clients make educated decisions about their healthcare. Whether you go into business for yourself or accept a position working with others, you’ll be competent and employment-ready when you graduate.

During the 48-credit Nutrition Consultant Certificate program you’ll learn:

  • Whole Foods Nutrition
  • Digestive Physiology & Anatomy
  • Macronutrients & Micronutrients
  • Diet Evaluation & Planning
  • Structuring the Holistic Client Interview
  • Life Stages & Clinical Nutrition
  • Gastrointestinal Health
  • Detoxification Systems at Work
  • Endocrine Balance
  • Musculoskeletal Fitness
  • Cardiovascular Strength
  • Intelligent Immunity
  • Neurological Welfare
  • Putting It All Together & Going into Business
  • Research Project and Presentation (optional)

The Nutrition Consultant Certificate program is a 48-credit program with an optional additional 4-credit Research Project and Presentation.

Is a Future in Holistic Health & Nutrition Right for You? Find Out! Take the Hawthorn University “Holistic Nutrition Career Training Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get Your Holistic Nutrition Career Training Readiness score now.

Certification Makes You Credible

As a graduate of the NC program, you are eligible to sit for the board certification exam from the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB). Becoming certified can open doors to employment as it proves you underwent thorough training and were able to demonstrate your knowledge – earning the highest level of professional recognition in the holistic nutrition industry.

The Convenience of Online Learning

At Hawthorn, programs are entirely online and offer the support of your peers and mentorship of your teacher right at your fingertips. Educational tools include audio lectures, dynamic interviews with professionals in clinical practice, original articles from Hawthorn University, textbooks, journals, websites, diet analysis software, clinical conference calls, message boards, hands-on and community-based assignments, and individual teacher-student interaction. Each course concludes with a teacher-student telephone call and oral review.

As with traditional, on-ground schools, you’ll be expected to complete practical activities, research and written assignments, practice exercises, and other community-based projects – all online. You’ll also have the option to engage with your peers and faculty via website based message boards. Advanced level courses allow you to participate in clinical review; you’ll present client protocols via conference calls.

Certificate Details

Curriculum & Academics

Curriculum & Academic Requirements

To read course descriptions, view scholastic requirements, graduation requirements, and the grading scale, click here.

Webinars

Stay Current With Expert-Led Live Webinars

As a Hawthorn student, you are invited to webinars where leaders in the field discuss current nutritional topics with students. Webinars are archived for later use so you can access them whenever you need to. Webinars are held every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4 PM PST / 7 PM EST.

Tuition & Fees

Reasonable Tuition & Fees

The program consists of 16 courses (48 credits) which are needed to graduate. Students may pay by the course and payment is due upon enrollment into the course. Tuition must be paid in U.S. currency, by check, money order, or credit card.

  • NC course (3 credit hours) $450.00
  • NC course (4 credit hours) $600.00

Please note: The 4 credit course is an optional clinical research project and presentation and not required for graduation.

Total tuition for the NC program is:

  • $60.00 – Application fee (non-refundable)
  • $7,200.00 – 48 credits @ $150.00
  • $250.00 – Midterm and Final Examinations @ $125 each
  • $7,510.00 Total

For a detailed list of other University fees: Click Here

Courses are released upon receipt of payment. Once the course is completed, you are ready to advance by requesting the next course.

Textbooks

Your Textbooks Form the Basis of a Professional Library

The costs of textbooks are not included in the quoted tuition (refer to the chart below for estimated prices). Students purchase textbooks from vendors of their choice. The estimated cost of textbooks and software for the NC Program is included in the chart below.

Here is a course by course breakdown of the estimated cost of your textbooks and other required materials for each course and for the entire program. Prices are from amazon.com unless otherwise indicated. Tuition and book prices are subject to change. This estimate is based on the completion of 52 credits. Students who do not wish to take the optional NC 17 course may deduct the costs of that course to calculate their total expenditure.

Course Name
Estimated Textbook Cost (rounded to the nearest dollar)

Tuition Cost
TOTAL Tuition and Estimated Textbook Cost
NC 1
$270.00
$450.00
 $720.00
NC 2
$37.00
$450.00
 $487.00
NC 3
$83.00
$450.00
 $533.00
NC 4
$30.00
$450.00
 $480.00
NC 5
$15.00
$450.00
 $465.00
NC 6
$18.00
$450.00
 $468.00
NC 7
$223.00
$450.00
 $673.00
NC 8
$120.00
$450.00
 $570.00
NC 9
$0.00
$450.00
 $450.00
NC 10
$15.00
$450.00
 $465.00
NC 11
$0.00
$450.00
 $450.00
NC 12
$0.00
$450.00
 $450.00
NC 13
$12.00
$450.00
 $462.00
NC 14
$0.00
$450.00
 $450.00
NC 15
$19.00
$450.00
 $469.00
NC 16
$49.00
$450.00
  $499.00
*NC 17
$36.00
$600.00
 $636.00
Application Fee
$60.00
Graduation Fee (Domestic)
$75.00
Total Textbook Costs (estimated)
$890.00
Midterm and Final Examinations
$250.00
Total Tuition Cost
$7,200.00
Total Tuition Cost / Fees / Textbook Costs
$8,475.00
*Optional NC 17
$636.00
Grand Total
$9,111.00

**Students who do not complete their thesis in the allotted time frame must register to continue at ½ the cost ($300.00) to maintain matriculation.

Program Outcomes

Nutrition Consultant Professionals Are Needed to Fill Many Roles

Upon successful completion of the NC Certificate program you should be able to:

• Explain the characteristics of a positive holistic nutrition lifestyle to clients
• Discuss the differences between various nutrition options with clients
• Evaluate and monitor the nutritional intake of clients and assist them in making informed
decisions about nutrition
• Formulate holistic nutrition strategies to promote health and well-being in clients with a
variety of health conditions
• Explain the value of nutritional supplements to clients
• Prepare a business strategy for opening a consulting practice

Extensive Career Prospects

The Nutrition Consultant Certificate program allows graduates to:

  • Work in private practice as Nutrition Consultants
  • Write for health-oriented publications
  • Lead groups in health-oriented programs
  • Lecture for professional groups, lay audiences, or schools
  • Teach at schools, colleges, and other institutions
  • Conduct research
  • Work for supplement or health product manufacturers
  • Work with nutrition centers, spas, retreat centers, and sports teams

Is a Rewarding Career in Nutrition Consulting Right For You? Get More Info…

If you’re interested in learning more about Nutrition Consulting and exploring if this is the right career path for you, fill out the form on this page to receive more information.

For immediate questions, call 707-986-4153

Learn about admission requirements for the NC program.

View the sample program agreement.

*Program length when students take multiple classes at once. See the “Flexible Completion Rate” paragraph for more details.