This ITEC accredited course is ideal for professionals who wish to add another dimension to physical fitness training advice. Students are given practical knowledge on diet and nutrition in order to advice clients in formulating heathy eating programme with a focus on maximising physical performance.

This course is recognised by the Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners. Graduates of the certificate programme can become members of FNTP, obtain practitioner insurance and benefit from the support of a registering body. See www.fntp.org for details.

IHS provide graduates with a custom designed pack of 4 comprehensive dietary coaching programme and associated paperwork which can be used with clients as soon as they graduate. All IHS dietary coaching graduates will also be included in our database of IHS practitioners and included on the IHS website. These elements make the IHS Dietary Coaching qualification the most comprehensive in Ireland.

The course is modular in format allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. You can choose to complete the course entirely via distance learning; as a blended learning course with an option to attend lecture weekends of your choice; or entirely as a taught course. Structured home study allows you to complete each module in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.

• Try your first module for FREE! – You only pay when you decide to continue the course!
• Start seeing clients and earning immediately – we provide you with 4 comprehensive dietary coaching programmes and paperwork to get started in business straight away
• Receive your ITEC Diploma in Diet and Nutrition for Complementary Therapists – avail of an option to take the ITEC exam
• Get listed on the IHS website as a Sports Nutrition Dietary Coach – get client referrals without having to develop your own website
• Practice in confidence - Practitioner insurance options available on successful graduation
• Continue on with your studies – fast track onto the IHS Diploma in Nutritional Therapy

About the Course

This ITEC accredited certificate course is designed to impart the very latest cutting edge research on performance nutrition to sports and fitness professionals/enthusiasts.  The IHS sports nutrition courses are based on the principles of Functional Medicine which has moved Sports Nutrition beyond a focus on the ratio or protein, carbohydrates and fats consumed, and into a new and exciting era. This approach clearly demonstrates that optimum fitness is not possible without underlying optimum health and that intensive exercise unsupported by tailored dietary and supplement regimes may actually be detrimental to both health and performance.

The course offers strategies for personal change but also develops skills for coaching others towards a sustainable healthier future using food, nutrients, supplements and herbs to support optimum health. The coaching elements of the course are based on the principles of NLP and are specifically designed to help you assess an individual’s goals, concerns, barriers to change and motivators which can help you adapt your approach to any one’s needs and improve results.

The Certificate in Dietary Coaching: Sports Nutrition may be completed by distance learning, blended learning (home study with some in class lectures) or as an in-class course (with just one distance learning module). The format is modular allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. Structured home study allows you to complete each module in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, should you choose to do so. Mutually agreed goals and milestones ensure that you will remain focused while still allowing you flexibility. A timetable of potential in-class lectures is given to each student at the commencement of their studies so they can decide if and when they would like to attend lectures, workshops, cooking demos etc.

Those who choose to enroll on the in-class course will complete the first year of the Diploma in Nutritional Therapy, which allows them the option to continue straight on with the diploma course if they choose to do so. Distance and blended learning students will be required to complete short bridging modules and assignments in order to fast track onto year 2 of the diploma. All certificate students will be assigned a personal tutor to guide and mentor you through the programme. Online tutorials are provided so that you receive the support that you need.

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Course Content

This ITEC accredited certificate course consists of four modules in total. Most modules can be completed as home study (should you choose this option) or by attending lectures. There is one compulsory taught module on coaching skills where you will be required to attend a weekend of lectures and training. 

The course covers an array of vital nutritional knowledge including: the therapeutic qualities of food, toxicity and detoxification; bowel flora, dietary functions of minerals and vitamins and their deficiency and toxicity symptoms; the use of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements as well as special nutrients. This course is a perfect adjunct to any therapy and will enhance your own health as well as your current or future practice.

Click here to view course outline with optional lecture dates

Module 1: Health, Healthcare & Dietary Therapy
Part 1: Understanding the Human Body and Health
The human body and how it works | The nutrition requirements of different systems of the body | Digestion and absorption | Bowel flora and health | The effects of poor digestion on health | Supporting digestion | Key factors in disease progression in the West 

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Entry Requirements

This certificate is a lifelong learning course and students are accepted on to this course through a combination of academic qualifications and relevant life experience.

(i) Normal minimum entry requirements

The minimum academic entry requirement for this course is a grade C at Junior Certificate or 4 GCSEs grades A to C (preferably including a science subject). Equivalent international qualifications will also be accepted. 

(ii) Prior Learning and Prior Experiential Learning

Applicants with Prior Learning and Experiential Prior Learning will also be considered. All knowledge, skills and competencies accumulated through life and work experience will be considered.

All applicants will be interviewed to determine their suitability for the course.  

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How to Apply

Training is an investment in your future. As with any investment it is important to identify what you wish to gain and which course will be most suitable for your needs. The Institute staff will spend time speaking with you to ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision. We recommend you attend one of our regular open evenings to find out more about the course structure, content and career opportunities.

To enrol you will need to complete the application form and return this along with a deposit to the address below. Please contact the office for deposit amount and payment options.

Registrations

Institute of Health Sciences
13 Upper Baggot Street
Second Floor
Dublin 4
Ireland.

To receive an application in the post, please call 076 603 0746. Alternatively you can email: info@instituteofhealthsciences.com stating your name, telephone number and the course you are applying for. The application form can also be downloaded here.

If you would like IHS to contact you please fill out our online contact form and a staff member will get in touch with you shortly.

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