This ITEC accredited course is ideal for those wishing to learn the very latest theories in sports nutrition to sports and fitness professionals and enthusiasts. Students are given practical knowledge on all elements of diet and nutrition in order to advise clients in formulating individualised healthy eating programmes with a focus on maximising physical performance. This course is based on the principles of functional medicine, which has moved sports nutrition into a new and exciting era including a greater understanding of how underlying physiological imbalances impact performance, the importance of individualised dietary programmes depending on both the type and level of activity being undertaken and the vital importance of the micronutrients (as well as the macronutrients) in maximising physical performance. 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.

With approximately 450 hours guided learning hours, including 10 lecture weekends (in the region of 1 per month between September and June), tutorials, home study and assignments, the IHS Certificate in Dietary Counselling: Functional Sports Nutrition offers students practical training in key areas specifically designed to ensure IHS graduates have a unique and diverse set of skills allowing them to work successfully with a broad range of clients over a number of consultations. Skills developed during the course include detailed dietary analysis, body composition analysis and health coaching. Our dietary analysis training is done using the very latest and most comprehensive dietary analysis software available, body composition analysis includes calliper training (Dublin in-class students only) and in-depth training covering other key body measurements and their links to health and disease. Our health coaching skills are based on the dynamic and fast growing field of health and wellness coaching from the US. Students are trained in the most effective ways of improving client compliance and motivation, ensuring clients take responsibility for their own health, establishing how ready they are to change and then helping them overcome barriers to change. Cooking demonstrations show students first hand how to incorporate healthy eating cooking skills and ingredients into meals and snacks for both them and their future clients. All of the above are designed to produce confident and competent graduates ready for a successful career as a dietary counsellor with a specialism in sports nutrition.

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

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.

• Start seeing clients and earning immediately – we provide you with 4 comprehensive dietary counselling 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 (for those with an existing complementary therapy qualification only)
• Get listed on the IHS website as a Sports Nutrition Dietary Counsellor – 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

The format of this course is modular, allowing you to direct the progress of your learning. You can choose to complete it entirely as a taught course, as a blended learning course with the option to attend lecture weekends of your choice or entirely via e-Learning, where 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.

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Course Content

This ITEC accredited certificate course consists of five modules in total. Most modules can be completed by attending lectures or via e-Learning. For e-Learners, there is one 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, dietary functions of minerals and vitamins and their deficiency and toxicity symptoms; the nutritional requirements of athletes and sports enthusiasts, energy production and requirements of different athletes, nutrition for sports related conditions, the use of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements as well as special nutrients. This course is a perfect adjunct to any role in the fitness industry or any healthcare therapy and will enhance your own health as well as your current or future practice.

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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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Course Fees

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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 please complete the application form, save it and email it to info@instituteofhealthsciences.com 

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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