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becoming a vegan counselor??
Started
by Heather Thorpe
on January 14, 2010
Hi Sierra - I have actually been looking into the Institute for Integrative Nutrition for about a year now, and was afraid to make the move because it's a certification not a degree. But I feel a little more inclined to do it now, as it is evident at this point in my busy life that I will not be going back to school for years to finish my degree. Do you live in NY? I'm on Long Island and was looking into the onsite, weekend program a while ago. Now I noticed they have distance learning also.
I've noticed some others on this site comment that they've gone there as well. I'd like to hear as much feedback as I can about the program as well as any experiences with counseling people after the program. My biggest fear is that I won't be able to make a career out of it once it's over. Thank you so much for all the advice! I feel so comfortable on this site with all of you.
Alyanne, you took the words right out of my mouth!! That is also a fear of mine. I would love to jump in, but can I make it work??
Hi Samantha!
yes - so to add to my comment...I can totally see how the IN program would be great for someone who already has a foundation/background in the Health and Fitness industries. I'm wondering how it can help someone like me - for whom it would be a total career change. I have no background in this field - but it has always been a passion of mine since childhood. Could I take what I learn there and the certification and really make it work?
That's a great idea Kirstan - I believe they do offer that.
Integrative Nutrition definitely offers the option of talking to grads. They also host a call nearly weekly where a grad talks about his/her experiences with IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition). I completely understand the concern that this isn't a "real" degree as well as the career change concerns. I'm a software program manager. This is a complete change for me! I'm in Oregon, so distance learning was the only real option I had for it, although even the distance program offers you the option of attending one weekend in person. I may do that - a trip to NYC sounds like fun!
One of the nice things about the IIN degree is that it's about 60% nutrition and 40% how to be a counselor and make a living from it. So there is a strong business aspect as well.
As for how I'm liking it, so far, so good! I've been working through the prework so far. Classes officially start Feb 1, so I'm just getting everything in place for it.
Oh, and one thing my husband asked me that helped me to make the decision to enroll: "Even if you can't make a living from it, would you enjoy the learning experience and would it enrich your life?" Since the answer was a major YES, I enrolled. He's so awesome. 
Hi Sierra - that's so funny that your husband asked you that. That's the same question I was literally just asking myself now as I was looking over the brochure again! I'm also in the IT field and need a change big time!
Ok - I'm really going to consider it. I would love it if you keep me posted!
Samantha~
I've mostly been looking into counseling programs or psychotherapy since that's what I had planned on doing after I finished my BA in Psychology. And because I am really interested in the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (because of the distance learning and the amazing curriculum they cover) and like Alyanne said, it's only a certification, I'm thinking the best route to go is to get a degree in counseling and get my certification in nutrition and combine the 2 in my own way. Either that or add a Nutrition degree on later after I've done the distance learning to get a base (considering I don't have ANY previous training in nutrition so I won't have a great chance of getting into a Master's program for it, right now at least).
Since so many people have asked questions, here are a few answers:
I am in the distance learning program since I'm in Oregon, not NYC. The cost varies depending on whether you pay all at once or choose one of the payment plans. About 60% of the program is training on nutrition and the remainder covers the business aspects of how to set up a business as a health counselor. I enrolled in mid-December and classes officially start on Feb 1. There is a very active and interactive website for the students so that you can get some of the same experience of being in class. They send an iPod with Powerpoint slide, videos, and audio programming for each section. I've gotten three boxes of goodies in the mail so far - iPod, books, bags, even food.
As I get into the program more, I'll try to post updates on how it's going. So far I have been very impressed.
Thanks Sierra! I think it's so great that you're doing this program. You've inspired me to really re-consider it. the Onsite classes in NYC start on Feb 20th and I am actively looking into loans, etc. to figure out how to cover the tuition as the payment plans they offer aren't really going to work for me. I really want to go for it. I will make a decision within the next week. Best of luck to you!
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