FAQ
What kinds of students does the MA in Holistic Health Education attract?
People from all kinds of backgrounds, who have tried and studied many things, and seek ways to integrate their learnings and experiences, are especially drawn to this program. Some are yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as practitioners in different healing modalities, including nursing. Most value health and well-being for all, love nature and seek to preserve it, and find time (or want to!) for self-care and spiritual practices. They are potential innovators, trail-blazers, and change agents, whether they would focus on helping existing systems to evolve or on creating new ones. They long to be a part of a community of likeminded people. Some come to the program because of their own health challenges or having seen what friends or family members have experienced, and wishing to make things better. Some are working on their first career, while others are seeking to change direction.
How is this program different from others in the School of Holistic Studies?
While all of the School's programs focus on holistic approaches to well-being, this one is geared to train health educators rather than therapists as our counseling programs do. The HHE program draws upon knowledge of spirituality, consciousness, art, and psychology that are the main focus of other programs (Consciousness and Transformative Studies, Arts & Consciousness, Integral Psychology) but always in service of deepening inquiry into topics in health and healthcare.
Students may use elective units to take courses in other Holistic Studies departments.
How does this program compare with other MA programs in related areas?
The program is 30 years old and unique in preparing people to become professionals in holistic health education (broadly defined). In contrast, many programs are training people to become practitioners of various healing modalities.
The program is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
It offers both professional skills training (and internship) and focus on personal practice of health. We are a "personal touch" and strongly community-minded program. Also, we draw inspiration from a very robust theoretical model of integration (Integral Theory) that allows us to go beyond holistic health as meaning "alternative" and being focused on individuals, and "integration" as meaning simply having many choices without fitting them together in some coherent fashion. We focus on health of individuals and collectives, seek to identify the strengths of many approaches, and create bridges that truly integrate in practice. We contextualize the work through considering culture and communities, the economics and politics of the healthcare system, and how health, environment and sustainability are related, and what role meaning plays in a sense of well-being.
Students may proceed at their own pace through the program, and some of our courses include an on-line component, with more expected in the future.
Students have the opportunity to develop professional skills in health coaching, facilitating support groups, teaching, publishing (including making use of on-line possibilities such as blogs and social networking), starting an integrative center, program development, and stress management. We have optional specializations, which include Deep Sustainability (through the Consciousness and Transformative Studies program), Health, Consciousness, and Spirituality, Somatics in Health Education, and Holistic Nutrition.
About practice in the field of Nutrition and the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA program:
Core Philosophy & Goals
While all students complete two foundational nutrition courses (Foundations of Holistic Nutrition & Comparative Dietary Approaches), some students opt to develop an area of specialization within their MA degree by completing additional coursework. The Holistic Health Education MA degree requires completion of 68 units. Holistic Nutrition Specialization candidates complete at least 17 units of nutrition coursework, developing depth within their health education degree by dedicating 25% of the required 68 units to nutrition studies. Nutritional coursework includes: Foundations of Holistic Nutrition, Comparative Dietary Approaches, Healing Foods (three courses, A, B, C), Nutritional Consultation, Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisite course), Applied Nutritional Biochemistry, Whole Health Coaching, From Farm to Table, Hunger of the Spirit, Holistic Approaches to Weight Management and various practica including Business Management, Whole Foods Cooking and Western Herbology.
What does the Holistic Nutrition Specialization within the Holistic Health Education MA degree offer?
The Holistic Nutrition Specialization is based on a whole foods model of eating within a holistic model of wellness centered on whole food nutrition. Students evaluate multiple nutritional approaches and dietary theories, analyzing the benefits and deficits of each approach as applied to the individual. Food as a healing modality is a theme throughout the holistic nutrition specialization. The spectrum of application of food as a healing modality ranges from addressing imbalances that occur throughout an individual's lifetime to developing nutritional and herbal approaches to common disease states including heart disease, diabetes and dysglycemia, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, the concepts of nourishment and creating health within imbalance and disease states are also explored. The holistic nutrition specialization curriculum reaches beyond holism as applied to the individual (body, mind and spirit) to implications of holistic nutrition applied to global systems through the study of the history and foundation of food systems and the impact of environmental influences on the health of the individual and community, both local and global.
As a result of completing the Holistic Nutrition Specialization, graduates are able to:
Each state has its own requirements for professionals in the field of Nutrition. Most states (including the state of California) allow individuals with various types of educational training to practice. However, restrictions apply to using some titles, such as Registered Dietitian (also spelled dietician).
What is a Registered Dietitian?
The credential Registered Dietitian or R.D. is awarded to candidates who pass an exam after completing academic coursework and a supervised internship approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). Required education includes at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. Students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology. Of the 48 states and jurisdictions with laws governing dietetics, 35 require licensure, 12 require statutory certification and 1 requires registration. Requirements vary by State. In states that require licensure, only people who are licensed can work as dietitians. In most states, one must be licensed to use the title Registered Dietitian. Registered Dietitians often work in hospital environments translating the principles of nutrition into a particular diet, such as a low salt diet for a hypertensive patient or a low fat diet for an overweight patient. The model used as the basis for practice is the USDA Food Pyramid.
Can I become a Registered Dietitian with my MA degree in Holistic Health Education and Holistic Nutrition Specialization?
No. The theoretical framework used in the Holistic Health Education MA program is different than the theoretical framework offered in a CADE approved program.
What is a Nutritionist?
The terms dietician and nutritionist are often used interchangeably. However, the education and training of a dietician and a nutritionist can be quite different. The term nutritionist does not necessarily require licensure. Nutritionists hold various levels of education ranging from a certification program to a Ph.D. in Nutrition. Nutritionists often do work that is similar to the work of dieticians, including counseling individual clients and developing dietary plans. Models used as a basis for practice vary by practitioner.
What is a Nutritional Consultant or a Certified Nutritional Consultant?
A consultant provides advice in a particular area, such as nutrition, in this case. Training and education vary widely among individuals using the title Nutritional Consultant/Certified Nutritional Consultant. It's advisable to inquire about a Nutritional Consultant's training and education. Individuals are not required to be licensed to practice as Nutritional Consultants in the state of California. Nutritional Consultants provide dietary and nutrition advice, recommend appropriate nutritional supplements and develop dietary plans. Models used as a basis for practice vary by practitioner.
Are Graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization eligible for membership in a professional organization?
Yes, graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization are eligible to become professional members of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Is the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA Program at John F. Kennedy University an NANP approved program?
Yes, the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA Program at John F. Kennedy University meets and exceeds the requirements to be an NANP approved program and is a recommended program. Educational standards for this recognition include covering the following requirements: Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Nutrition (macro and micronutrients), Nutrition & Pathophysiology, Nutritional Support of Body Systems (Digestive, Immune, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Lymphatic, and Integumentary), Environmental Influences on Health and Disease, Symptomology of Insufficiency, Excess and Impaired Metabolism, Nutrition throughout the Life cycle, Comparative Dietary Systems, Nutritional Supplementation, Nutritional Assessment, Nutritional Counseling, Introductory Herbology, Business Management, and Nutrition & Research Applications.
Can Graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition?
Yes, the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, the credentialing arm of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals offers graduates the opportunity to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition in order to become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®. Students are eligible to take the exam within the first twelve months after graduation. Graduates who choose to wait longer than 12 months to take the exam are required to provide proof of 500 hours of practice. New graduates must provide proof of 500 hours of practice within two years of taking the exam. They may use the phrase "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (candidate)" until completing 500 hours of practice and submitting appropriate documentation. Visit the NANP website at www.nanp.org for more information.
What does "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®" mean?
"Becoming "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®" means you have earned professional recognition and validation of your knowledge and experience within the realm of holistic nutrition. To earn such an important designation, you must document and demonstrate an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of holistic nutrition, as well as how to apply it in a credible and responsible manner to help others."
"Board certification in holistic nutrition means you understand the therapeutic value of whole foods, a clean and natural food supply, environmental influences on health, and the importance of education and empowerment in helping people make informed choices along their unique path toward optimal health and healing. Holistic nutrition also recognizes the impact a person's mindset has on their general health and ability to nourish and care for them self" (www.nanp.org).
Must I become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® in order to practice as a Nutritional Consultant?
No. In the state of California, practitioners are not required to be licensed or board certified to practice as Nutritional Consultants. Check the state requirements for the state in which you'd like to practice to determine requirements for professional practice in the field of Nutrition.
People from all kinds of backgrounds, who have tried and studied many things, and seek ways to integrate their learnings and experiences, are especially drawn to this program. Some are yoga practitioners and teachers, as well as practitioners in different healing modalities, including nursing. Most value health and well-being for all, love nature and seek to preserve it, and find time (or want to!) for self-care and spiritual practices. They are potential innovators, trail-blazers, and change agents, whether they would focus on helping existing systems to evolve or on creating new ones. They long to be a part of a community of likeminded people. Some come to the program because of their own health challenges or having seen what friends or family members have experienced, and wishing to make things better. Some are working on their first career, while others are seeking to change direction.
How is this program different from others in the School of Holistic Studies?
While all of the School's programs focus on holistic approaches to well-being, this one is geared to train health educators rather than therapists as our counseling programs do. The HHE program draws upon knowledge of spirituality, consciousness, art, and psychology that are the main focus of other programs (Consciousness and Transformative Studies, Arts & Consciousness, Integral Psychology) but always in service of deepening inquiry into topics in health and healthcare.
Students may use elective units to take courses in other Holistic Studies departments.
How does this program compare with other MA programs in related areas?
The program is 30 years old and unique in preparing people to become professionals in holistic health education (broadly defined). In contrast, many programs are training people to become practitioners of various healing modalities.
The program is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Universities.
It offers both professional skills training (and internship) and focus on personal practice of health. We are a "personal touch" and strongly community-minded program. Also, we draw inspiration from a very robust theoretical model of integration (Integral Theory) that allows us to go beyond holistic health as meaning "alternative" and being focused on individuals, and "integration" as meaning simply having many choices without fitting them together in some coherent fashion. We focus on health of individuals and collectives, seek to identify the strengths of many approaches, and create bridges that truly integrate in practice. We contextualize the work through considering culture and communities, the economics and politics of the healthcare system, and how health, environment and sustainability are related, and what role meaning plays in a sense of well-being.
Students may proceed at their own pace through the program, and some of our courses include an on-line component, with more expected in the future.
Students have the opportunity to develop professional skills in health coaching, facilitating support groups, teaching, publishing (including making use of on-line possibilities such as blogs and social networking), starting an integrative center, program development, and stress management. We have optional specializations, which include Deep Sustainability (through the Consciousness and Transformative Studies program), Health, Consciousness, and Spirituality, Somatics in Health Education, and Holistic Nutrition.
About practice in the field of Nutrition and the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA program:
Core Philosophy & Goals
While all students complete two foundational nutrition courses (Foundations of Holistic Nutrition & Comparative Dietary Approaches), some students opt to develop an area of specialization within their MA degree by completing additional coursework. The Holistic Health Education MA degree requires completion of 68 units. Holistic Nutrition Specialization candidates complete at least 17 units of nutrition coursework, developing depth within their health education degree by dedicating 25% of the required 68 units to nutrition studies. Nutritional coursework includes: Foundations of Holistic Nutrition, Comparative Dietary Approaches, Healing Foods (three courses, A, B, C), Nutritional Consultation, Anatomy and Physiology (prerequisite course), Applied Nutritional Biochemistry, Whole Health Coaching, From Farm to Table, Hunger of the Spirit, Holistic Approaches to Weight Management and various practica including Business Management, Whole Foods Cooking and Western Herbology.
What does the Holistic Nutrition Specialization within the Holistic Health Education MA degree offer?
The Holistic Nutrition Specialization is based on a whole foods model of eating within a holistic model of wellness centered on whole food nutrition. Students evaluate multiple nutritional approaches and dietary theories, analyzing the benefits and deficits of each approach as applied to the individual. Food as a healing modality is a theme throughout the holistic nutrition specialization. The spectrum of application of food as a healing modality ranges from addressing imbalances that occur throughout an individual's lifetime to developing nutritional and herbal approaches to common disease states including heart disease, diabetes and dysglycemia, cancer, and autoimmune conditions. Additionally, the concepts of nourishment and creating health within imbalance and disease states are also explored. The holistic nutrition specialization curriculum reaches beyond holism as applied to the individual (body, mind and spirit) to implications of holistic nutrition applied to global systems through the study of the history and foundation of food systems and the impact of environmental influences on the health of the individual and community, both local and global.
As a result of completing the Holistic Nutrition Specialization, graduates are able to:
- Choose nutritional approaches and demonstrate understanding of theory, issues, health information, research, and applications in the field of nutrition.
- Explain in clear language basic philosophies of holistic nutrition and application of nutritional therapies.
- Practice professionally as a nutrition educator, instructor and consultant as well as an integrative/holistic health educator.
- Embody a healthy approach to nutrition and nourishment, and model health through food and nutrition in one's own community.
Each state has its own requirements for professionals in the field of Nutrition. Most states (including the state of California) allow individuals with various types of educational training to practice. However, restrictions apply to using some titles, such as Registered Dietitian (also spelled dietician).
What is a Registered Dietitian?
The credential Registered Dietitian or R.D. is awarded to candidates who pass an exam after completing academic coursework and a supervised internship approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). Required education includes at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a related area. Students in these majors take courses in foods, nutrition, institution management, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, and physiology. Of the 48 states and jurisdictions with laws governing dietetics, 35 require licensure, 12 require statutory certification and 1 requires registration. Requirements vary by State. In states that require licensure, only people who are licensed can work as dietitians. In most states, one must be licensed to use the title Registered Dietitian. Registered Dietitians often work in hospital environments translating the principles of nutrition into a particular diet, such as a low salt diet for a hypertensive patient or a low fat diet for an overweight patient. The model used as the basis for practice is the USDA Food Pyramid.
Can I become a Registered Dietitian with my MA degree in Holistic Health Education and Holistic Nutrition Specialization?
No. The theoretical framework used in the Holistic Health Education MA program is different than the theoretical framework offered in a CADE approved program.
What is a Nutritionist?
The terms dietician and nutritionist are often used interchangeably. However, the education and training of a dietician and a nutritionist can be quite different. The term nutritionist does not necessarily require licensure. Nutritionists hold various levels of education ranging from a certification program to a Ph.D. in Nutrition. Nutritionists often do work that is similar to the work of dieticians, including counseling individual clients and developing dietary plans. Models used as a basis for practice vary by practitioner.
What is a Nutritional Consultant or a Certified Nutritional Consultant?
A consultant provides advice in a particular area, such as nutrition, in this case. Training and education vary widely among individuals using the title Nutritional Consultant/Certified Nutritional Consultant. It's advisable to inquire about a Nutritional Consultant's training and education. Individuals are not required to be licensed to practice as Nutritional Consultants in the state of California. Nutritional Consultants provide dietary and nutrition advice, recommend appropriate nutritional supplements and develop dietary plans. Models used as a basis for practice vary by practitioner.
Are Graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization eligible for membership in a professional organization?
Yes, graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization are eligible to become professional members of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Is the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA Program at John F. Kennedy University an NANP approved program?
Yes, the Holistic Nutrition Specialization of the Holistic Health Education MA Program at John F. Kennedy University meets and exceeds the requirements to be an NANP approved program and is a recommended program. Educational standards for this recognition include covering the following requirements: Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Nutrition (macro and micronutrients), Nutrition & Pathophysiology, Nutritional Support of Body Systems (Digestive, Immune, Cardiovascular, Musculoskeletal, Nervous, Lymphatic, and Integumentary), Environmental Influences on Health and Disease, Symptomology of Insufficiency, Excess and Impaired Metabolism, Nutrition throughout the Life cycle, Comparative Dietary Systems, Nutritional Supplementation, Nutritional Assessment, Nutritional Counseling, Introductory Herbology, Business Management, and Nutrition & Research Applications.
Can Graduates of the Holistic Health Education MA Program with the Holistic Nutrition Specialization become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition?
Yes, the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, the credentialing arm of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals offers graduates the opportunity to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition in order to become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®. Students are eligible to take the exam within the first twelve months after graduation. Graduates who choose to wait longer than 12 months to take the exam are required to provide proof of 500 hours of practice. New graduates must provide proof of 500 hours of practice within two years of taking the exam. They may use the phrase "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (candidate)" until completing 500 hours of practice and submitting appropriate documentation. Visit the NANP website at www.nanp.org for more information.
What does "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®" mean?
"Becoming "Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®" means you have earned professional recognition and validation of your knowledge and experience within the realm of holistic nutrition. To earn such an important designation, you must document and demonstrate an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of holistic nutrition, as well as how to apply it in a credible and responsible manner to help others."
"Board certification in holistic nutrition means you understand the therapeutic value of whole foods, a clean and natural food supply, environmental influences on health, and the importance of education and empowerment in helping people make informed choices along their unique path toward optimal health and healing. Holistic nutrition also recognizes the impact a person's mindset has on their general health and ability to nourish and care for them self" (www.nanp.org).
Must I become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® in order to practice as a Nutritional Consultant?
No. In the state of California, practitioners are not required to be licensed or board certified to practice as Nutritional Consultants. Check the state requirements for the state in which you'd like to practice to determine requirements for professional practice in the field of Nutrition.