Since completing my training as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) with the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA), I’ve received so many questions from others who are considering the program themselves. This brings me so much joy, as I personally believe now more than ever, that the world needs more holistic health practitioners!
This post outlines my honest Nutritional Therapy Association review of the NTP program, answers common questions about the curriculum, and shares what inspired me to become an NTP.
What is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)?
A Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) is trained to support the body’s innate ability to heal. By taking a foundational and bio-individual approach to wellness, NTPs focus on each person’s unique needs to bring the body back into balance with properly prepared nutrient-dense whole foods, lifestyle changes, and supplements when necessary.
My inspiration for becoming an NTP
After spending a decade suffering from chronic and debilitating symptoms and spending thousands of dollars on supplements, tests and doctors that collectively got me nowhere, I realized it was time to take a different approach to healing.
I began to pour myself deeply into research to try to understand WHY my body was so out of balance. Through my research, I realized that I had been given band aid solutions for far too long, and in order to find true healing, I needed to uncover the root cause.
It wasn’t until I started working with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) who was trained in these areas of focus, that my health began to transform. This experience lit an incredible passion within me to help others who are struggling the way I have over the years. I knew at that moment I wanted to go back to school to become an NTP and help people feel the same health transformation I did.
I firmly believe that if it weren’t for my most challenging moments, I would not have found my
strengths which are to share my story, inspire others that healing is possible, and help women overcome these challenges themselves.
What is the Nutritional Therapy Association (NTA) Program?
The Nutritional Therapy Association NTP program delivers a science-based education that fosters a community of confident holistic nutrition professionals who harness the power of real food, and empower people to reconnect with the innate wisdom and unique needs of their bodies, thereby supporting lasting wellness. (1)
Nutritional Therapy Association Review | Common Questions
What is the NTP program curriculum?
The curriculum provides a thorough understanding of the six foundations of health, which include:
- The importance of a properly prepared, nutrient-dense, whole food diet
- Digestion
- Blood sugar regulation
- Fatty acids
- Minerals
- Hydration
The curriculum is also focused on sourcing high-quality food, culinary wellness skills, meal planning, the importance of sleep and movement, stress and its effects on the body, environmental factors and the impact toxins have on health, the consequences that can lead to disease and chronic symptoms, and anatomy and physiology.
Future NTPs can also expect to learn motivational interviewing techniques, how to complete the client consultation process, tools for assessing clients’ bioindividual needs, such as the Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (NAQ), and design customized nutrition and lifestyle protocols.
Learn more about the NTA program curriculum here.
What type of coursework is included?
Each module includes assignments, projects and exams to ensure you understand the curriculum.
Homework typically consists of:
- Required reading from various books and online publications
- Practical assignments to practice what you have learned
- Client work designed to teach you how to work with clients
Each module has an assessment to assess your understanding of the material. Additionally, there is a midterm, final exam, and final clinical presentation project.
Throughout the program you will also have at least two practice clients. You will find these clients to work with on your own – I found mine through Instagram!
How long does it take to complete the NTP certification?
The program takes 10 months to complete.
Is the NTA program completed online?
Yes, the curriculum is provided in modules through an instructor-led online classroom.
Can you complete the program at your own pace?
Yes and no. Students are expected to complete coursework independently, while following along with the modules. You can work through each module at your own pace, and you can catch up on past modules within the deadlines for each term (there are 4 terms total), but you won’t be able to move ahead.
Is it possible to complete the NTP certification while working full time?
In my personal experience, yes! I completed the NTP certification while working full-time. It was challenging, but I was ultimately able to prioritize my time and keep up with the coursework. It definitely helped that I was so incredibly passionate about the material I was learning!
There is also a live Zoom class each week. It’s encouraged that you attend live to get the most out of these calls, but they are recorded if you aren’t able to make it. There are also monthly course mentor calls that you are highly encouraged to attend live. These calls are a way for you to connect with your fellow students in smaller groups.
If you feel that you’re falling behind, I highly suggest reaching out to your instructors. They want to see you succeed and are more than willing to help you out! This wouldn’t be a complete review without giving a shoutout to my instructor, Thomas Gilliford – He was amazing and always willing to answer all my questions (I had a TON). Thank you, Thomas!
Does the NTA program teach you how to use supplements?
Yes, the program teaches practical application techniques for supporting clients with supplements. As an NTP student, you will have the ability to order supplements for your practice clients through supplement companies that the NTA partners with. After you graduate, you can enroll with additional supplement companies depending on their entrance requirements.
How much does the NTA program cost?
The cost of the program, as of the date this blog post was last updated, is $6,900.
Learn more about the NTA program cost, financing and scholarship options here.
How can you apply to the NTA program?
Click here to learn more and submit your application! I would love it if you list me (Chelsea Turner) as your referral on your application!
*Note: If the page linked above takes you to an outdated submission period, click the register button (even if it’s outdated) and it will get you to the current registration page with additional information for the current application period 🙂
Nutritional Therapy Association Review | My Experience
Why I personally chose the NTA program
To be sure I was making the best choice for me, I researched a few other programs before committing to the NTA program.
Other programs I considered:
This wouldn’t be an honest Nutritional Therapy Association review without sharing my thoughts on these certification programs. The programs listed above provide the ability to order and interpret functional assessments. They also provide a more in-depth understanding of supplements, in my opinion. Read below to find out why I decided to enroll in the NTP program instead!
Factors that led me to choose the NTA program
I chose the NTA program over others I researched because of its strong emphasis on the foundations of health and its food focused approach.
When I began my healing journey 10 years ago after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I turned to food as medicine, and it was immensely helpful to my healing. Because of this, I knew I wanted to enroll in a program that would provide an in-depth understanding of holistic nutrition.
My own personal healing journey also played a large part in my decision to pursue my NTP certification. Not only had I personally worked with an NTP who was able to help me address the root cause of my symptoms when no other practitioner could, but I also knew several friends who completed the program and absolutely loved their experience. I ultimately felt the curriculum matched the skills I wanted to learn and the philosophy I wanted to take with my own clients.
Additionally, as a graduate of the NTA program, I am now eligible to sit for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals Board Exam to become a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist.
How I learned about root cause conditions such as heavy metals, Lyme disease, mold, and parasites
The NTA program provides a basic understanding of both endogenous (inside our bodies) and exogenous (outside our bodies) toxins, their impact on our health, and how to help clients lessen their toxic load.
My in depth understanding of root cause conditions primarily comes from my own personal experience navigating these challenges myself. You can learn more about my story and my approach to wellness here. I also have a blog post on my healing journey here.
In addition to my NTP certification, I also completed the following courses/certification programs:
- Master Blood Chem certification program led by Emily Morrow. This certification allows me to order and interpret blood chemistry labs from a functional perspective. The course provided me with a thorough understanding of root cause conditions and solutions to rebalance the body’s systems.
- Bioenergetic Testing certification course by Balanced Health. This course provided me with an in-depth understanding of how to interpret bioenergetic testing (bioresonance scans).
- As a CellCore practitioner, I regularly participate in educational webinars and CellCore’s annual ECO conference
What’s next for me after completing my NTP certification?
Since graduating from the NTA program in 2021, I have had the honor of serving my 1:1 clients, launched my signature group program the Embodied Healing Collective, launched a self-paced course the Embodied Healing Method, hired a team of Associate Practitioners to work alongside me, and am expanding into some exciting partnerships.
If you’re looking for a practitioner who will walk alongside you on your healing journey (yes, I firmly believe practitioners need practitioners as well!), learn more about working with our team here. We would be honored to support you!
If you would like support in creating, launching and growing your nutrition/wellness business, book a Business Mentoring Intensive Call here or my VIP Business Mentoring package here!
Will I be taking additional continuing education courses/certifications?
While I believe the NTA program prepared me with all I need to successfully work with clients, I absolutely plan to continue my education. I am a firm believer that education is power and I love learning!
For now, I plan to self study for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals Board Exam to become a Board Certified Holistic Nutritionist over the next few months.
Apply to Become an NTP
I hope you enjoyed this Nutritional Therapy Association review! Ready to become an NTP and help change lives through a foundational approach to wellness?
Click here to learn more and submit your application! I would love it if you list me (Chelsea Turner) as your referral on your application!
*Note: If the page linked above takes you to an outdated submission period, click the register button (even if it’s outdated) and it will get you to the current registration page with additional information for the current application period 🙂
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