Many of our students work full-time. Your ability to work while you are in school depends on you. Generally, students can expect to dedicate 10-15 hours outside of the classroom or online lecture per course per week for reading, assignments, and exams. Take this into consideration when deciding whether to take our program as a full-time student (two courses at once) or a part-time student (one course at a time). Keep in mind our program is comprehensive and rigorous and we expect you to be able to keep up with the weekly work.
Yes, we offer both in-person classroom teaching as well as online. Our entire program can be taken online as either Group Start or Independent Start. For those who do well working as part of a group, our Group Start online option allows students to progress through course material with a cohort during the scheduled 10-week academic terms - fall, winter, spring, summer. For those who prefer to be more self-paced, the Independent Start option is available. Here you will select your own start date and complete the coursework on your own within a 10-week timeframe anytime of the year.
You can even opt to do a hybrid approach - take some courses as group start, others independent start, and still others in the classroom. We offer the flexibility that enables you to fit going to school into any lifestyle.
The Nutrition Therapist Master Certification Program will take 18 months to complete as a full-time student taking two courses per term. Part-time students taking one course per term can complete the program in 3 years.
A Nutrition Therapist Master (NTM) is a nutrition practitioner who has completed the comprehensive training offered by NTI. The NTM designation signifies that the graduate has gained mastery in the knowledge, skills and proficiency necessary to be a holistic nutrition professional, and has achieved the competence and confidence necessary to make lasting impact on those they counsel.
We prioritize nutrient density and biochemical individuality. We teach our students to know which foods are highly reliable sources of the essential nutrients and how those nutrients interact within the human biochemical environment. Layered on top is the recognition that certain foods may be more or less beneficial for each individual based on their unique biochemistry. The result is an ability to make adjustments in food recommendations that match a person’s particular needs and goals.
We recognize the nutritional benefits provided by all different types of foods and our curriculum encompasses a variety of views on which diet plan to follow based on one’s wellness ambitions.
We believe that learning multiple viewpoints from a scientific standpoint will allow our students to be critical thinkers and form their own opinions. Our hope is that by focusing on a strong science foundation, students will graduate with the necessary tools to understand the application of many different philosophies.
With the certification from NTI, you are equipped to practice nutrition counseling with confidence and expertise. Our unique coaching centered business course prepares you for entrepreneurship or employment. Many of our graduates open their own thriving practices, partner with M.D’s, Chiropractors, N.D’s, N.P’s, other wellness professionals, or work for an organization who aligns with their ideals. Check out our Graduate page to see what some of our grads are doing.
Yes! NTI is a proud member and recommended school of the NANP (National Association of Nutrition Professionals). Upon graduation from our Nutrition Therapist Master Certification program you would be eligible to sit for the NANP board exam and become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN). Learn more about the NANP and the board exams by visiting their site: www.nanp.org.
NTI is a proud member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Your $35 advocacy fee paid at registration gives you access to the NANP Legislative Affairs Division which provides exclusive representation for holistic nutrition professionals and students in legislative affairs issues nationwiide and provides you with the latest nutrition and wellness practice policy regulations in your state. Additionally, your $35 fee gets you a one-year student membership in NANP which allows you to take advantage of all student member benefits. Learn more by visiting their site: https://www.nanp.org/
NTI is approved and regulated by the Colorado State Department of Higher Education, Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS). DPOS assures the student that the Institute has an approved program of study, operates on a sound financial basis, has qualified instructors, approved recruitment and admissions policies, and promotes its courses truthfully. Additionally, NTI is bonded in compliance with the State of Colorado. NTI holds a surety bond that protects students against loss of unearned tuition fees should the school cease operations.
Generally, the curriculum in a nutrition or dietetics program aligns itself with government standards and recommendations. Here at NTI, we take an inclusive holistic approach delving into spiritual, physical, and emotional connections to food, focusing on naturopathic and holistic principles. If you are having trouble deciding if you would like to be an R.D. or Nutrition Therapist Master, we encourage you to take look at the curriculum and course descriptions in each program and see which courses resonate with your passion and goals.
NTI is not considered a "Title 4" school, and, thus, there is no eligibility for federal financial aid. We are approved & regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education as a private vocational college, and there is some financial support available for retraining people that are looking to transition careers.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Start the funding search as early as possible. The process can take months.
- Be assertive! Go after what you want.
- Be confident. You have the ability to apply for any and every scholarship and grant that you are eligible for and deserve to give yourself the chance.
- Think outside of the box! The resources listed here are certainly not exhaustive. Think about what makes you unique, where you come from, what you’re passionate about, and what you have experienced. There may be a scholarship or grant for that!
- Do you belong to any large company, organization, religious organization, or union that gives awards to its members? Are you a minority group, woman, person with illness/disability, or do you have a unique family situation? There may be assistance available!
- This list is just a place to start and is definitely not exhaustive! Keep an open mind and investigate your options.
GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/
This program is administered on the county level, so you need to go into your local county's workforce center to apply.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) https://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/
This provides benefits to workers who lose their jobs, or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports, or whose jobs were exported offshore ("trade-affected workers"). The TAA benefits include a variety of reemployment services designed to help trade-affected workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, a job search allowance, a relocation allowance, health coverage tax credit, re-employment trade adjustment assistance ("wage insurance"), and other reemployment services.
Return to College Scholarship Program: http://www.return2college.com/awardprogram.cfm
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who are starting a program of higher education (college or graduate school) within the next 12 months or are currently full- or part-time students. Applicants must be age 17 years or older. There is no maximum age limit.
Sallie Mae® $1,000 Plan for CollegeSM Sweepstakes: https://www.salliemae.com/student-loans/sweepstakes/college-answer-rules/
Sallie Mae’s $1,000 Plan for College Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are of the age of majority in the jurisdiction in which they reside and who are students, parents, guidance counselors, or financial aid officers at the time of entry.
Do Something Awards: https://www.dosomething.org/us
Take action with DoSomething.org to make social change! By signing up for one of our featured campaigns, you'll not only be doing good, but you could even win a scholarship -- which means money to pay for school.
Freedom of Speech PSA Contest: http://www.nabef.org/freedomofspeechpsa/default.asp
What does freedom of speech mean to you? We want to hear and see what you have to say. You just might win a $2,500 scholarship!
Second Chance Scholarship: https://www.afsascholarship.org/secondchance/
The American Fire Sprinkler Association, (AFSA) is a non-profit, international association representing merit shop fire sprinkler contractors, dedicated to the educational advancement of its members and promotion of the use of automatic fire sprinkler systems.
AFSA was organized in 1981 to provide the merit shop fire sprinkler contractor with training, consulting, communication, representation and many more services, all of which have expanded over its existence. Membership is open to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, designers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
FOR MEMBERSHIP ONLY
The following organizations/companies may have funding available for members/associates for continuing education.
Avon Members https://scholarsapply.org/avonreps/
Catholic United Financial Aid College Tuition https://www.catholicunitedfinancial.org/scholarships
Circle K Members http://www.circlek.org/news/14-03-25/Scholarship_available.aspx
Clara Abbot Foundation Scholarship https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/distance-learning-scholarships/the-clara-abbott-foundation-scholarship/
Demolay Member (men only) https://demolay.org/scholarships/
Duke Energy Members https://www.duke-energy.com/community/education/duke-energy-scholars.asp
Golden Key Members https://www.goldenkey.org/scholarships-awards/overview/
Grange Insurance Association Policy Holder https://www.grange.com/Insurance-Basics/Insurance-Blog/Post/623/Apply-for-Grange-Insurance-Association-s-2016-Scholarships
Lutheran Laywomen Members http://www.womenoftheelca.org/opportunity-scholarships-for-lutheran-laywomen--pages-103.php
Military Members or Family Members https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/military-scholarships/
Pepsico Associates https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/pepsico/instructions.php
Union Plus Members https://www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship
United Methodist Church Member http://scholarship.umc.org/
WalMart Associates http://giving.walmart.com/associate-scholarships
FOR WOMEN ONLY
Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier Sister to Sister Scholarship: http://www.nhbwinc.com/scholarship.html
Awarded to mature African American women (at least twenty-five years of age and older) who are in pursuit of post-secondary education, whose education was interrupted by family responsibilities or other personal demands. The eligibility requirements are outlined in the current annual application. One (1) One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) Award will be presented annually, as outlined in the scholarship application.
PEO International: http://www.peointernational.org/peo-projects-and-philanthropies
This is a philanthropic organization offering loans or grants to qualified women who desire higher education and are in need of financial assistance. They can be reached at 515-255-3153 or www.peointernational.org
Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women: http://www.soroptimist.org/awards/live-your-dream-awards.html
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards (formerly the Women’s Opportunity Awards) assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP): http://www.wispinc.org/Scholarship/tabid/56/Default.aspx
Education is a powerful tool which breaks down barriers and opens doors of opportunity. The objective of the Women's Independence Scholarship Program is to help survivors of intimate partner abuse obtain an education that will in turn offer them the chance to secure employment, personal independence and self-sufficiency. Support is available for full or part-time students interested in attending accredited programs at educational institutions listed below, in order of preference:
- State supported community colleges
- State supported colleges or universities
- Technical/vocational schools
- Private colleges or universities
- For Profit schools
Requests for assistance are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Yes! You can contact the graduates profiled in our graduate section.
Until the summer of 2019, NTI offered two programs: Certified Nutrition Therapist Practitioner (CNTP) and Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT). The CNTP program included all the basic/foundational courses, but did not include advanced/clinical courses. The MNT program was designed to be a continuation of the CNTP program for those who wanted education that included more advanced/clinical application. MNT graduates were also eligible to sit for the NANP BCHN exam; CNTP grads were not eligible. In July 2019, NTI received approval from our state regulatory agency to streamline the previous two programs into one - the Nutrition Therapist Master Certification program (NTMC). NTMC is the only nutrition program NTI offers; we also have a professional cooking program the Natural Food Chef program (NFC). NTMC students take all of NTI's nutrition courses, receiving high quality instruction in both the foundational and the advanced/clinical subjects. Additionally, every NTMC graduate, designated Nutrition Therapist Master (NTM), is eligible to sit for the NANP BCHN exam.