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Prospectus
2011/12
Val Bullen
Principal and CEO
Contents
FACT FILE NUTRITIONAL THERAPY DIPLOMA COURSE (NTDC) Curriculum Overview ENTRY REQUIREMENTS SCIENCE ACCESS COURSES LEARNING RESOURCES EDUCATION TEAM TESTIMONIALS 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11
FACT FILE
The Qualification
The most well-established and widely respected nutritional therapy qualification in the UK Fully accredited by the regulatory body, the Nutritional Therapy Council (NTC) Graduates are eligible to join the Professional Register of Nutritional Therapists
The Course
Part-time modular course over 3 academic years 910 weekends of lectures per year 9 three-hour seminars per year Minimum of 80 hours supervised clinical training with tutor feedback Average of 15 hours home study per week Assessment is by a variety of coursework assignments, end-of-year examinations and observed consultations
Entry Requirements
A levels in Biology and Chemistry or ION Science Access Course or recognised equivalent qualifications. GCSE Maths and English or equivalent Word-processing skills and access to e-mail and the internet Interview with an ION tutor required at one of Our Open Days
Student Support
Personal tutor who can be contacted by telephone and e-mail Specialist Learner Support Manager One-to-one tutorials Dedicated student portal to download notes and keep in touch with fellow students Peer-group support through seminar groups Access to ION reference library, subscription to Science Direct and key journals Training to develop online research skills Administrative staff available Monday - Friday 10am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.30pm to answer any of your questions
Career Opportunities
Nutritional Therapist in private practice, natural health clinics, integrated medical practices and health & fitness clubs Sports nutrition Nutritional adviser / therapist in large companies Media work writing, radio broadcasting and television Technical advisor for supplement companies Lecturing / Teaching / Healthy cooking workshops
Course Outline
YEAR MODULES
Personal, Professional anda Academic Development Level 4 Clinical Practice 1 Clinical Analysis Nutritional Biochemistry Physiology
Level 4
Level 4 Functional & Diagnostic Tests Level 5 Researching Nutrition Level 5 Level 5 Practice Management
Level 4
Level 5 Phytotherapy
Clinical Practice 2
Level 5
Level 5
The Nutritional Therapy Diploma Course is a modular course. Each module is a distinct learning unit and is assessed individually. There are various types of assessment, for example: essays, case studies, literature reviews, group and individual presentations, assessed consultations and written examinations. There are two levels of study which reflect the first two years of a degree (levels 4 and 5). The cost of the NTDC is currently 3,750 per year, with a variety of payment plans available.
Curriculum Overview
YEAR ONE
The Year One Curriculum aims to provide the knowledge and skills required to form a sound basis for the study and practice of nutritional therapy, including an introduction to Functional Medicine and how it forms the basis for our analysis of health and our nutritional treatment programmes. The main focus of your year 1 studies will be food and nutrients and their role in human physiological and biochemical systems and in maintaining health. At the same time we offer teaching and support in developing the required level of academic skills to study at degree level. At the end of Year One, during the summer break, you will attend a two-day Clinical Skills Workshop in the ION Teaching Clinic, which will prepare you for clinical practice in year two.
Nutritional Biochemistry
This module explores the relationship between the nutrients we consume in our diet, and the roles they play in the biochemical structure and functioning of the human body. Nutrients form the basis of a complex web of interconnected biochemical pathways, and the balance and interaction of these pathways determines how well the body functions, and ultimately our state of health. The module introduces the key biochemical pathways and builds an awareness of the multitude of factors which affect the nutritional value of food. It provides an understanding of how our diet, and the nutrients it contains, can impact on our biochemistry and our health, respecting our biochemical uniqueness and the differing nutritional needs of individuals.
Physiology
The Physiology module builds on the Nutritional Biochemistry module, developing your understanding of how cells, and the tissues and organs they form, function and respond to each other and their environment. We emphasise the dynamic, integrated nature of organs and systems, looking at the physiology of the body as a whole, understanding that the effects of one organ can significantly influence the functioning of others and how this relates to health. The module also looks at physiological changes that take place daily and across the life cycle, such as sleep and aging.
Clinical Analysis
This module is designed to establish a systematic method of analysing an individuals health in relation to his/her diet and lifestyle, incorporating Functional Medicine principles. You will use paper case studies to establish competence in the analytical method and the planning of treatment strategies in preparation for real client consultations in Year 2. Drawing on information gained from lectures, seminars, anthropometric testing, reading and research, you will be able to formulate individualised nutritional protocols to address client health issues.
YEAR TWO
Year Two is strongly geared towards nutritional therapy practice. Not only do you start seeing clients in the Teaching Clinic, but the lectures and teaching focus is also on clinical nutrition. Key elements of Year 2 study include the understanding of disease processes and health problems; functional and diagnostic tests; and the practicalities and challenges of therapeutic dietary modifications.
Clinical Practice 1
This first clinical practice module is concerned with the application of clinical analysis skills and Functional Medicine principles to real clients in nutritional therapy consultations. By giving and observing consultations in the Teaching Clinic, under supervision of clinic tutors, you will develop your practitioner skills and build your confidence as a therapist, with the emphasis on safe, effective practice. You will develop your skills over the duration of Year 2, demonstrated by achieving a range of clinical competencies linked to the National Occupational Standards for nutritional therapists. The module also includes an introduction to pharmacology and drug-nutrient interactions which must be considered when devising nutritional programmes. Part of the assessment for this module is the Clinical Skills Weekend, in which you will give a consultation to a specially-trained actor who will simulate a challenging client case, and observe 5 of your peers do the same.
Disordered Physiology
This module explores what happens at a biochemical and physiological level in health problems, and how imbalances can result in symptoms and disease. Health issues are discussed from a Functional Medicine perspective, identifying the range of factors that can contribute to health problems and ways of determining the underlying causes in individual cases. Nutritional approaches to managing these health problems and supporting the clients are also discussed.
YEAR THREE
The final year of studies focuses on honing clinical skills and the study of more complex health problems such as cancer and chronic fatigue. Students are encouraged to deepen their learning by further developing their skills of research, critical thinking, evaluation and reflective practice. Students are also required to outline their plans for after graduation, in order to prepare for a future career as a nutritional therapist. You will complete and submit your portfolio and have a final clinical assessment consisting of an oral presentation of a case analysis.
Clinical Practice 2
This module follows on from Clinical Practice 1. It provides progression from simple, safe clinical practice to being able to deal with all eventualities in clinic, demonstrated by achieving a range of higher level clinical competencies. This includes dealing with clients with complex health problems or specific personal / cultural issues, making use of the full range of tools at the practitioners disposal, and recognising when it is appropriate to refer clients to other healthcare practitioners. This module also continues integrating and guiding reflective practice so that it can be used as an ongoing development tool beyond the course, in the professional sphere.
Researching Nutrition
This module requires students to develop an in-depth understanding of how research is carried out and how to critically analyse and evaluate research studies. This is a very important skill for anyone entering a complementary therapy profession. You will critique a research paper and write a literature review.
Phytotherapy
This module is designed to give the student an in-depth understanding of the broad range of bio-active compounds found in plant foods, and an appreciation of the increasing body of research evidence to show that plant foods, plantderived supplements and herbs have significant therapeutic effects. Application of these nutrients and herbs to clinical situations through dietary and supplement recommendations is explored.
Practice Management
When you graduate, you will probably be looking to set up in business as a self-employed therapist. This module aims to prepare you for your start-up. It provides an introduction to business planning and auditing, and encourages you to think pragmatically about how you intend to build up a business.
Course Structure
The course is divided into three years of study. Year One and Year Two each consist of 10 lecture weekends and 9 seminars, and the final year has 9 weekends and 8 seminars. Home study is assigned and may include essays, reports, reflective assignments and clinical case studies. From Year Two you will add observed clinic sessions to your study time, when you come into the ION Teaching Clinic to learn how to conduct consultations. The course provides opportunities to practise consultation skills via workshops and role-play with other students and in simulated situations, before you conduct your first real consultation. A key element of the course is the seminars. As part of a seminar group of 18-20 students, you will meet with your tutor for three hours each month to cover key elements of the curriculum. Seminars involve communicative activities and group work, with students being encouraged to work together and take turns to present work. We also set practical seminar homework assignments, such as investigating the contents of foods through food labels, keeping a food diary and trying out elimination diets. Seminars are a very valuable time in which areas of the syllabus, which cannot be covered in lectures, can be explored in an interactive environment. Each seminar includes a set of seminar learning outcomes essential for completion of the course. Seminars are also an opportunity for students to get to know each other better and to share ideas and experiences. ION students come to nutrition from a wide range of backgrounds, and everyones specialist knowledge or individual experience is valued. Seminars are held during the week preceding lecture weekends. Saturday seminars take place at the lecture venue in central London, while all other seminars are held our Richmond facility.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Academic qualifications
Applicants must normally demonstrate a broad general education including: 1. Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) Maths and English 2. A Levels or similar qualifications (Level 3) in biology (or human biology) and chemistry. If English is your second language and you do not have Level 2 English, then you need to hold a qualification such as IELTS 7.0 or its equivalent. If you do not have such a qualification, you can arrange to come to ION and sit a onehour written English test.
Non-academic criteria
Students must also have: 1. Appropriate motivation and commitment to studying, and a minimum level of interpersonal skills. 2. ICT literacy students must be able to word process, have Broadband access to the internet and an email account. 3. Absence of health problems or other issues which would prevent applicant from being capable of, or fit for, clinical practice
Summary of Science Access Courses available, all of which are modular and prepare students for the Entry Exams for the NTDC.
Full Science Access Course (FSAC) Option 1: 9 weekends from October to June (one a month) Full Science Access Course (FSAC) Option 2: 9 weekends from January to June (about two a month) Distance Learning Science Access Course (DLSAC): October to June or January to August (can be started later, but minimum 6 months recommended). Accelerated Science Access Course (ASAC): Combination of distance learning
(starting from April) and six weekends (two per module) from June to August.
Revision Course: Three weekends in September and ISP learning materials Independent Study Pack (ISP): Home study with text book, workbook, guided reading and practice questions.
Our academic staff will help you to choose the best option for you, when you attend your application interview which is held at our Open Days.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Students studying at ION have a wide range of learning resources available to them, most of which are available from your home PC.
Subscription services
Science Direct
ION subscribes to the College Edition of the Science Direct Health and Life Sciences Collection of Elsevier peer-reviewed journals. This provides students with access to relevant peer-reviewed content of over 900 full-text journals going back to 1995 and most Elsevier online books. Students have access from their home PC via a personal login and password.
and the Research Co-ordinator at ION, who run regular workshops for students on research and referencing, produce reference tools, and are available to answer students learning related questions.
STUDENT SUPPORT
At ION we understand the importance of effective student support. Although the qualification requires only part-time attendance, the resources available to you ensure that you feel fully embraced by the course, with a personal tutor and fellow students to communicate with when you need to. All our tutors are professionally qualified and know exactly what is required in terms of academic knowledge and personal support to help you succeed. Your tutor leads your seminar group, provides email and telephone advice for you, keeps an eye on your progress, and provides one-to-one tutorials for individual encouragement. ION promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, and are committed to supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Our Learner Support Manager is able to provide learning strategies to meet your individual learning needs and help you get the most from your studies from the very outset of the course. Whatever your learning needs, we make every effort to help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your studies.
EDUCATION TEAM
PRINCIPAL AND CEO
Valerie Bullen MSc, BSc, CBiol, PGCE, FHEA
Valerie came to ION from the University of Westminster, where she was Principal Lecturer in Biomedicine and Complementary Therapies within the School of Integrated Health. Valerie has been lecturing in health sciences for over 20 years, specialising in psychoneuroimmunology and cancer biology. She is an inspirational and entertaining lecturer and became a University Teaching Fellow for her excellence in teaching and learning. Valerie is also a practising complementary therapist. She has designed many courses, including the degrees in complementary therapies at the University of Westminster where, as the Associate Head of the School of BioSciences, she was responsible for the quality of their course provision. Valerie brings to the Institute her extensive experience of course design and quality assurance processes to ensure ION remains at the forefront of the education training of nutritional therapists.
COURSES MANAGER
Nigel Hinchliffe BSc, DipION
As a biochemist, Nigel followed his degree with research into antioxidant enzymes at Cambridge University. He studied at ION after spending six years living and teaching in South Asia and Spain. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and Eastern approaches to health and medicine, he was drawn to Nutritional Therapy as it combined his interests in science, food and health. Since graduating from ION in 2000, he has worked as a Tutor, Programme Leader, Curriculum Manager and is now Courses Manager at the Institute. Nigel is also a qualified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, and is currently completing a Masters degree in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Public Health at the University of Bristol. As Courses Manager, he is responsible for developing and enhancing the range of courses offered at ION, and works closely with the Science Access Course Leaders and NTDC Programme Leaders to ensure that content and teaching are of the highest standard and meet all professional regulatory body requirements.
RESEARCH CO-ORDINATOR
Claire Braysher BSc, DipION
Claire is responsible for developing the ION research base ensuring that our work is evidence based. She leads the Researching Nutrition module on the NTDC programme and supports students throughout the course in developing their skills of finding and analysing relevant scientific information. Claire has a degree in Microbiology and for most of her professional life has worked in the scientific information industry, managing the production of medical and veterinary research databases. She graduated from ION in 2004 and has carried out the Research Co-ordinator role since 2007.
TESTIMONIALS
Antony Haynes, DipION, practises in Harley Street and is co-founder of Nutri-Link Ltd
At the very first weekend at ION in 1990 I knew Nutritional Therapy was for me and have never looked back. After graduating I became a tutor and lecturer at ION. I later established a clinic in Harley Street where I have been successfully practising for 18 years and have seen over 11,500 patients. I have been fortunate enough to have 2 books published by Harper Collins The Insulin Factor (2004) and The Food Intolerance Bible (2005). Since 1994, I have attended seminars put on by The Institute for Functional Medicine. As well as maintaining my clinical practice and teaching role, I am Head of Technical Services at Nutri-Link Ltd, which I co-founded in 1998 a company that provides the highest quality post-graduate education, as well as practitioner dedicated nutritional supplements.
Charlotte Watts DipION NTCC mBANT practises in Brighton, also writing and TV nutritional work,
co-founder of Positively Slim I made a very sudden decision to study at ION after what seemed like an epiphany to change my life in the direction of a subject I had become keenly interested in. I devoured the exciting new knowledge right from the Science Access Course and was continually amazed that these were facts wholly unknown to the average person nutritional knowledge seems so fundamental to life! I became an ION tutor where helping others gain these insights was very rewarding. Studying nutritional therapy has given me a career about which I am passionate and opportunities to spread this knowledge throughout many accessible media online, books, magazines and TV. Everyone eats and I truly believe that positive and healthy food choices are at the root of much potential social and ethical change.
medical profession. I also practise as a generalist in the ION Professional Clinic and enjoy giving talks on nutrition to charities and businesses. Being a Nutritional Therapist is a challenging and rewarding career. The variety and complexity of cases is enormous and you learn something new every day.
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