Expert: Kay Larson - 12/30/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello Kay,
I am very interested in naturopathic nutrition, but can not attend a naturopathic school because they are so far away from me and I can not relocate. I'd like to take online courses, but don't know which schools would offer the best comprehensive online education.
Can you recommend a few respected/ industry recognized online schools?  Should they be accredited so that my degree/certification would be taken seriously?

Thank you so much for your time and advice!

ANSWER: Beverly-What school you should attend depends on a lot of things. First of all, what do you want to do with your education? Do you want to teach? Become a consultant? The first thing you need to do is check out the laws in your state as to restrictions as far as practicing nutrition and naturopathy. As far as which schools are the best, I believe the non-accredited schools will give you the best education in natural health. The reason is because they are very focused in what they will teach you as ypu do not have to take courses such as math, history, etc.. Check out Hawthorn University, Westbrook University, and Kingdom College of Natural Health and the Natural Healing Institute in Encinitas, CA. As far as your degree "being taken seriously" I'm not sure to whom you are referring. Most people aren't even aware of the issue. All they care about is are you able to help them. But there are some accredited schools offering education in natural health. Everglades University offers a fully accredited online BS in alternative medicine. I hear it's as boring and not very well-taught, you may want to check it out. Another school to investigate is the American College of Health Care Sciences. They offer MS degrees and are accredited as well. University of Bridgeport offers a fully accredited MS in human nutrition. These 2 schools are more traditionally oriented as far education, but it may be what you want and need. Accreditation is a complex issue. I cover the issue extensively in my book. You may want to get a hold of one on Lulu.com. I talk about that and a lot of other issues related to what you are asking. Good luck.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kay,
Thank you for your answer.  I'd like to consult people in naturopathic/holistic nutrition...and maybe some day teach.  I don't know.  
I had contacted Bastyr a few months ago, and they said they do not offer online courses, and made me think that being accredited was mandatory if I ever wanted to use my degree in a professional setting.
I also had contacted Everglades, but have been dragging my feet.  Glad I did after what you mentioned.
I like the idea of an education focusing completely on nutrition without the peripheral classes of math, history, etc.
I've been contemplating Hawthorne for their NC certification, and also for their Westin A Price Program.  They are offering (6) 3 credit classes leading to a WISE Traditions Nutrition Certificate.  What are your thoughts on the WAP program?
I will purchase your book to learn more.
Thank you again!
Beverly

Answer
Just so you know, USDE accreditation is not an automatic requirement to be a consultant in a professional setting. Bastyr is extremely biased as they are against all non-traditional natural health schools. And if they told you that, they are flat out wrong. It depends on what state you live in. Case in point--I live in CA and am a graduate of the now defunct Clayton College of Natural Health. There is nothing a graduate from Bastyr, University of Bridgeport or any other USDE accredited school with a degree in nutrition (not naturopathy--that's a different subject) can do here that I can't do. Again, it depends on the state you live in.
I think the WAP program at Hawthorn looks very good. I wish you the best!