Training Program Requirements
Submit your training program for GAIN approval today and join us in setting the standard for excellence in holistic nutrition education
Support the Industry
By aligning your school with GAIN, you’re supporting the values that GAIN represents: Practitioner professionalism, competency based education, a clear and defined scope of practice and code of ethics, and a commitment to advocate on behalf of holistic nutritionists.
Why We Need Recognition
The registration of professional Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioners™ (RHNP™) and Registered Health & Nutrition Counselors (RHNC™) serves a vital purpose: to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners, much like the licensure of physicians protects individuals from those lacking the necessary medical expertise.
As the demand for Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioners™ (RHNP™) and Registered Health & Nutrition Counselors (RHNC™) continues to rise, driven by individuals seeking alternative and complementary healthcare options, the importance of having competent and well-educated professionals becomes increasingly evident. This surge has underscored the need for rigorous standards in professional training to ensure that practitioners possess the knowledge and skills required to provide effective care.
Voluntary registration with a recognized professional association that promotes and upholds high curriculum standards establishes a benchmark for distinguishing knowledgeable, well-trained practitioners from the rest. This process not only enhances the credibility of individual practitioners but also reinforces the integrity of the educational institutions that train them, ensuring that the holistic nutrition profession is represented by qualified individuals dedicated to promoting health and wellness.
GAIN Approved Training Program Educational Requirements
The following educational standards must be met in order to receive GAIN approval and to assure your students and graduates that their nutrition program provides sufficient education to qualify them as a professional member.
Upon approval of your program, graduates will automatically qualify for the “Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner™” (RHNP™) Designation. RHNP Programs approved by GAIN must meet or exceed a minimum of an additional 1000 hours of study including topics listed in the RHNC (SEE RHNC REQUIREMENTS BELOW) for Holistic Nutritionists including a demonstrated proficiency in the following post secondary subjects:
- Pathophysiology, Illness & Nutrition
- Nutritional support of the body (digestive, lymphatic, immune, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous, integumentary)
- Health and disease in relation to environmental influences
- Symptomatology of insufficiency and excess nutrients
- Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology of the Human Body
- Introduction to basic Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Introductory Herbology (minimum of 20 herbs covered)
- Including uses and contraindications
- Life Cycle
- Sports nutrition
- Pediatric
- Geriatric
- Comparative Dietary Systems
- In depth diet analysis & planning
- Cultural influences on food choices
- Supplementation
- Contraindications and interactions with herbs, foods and medications
- Indications of need for supplementation
- Nutrition Assessment
- Health assessments
- Understanding lab results
The program also must contain a combined minimum of 30 hours of case study work and client sessions.
The programs must include at least one final exam (proctored if distance learning) and at least one thesis/research paper.
RHNC Designation Requirements
- Fundamentals of Nutrition (full macro/micro nutrients coverage)
- Nutrition Sciences – Including Fundamentals of Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Nutritional Support of the Body Systems, Environmental Influences on Health
- Life Cycle Nutrition (Pre/Post Natal, Pediatrics, Men, Women, Geriatric)
- Fundamentals of Sports Nutrition
- Preventative Health Care
- Microbiome
- Detoxification
- Nutritional Supplementation: indications, contraindications / interactions with herbs, medications, and foods
- Nutrition Assessment: health assessments
- Nutritional Counselling and Coaching Skills
- Introduction into Herbs
- Cooking With Whole Foods and Meal Planning
- Psychology of Habit Change
- Facilitating Behaviour Change
- Coaching Skills
- Counselling and Coaching Skills including Listening Strategies, Client Engagement, Motivational Interviewing
- Coaching Clients with Chronic Conditions
- Goal Setting – Habit Change, Healthy Lifestyle, Physical Activity
- Weight-loss Management including Physical Assessments, BMI, Behaviour Therapy, Mindful Eating Habits, Identifying Triggers, Pantry Cleanse
- Clear Scope of Practice
- Physical Activity
- Managing Stress
- Standards of Care / Ethical Practice
- Working / Partnering with Primary Caregivers
- Case Studies and/or Skills Labs
- Section Knowledge Tests
- Final Exam consisting of a miniumum 100 questions
Optional/Recommended Courses:
- Nutrition Business Fundamentals
- Nutritional Research Applications
- Business Basics
- Evidence Based Health Coaching in a Clinical Setting
- Corporate Wellness
Don’t Quite Meet the Requirements Above?
Apply to become an approved CE Course provider. Continuing Education is a requirement for all professional members. Continuing education courses are essential for practitioners to stay updated on the latest research, trends, and best practices in the field. They provide valuable opportunities for professional development, allowing holistic nutrition practitioners to expand their expertise and better serve their clients.
If your program is seeking professional accreditation, you may qualify as a Health Coach Alliance Approved Training Program. Visit our partner organization the Health Coach Alliance (HCA) to find out what the requirements are to qualify your students to apply for the Registered Health Coach™ and/or the Registered Health & Nutrition Counselor™ professional designations.
What Happens if My Application for Training Program Approval is Denied?
Should your application for Training Program Approval be denied, we encourage you to view this as an opportunity to enhance and refine your course offerings. We will provide you with commentary on specific areas that require improvement and information that may be missing from your submission. You will have 6 months to address these deficiencies.
We are pleased to offer a complimentary second review for your resubmission within six months of the initial denial. However, after this six-month period, a full review will be required to reassess your application.
If you choose not to incorporate the necessary materials for designation approval, your course may still be eligible to be recognized as a Continuing Education course for credit.
Do I Pay the Application Fee Upfront or Upon Approval?
Payment must be made with submission of your program. The fee is for a review of your training program and does not guarantee approval.
What is the Fee for Training Program Approval and How Often Do I have to Pay It?
The initial fee for review is a one time payment of $1000.00 CAD.
Thereafter you will be required to renew your approval every third year for $1,000.00 CAD.
If you change your course or should our requirements change, we may need to do another review and full review fees will apply.
It is the responsibility of the school to advise GAIN of any of such changes to your curriculum.
My Program is Not Based in Canada. Can I Still Apply for Approval?
Absolutely! We encourage you to apply for approval, as doing so will not only help you attract a larger Canadian audience, but it will also provide invaluable benefits to your Canadian students. By obtaining GAIN approval, you enhance the value of your program and demonstrate your commitment to meeting the specific needs of the Canadian holistic nutrition community.
While associations outside of Canada may provide valuable resources, they often lack the full spectrum of support essential for cultivating a successful and thriving practice in Canada. This support includes, but is not limited to, guidance on the Canadian Scope of Practice, legal talks, access to liability insurance, group medical and dental plans, as well as discounts on products, services, and events.
Moreover, our association is recognized as international, with a significant membership base that includes practitioners outside of Canada. We are proud to offer liability insurance and legal talks specifically for our U.S. members as well. By becoming a GAIN-approved course provider, you position your program for broader appeal and serve as a vital resource for holistic nutrition professionals seeking to excel in their careers.
I Have Additional Courses That I Would Like to Share with GAIN Members. Is That Possible?
Yes! All GAIN Professional Members are required to complete continuing education (CE) credits each year to maintain their membership—20 credits annually for the first five years and 10 credits thereafter. As a result, our members are always eager for new and innovative courses that enhance their professional development.
If you are also an Approved Training Program, you have the opportunity to add your additional courses to our expanding list of Continuing Education offerings. This integration allows your courses to count toward the CE requirements for our members, enhancing both your visibility and your contribution to the professional growth of holistic nutrition practitioners.
Additionally, please note that the review fee for CE courses is offered at a 50% discount, making it even easier for you to support our members’ educational needs.
I Am Already Approved by Another Association. Why Seek Approval Through GAIN?
While being accredited by another association is commendable, our experience shows that many schools benefit significantly from obtaining approval from multiple associations globally. This additional accreditation can enhance your school’s appeal to a broader audience, as potential students and members often select their educational programs based on their preferred association or geographic location.
By securing GAIN approval alongside your existing accreditation, you position your institution to attract a more diverse student body, increase visibility in the holistic nutrition community, and enhance your reputation. This multifaceted approach not only broadens your reach but also affirms your commitment to maintaining high educational standards recognized on an international scale.
Apply to be a GAIN Approved Training Program
Visit the Training Program educational requirements page to download your copy of the Program Review Guide.