Career Opportunities

Once their degree is completed, college graduates can work in the health industry as naturopaths and medical herbalists. Graduates can open their own practice or obtain positions as practitioners in shared practices. They can work in a multidisciplinary health environment; in the health food industry; as representatives for health supplement companies; in retail health shops; in spa and health resorts and in education and research.

Graduates will have acquired a range of skills and techniques relevant to clinical practice. They will demonstrate confidence and assurance to work in the profession; be able to make professional decisions; work with others professionally; demonstrate a range of the personal qualities expected of natural health practitioners; a willingness to maintain currency in the field of natural therapies and to continue learning.

Specifically, graduates of SPCNM will integrate and synthesise their specialised theoretical knowledge and apply their diagnostic, problem solving, and analytical skills to manage client care by

  • history taking
  • differential diagnosis and treating
  • appropriate prescribing
  • referring and advising
  • educating on prevention
  • demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness

Graduates will be well placed to make significant contributions to the practice of natural therapies.

Professional Associations

SPCNM graduates are eligible to apply to relevant professional associations for membership once they have qualified. The following professional associations recognise the BNatMed:

  • New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists
  • Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand

On completion of the NZ Diploma in Holistic Nutrition graduates of this qualification may be employed in roles such as holistic nutrition advisors, clinical nutritionists, physical wellness and lifestyle advisors, and in food and nutrition companies, supplement manufacturing industries, food service industries, pharmacies and health food shops, gyms, organisations such as schools, kindergartens, retirement villages, condition related and community-based organisations.

Graduates of the Diploma will integrate their specialised knowledge in:

  • Evaluate holistic nutrition principles and assess their effectiveness in preventing health conditions and promoting overall well-being.
  • Apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and pathophysiology to empower individuals in making informed choices regarding holistic nutrition.
  • Assess, implement, monitor, and evaluate holistic nutrition as part of a programme aimed at improving a client’s health and well-being.

Course components include:

  • History taking, referring and advising, and demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness.
  • Include historical knowledge, cultural and socioeconomic patterns related to nutrition, modern dietary trends and evidence-based practice.
  • Incorporate the latest research on the gut microbiome and functional testing.
  • Communication and coaching skills including motivational interviewing and behaviour change, developed through community practice and clinical practicum.
  • Educating on prevention and specialist topics include sports nutrition and metabolic health.
  • Apply a holistic understanding of human nutrition and individual needs including age and life stage, activity level, health status, dietary restrictions, ethnic backgrounds and personal goals.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to undertake further and higher-level study in nutrition, health-related disciplines, complementary and natural medicine.

Professional Associations

  • Clinical Nutrition Aotearoa (CNA)