Hitting The Books

[Bunny Berry]

Have any of you gone back to school to learn more about nutrition, wellness, coaching, etc? I am enrolling in a couple of programs since I am pretty sure I don't want to go back to building websites for a living. I'm going to start out with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and see how that works out for me. I'm enrolling today to take advantage of a $1500 discount.

So, tell me your stories. Where did you go to school. Was it worth it? I'm a believer in lifelong education, so I'm sure IIN will only be my first stop. How about you? Where do you want to go?

[Candice Colbert]

Hey Bunny,
I actually graduated from IIN in 2008! I'm glad I went when I did. I got so much out of the classes by being in New York City with the other students. The program completely changed my life.
I didn't end up becoming a Holistic Health Counselor, but the information I learned in invaluable. I know how to feed myself, both physically and spiritually. Also, when I have a family I'll know how to keep them healthy as well ( my fiance is a "work in progress").

[Jamie]

Hi Bunny,

I'm currently enrolled in Clayton College of Natural Health and I love it! It's actually where I first learned about raw foods! Check it out www.ccnh.edu

[VeroGirl]

Hi Bunny,
I too believe in continuous education (have a Masters in nutrition) but I'm wondering what you want to do with this new program. I don't how hire-able graduates from this program are - I went through a traditional masters program and have just been hired to teach at a local university (in a nursing program). In terms of the graduates, I met one from IIN who was a total flake (though a very nice one :-) and one who came across as being very competent. Have you talked to their alumnis or alumni office to find out what people are doing in the workforce? In any case, you are such an achiever that I know whatever you end up doing with it, you will be successful so if your gut tells you to do it, go ahead and do it. We will support you all the way!!!
VeroGirl
P.S. I find where I learn the most is on my own - reading books, attending lectures, doing my own experiments, etc.

[Becky B.]

Lucky girl! I gotta get my 2 boys through college first...then the 16 year old girl.....THEN it will be my turn to hit the books! PLEASE let me know how you like this one!
**I'll bet you are a great student**

[Tanya]

I have been a paralegal for over 10 years and our firm does all family law! Talk about depressing. I studied in the evenings and weekends to be a certified personal trainer. I can't explain it but when I am helping people exercise and make better food choices it just makes me happy.

I think this is my true calling.

[blaublau]

I would love to take some courses through the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. I might try their home study course first to see how my brain reacts to studying science for the first time in 13 years, though. (Also, I can't afford to move to London anyway. :))

I'd also consider the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition.

IIN has a not terribly great reputation, so their prices seem very steep to me. This quote stuck out especially: 'The program is very much geared towards starting a professional practice as a holistic health counselor (or health counselor or whatever they are calling it now) and not toward actually learning about nutrition.' Red flag for me.

[DJ]

Hi Bunny,

Good luck to you. I'm returning to school this fall for a degree in Community Health Education. Although this is through a standard university, this degree would open doors to educate people in natural health.

My career has been in accounting and now at the age of 54, I'm making this major career change. This will be a challenge but I feel I finally found my passion. I plan to stay active in health education long after I retire. .

Anyway, it is all about doing what works for you. And I wish you all the luck in the world.

DJ

[Debi]

Congratulations Bunny, I am currently enrolled in the IIN program for 2009 and will finish in July it is an awesome program. It is really exciting being in NYC and doing the classes live. Next year will be the last year they do the live programs. It is a program geared towards building a counseling practice but there is also a lot of great information and resources for all of the nutrition information you would want.

I will have to also add that I left the corporate world almost 10 years ago and went back to school and earned my Masters in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor's of Professional Health Science and am now a Licesend Acupuncturist. Best move I ever made in my life. Adding the health counseling practice is a great fit for me as well.

Good luck and I know you will do well.

Love ya

[Tonya]

Congratulations! I am gathering money right now to attend Clayton College of Natural Health. Have fun!

[Johanna B]

I am a medical librarian and I read everything that comes into the library on foods, nutrition, alternative healing, etc. It's not the same as following a formal program in a concentrated area though. I would love to do the raw foods institute I was reading about this morning. One of the bloggers I regularly read is going in September. I think it was called 105 degrees. I, too, believe in lifelong education.

[Bunny Berry]

I have looked into a lot of programs,and this is one that I can afford right now, and that I think will give me better insight into how to lead RawFu Magazine to new heights. cross fingers.

[WendySmiling]

Congrats Bunny! I wish I could quit work and go to school, but can't do w/o the second income. I could go for 4 years full time vand be good to go at 51 years old, but just going at night would just take way to long to be practical for a job change. There's always the lottery, eh?