As a holistic nutritionist, you have the knowledge and skills to develop powerful protocols for your clients. However, to make your assessment truly holistic, you must have an understanding of diagnostic and laboratory tests. These tests provide valuable insight into the unique state of each client and offer an objective measure of client progress. This course covers the basics of blood, urine and saliva testing, including tests for liver, kidney and digestion, thyroid and adrenal function, lipid disorders, diabetes, heavy metals and more. Students will gain the knowledge to confidently interpret laboratory results and incorporate them into a holistic plan to increase health outcomes.

FORMAT: Online, LIVE
LOCATION: Zoom Classroom
SESSIONS: 8 Tuesdays
DATES: TBD 2026
TIME: 3:00 – 6:00pm Pacific / 6:00 – 9:00pm Eastern
RECOMMENDED TEXT: Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic Tests—Dr. David has the 4th Canadian edition in his practice but the text is in its 7th or 8th edition. All of the information that you need will be on the PowerPoint slides but it’s nice to have the digital or hard copy version as a clinical reference. You can buy most versions on Amazon.

FEE: $550 + GST
REQUIRED DIGITAL COURSE NOTES: $30 + GST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: TBD

Session 1
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Introduction & Cardiovascular

Introduction to laboratory medicine; Introduction to functional assessments; Introduction to the systems approach; Understanding the cardiovascular assessment – lipids, inflammation, glucose control, nutrient deficiencies; Conditions – high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack risk reduction

Session 2
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Diabetes & Thyroid + Hormones

Glucose, insulin, and continuous glucose monitoring; The complete thyroid panel, functional thyroid assessment

Session 3
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPT: Hormones

Blood, urine, and saliva hormone assessments – timing and interpretation; Fertility and pregnancy testing; Conditions – weight gain, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes, PMS, low testosterone, menopause

Session 4
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Digestive & Immune System

Food allergy, intolerance, and sensitivity testing; Leaky gut testing, histamine, and diamine Candida Testing; Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis and GI Map; Ova and Parasites; Conditions – IBS, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac disease, GERD, allergies, eczema, psoriasis

Session 5
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Liver, Gallbladder & Pancreas

Liver function testing; Gastric and pancreatic function testing; Conditions: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, gallstones, chronic pancreatitis, functional elevated liver enzymes

Session 6
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Adrenals, Kidneys & Bladder

Urinalysis, urine toxicology screen and basic renal functioning; Renal disease and renal function testing; Serum Chemistry – Electrolytes; Adrenal panels – timing, medium and optimization; Conditions: adrenal insufficiency, kidney infections, nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, bladder infections, anxiety

Session 7
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Joints/Bones, Chronic Fatigue & Nutrient Deficiency Review

Introduction to hematology; CBC, iron, B12, homocysteine; Vitamin and Mineral Testing; Heavy Metal Testing – Hair Mineral Analysis; Mold Toxicity Testing; Conditions: osteoporosis, muscle and ligament injuries, fatigue, depression, insomnia

Session 8
DATE: TBD
MAIN CONCEPTS: Neurologic & Cancer

Neurotransmitter testing; Tumor marker assessments; Screening exams; Metabolism markers; Conditions: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, series of different types of cancers, MS, GB, MG

Access to Material:

THE DAY BEFORE the course starts registered students will receive an email with LINKS to:

— A copy of the complete Course Outline with test and assignment dates
— Zoom Login and Password
— Digital Course Notes/Power Point Presentation Session 1 of 8 followed by sessions 2 to 8 after the first class ends
— Every session’s replay will be sent to students before 12:00 noon Eastern, the next day
— Recordings remain LIVE for 2 months after the course ends
— Registrants are encouraged to join the course’s registrant chat group

Can’t Make The Day & Time? We’ve Got You.
Learn Through Recordings!

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend classes in real time, join us through recordings. Many of our Continuing Education students are busy practitioners and professionals, balancing work, family and other commitments so we understand that flexibility is necessary. Replay access and completion options are arranged on a case-by-case basis to ensure you still receive the full educational value of the course and have engagement with the faculty member and other registrants. You also have the option to earn the Certificate of Completion if you’re able to complete the required test or assignment by the due dates.

If you’re interested in accessing replays or exploring flexible participation options with your schedule, please contact Julia Briski at julia@instituteofholisticnutrition.com for more information.

Please review IHN’s Online & In-Class Continuing Education Course/School Policies