Professional Practice explores the foundational practices and concepts to succeed in a professional work environment. This course aims to equip students with tools, skills and best practices to excel in the field of holistic nutrition with a strong focus on practicing in private clinical practice settings. Emphasis is placed on legal framework, language, marketing techniques, social media applications, defining goals, consulting skills, time management, client relationships, building rapport, and professionalism. Professional Practice builds on the communication skills taught in Professional Skills Development. Initiatives for working locally and internationally; in-person and virtually; on individual and group programs; in print and public broadcast medias; independently or in clinic with regulated professionals are discussed. Essential topics like launching, operating, and scaling business ventures are reviewed. Defining professional fees for protocols and programs is a significant learning outcome in this course.

Learning Objectives:
• Write and develop an effective business proposal to establish a new venture or expand an existing one.
• Provide insight on accountability to clients, confidentiality, compassion, creating non-judgemental spaces and professional boundaries
• Taking risks, discipline, motivation, creativity, autonomy and building confidence are all part of the course material
• Learn the best practices of networking from IHN’s alumni and community leaders in natural health
• Learn the profession’s standards and guidelines associated with curating and managing a successful nutrition practice
• Explore the various modalities and business models and methods to determine a unique client avatar
• Learn how to create a media kit, powerful resumes and how to approach brands for collaborative opportunities
• The role of advocacy in, and for, our profession

Professional Practice is designed to encourage both personal and professional growth. It gives students the resources to consider how they will contribute to the profession’s growth and elevate the legitimacy of the field as a whole. Graduates will have a strong base understanding of how to develop effective nutrition consulting skills, within their niche, anywhere in the world. This course stresses the power of one’s vision and mission to hold a unique space in the field. It defines the importance of structure and solid processes to complete tasks. Two critical focal points of the syllabus rest on attaining optimal client health outcomes and how to thrive as a reputable and recognized holistic nutrition professional.