Return to
Practice
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
14 August
2025
START DATE:
22 August
2025
DURATION:
6
months
VALIDATING INSTITUTION:
University of
Portsmouth
Getting your career back on track
Sometimes after training for a career in nutritional therapy, life gets in the way. Perhaps you didn’t get started in practice, or maybe you put it on hold while dealing with other priorities.
For qualified nutritional therapists who have been out of practice for three years or more, we offer a range of options validated by the University of Portsmouth, leading to registration/re-registration with CNHC (rCNHC) and full membership of BANT (mBANT).
On this page
Course background
Course information
Course background
What you'll study
All options are validated by the University of Portsmouth, a leading modern and a top 5 Young University in the UK (THE World Universities Ranking).
Assessments
Assessments are dependent on the option you choose. However, generally you’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, reports, video presentations, role plays and reflective narratives.
These assessments are designed to help you apply your knowledge, develop practical skills, and deepen your conceptual understanding, with constructive feedback provided throughout.
Lecturer's view
“ION's return to practice course is a great way to refresh your clinical skills and knowledge in a super supportive environment. Students comment on how much the course helps to rebuild their confidence. Working with real clients helps to get you back in the driving seat and the tutor- led teaching sessions and support before and after practice consultations is second to none.”
Paula Werrett
Mprof, Dip ION, BA Hons, mBANT, CNHC
Head of Undergraduate Courses
Your benefits
At ION, we are dedicated to supporting your success throughout your studies and beyond. As a student with us, you’ll gain access to a range of benefits designed to enhance your learning experience, support your wellbeing, and prepare you for a rewarding career.
Your benefits include:
University of Portsmouth Student Union membership
Job notifications and graduate placements
Discounts at health food shops, supplement and testing companies
Academic prizes
University of Portsmouth Alumni discounts on further study
Dedicated Academic Support
University of Portsmouth library access
Pastoral Support and Guidance from level leaders
Exclusive discounts on select ION offerings and products
Course information
Entry requirements
Requirements for this course are:
Qualification
Minimum requirement
- Graduated from an NTEC-accredited course
Other requirements
- Competent IT skills
-
Microsoft Office software package and proficiency in its use
-
Computer (Mac or PC) with reliable internet connection
- Time management skills
- Approximately 20 (part-time) to 30 (full-time) hours a week to study
- Be fit to study and committed to succeed!
Study pathway
This course provides you the following pathway
NTEC-accredited course graduate
Return to Practice: (A) for BSc (Hons) degree (B) for Grad Dip. with Clinical Practice (C) for short courses
Nutritional Therapist
Masters degree Having studied for RTP (A), (B)
Doctor of Philosophy Having studied for RTP (A), (B)
Fees
Fees for option 1 are listed below. For fees details on the other options, please refer to the relevant course pages. Fees do not include BANT student membership.
Course facts
Award
Return to Practice certificate / OR
Graduate Diploma / OR
BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy
Credits
Course dependent
Study mode
Online, with optional attendance activities in the UK
Entry dates
Part-time option
September, February
Full-time option
September
Duration
Part-time option
6 months – 4.5 years (course dependent)
Full-time option
6 months – 4.5 years (course dependent)
Course code
Part-time option
Course dependent
Full-time option
Course dependent
Course bodies
Awarded & Validated by
University of Portsmouth
Accredited by
Nutritional Therapy Education Commission (NTEC)
British Accreditation Council (BAC)
Registered with
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT)
Good to know
- For candidates who are qualified nutritional therapists who have been out of practice and wish to refresh key clinical skills to build confidence with clients and to rejoin the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT).
- ION’s Return to practice course enables you to refresh your clinical skills with real clients in ION’s online training clinic in a safe and supportive environment. ION’s experienced tutors will provide feedback and guidance so that you can perform at your best in clinic leading to great outcomes for your clients.
- RTP students complete a written reflective assessment in addition to your supervised clinical consultation.
Next steps
Ready to apply or need help? Use the links below or get in touch with our friendly recruitment team.
