Holistic Nutrition Certificate
Program Overview
The Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program (HNCP) is a unique 4-month live virtual program that introduces students to whole foods nutrition and the medicinal uses of food according to various cultures.
This program is entirely online with live teaching. Earn our Holistic Nutrition Certificate from anywhere in the world.
Length: 15 weeks
Offered: Winter, Fall semesters
Hours: 270 total
Format: Live Online
Live ONLINE Program
Pacific Rim College, including the people who help run it as well as attend it, has been incredibly special to me, and frankly, has been the most positive and significant impact on my life to date. I really treasure PRC. Attending the school is incredibly significant to me, and I hold the College in high reverence.
– Latasha McMullen, Alumnus
Why Pacific Rim College?




What You’ll Learn:
Key Learning Outcome #1
How to use food to support health and wellness.
Key Learning Outcome #2
How to analyze and evaluate the most commonly used supplements for personal use.
Key Learning Outcome #3
Learn self-assessment techniques to determine personal health needs that can assist you in making curated nutritional choices.
Key Learning Outcome #4
The most common and nutrient dense foods consumed in North America.
Key Learning Outcome #5
Common syndromes through the lens of holistic nutrition, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
I don’t think I could say enough good things about PRC. After spending three years at a large university, the smaller class sizes and compassionate teachers were an inspiring change. The school itself is a beautiful and nurturing space, and the staff and students make it that much more amazing. I learned so much about myself, gained a new outlook on the world and was trained in an amazing form of healing that has given me a job I am so proud of. I would recommend PRC to anyone, the staff and faculty are educated, kind and helpful individuals who want to see their students grow and succeed in the world of health. I will forever be grateful for my experiences and education from PRC as well as the continued support as I start my own career path. Thank you so much for those three life changing years.
– Sasha Ormiston, Alumnus
Core Program Instructors

Elham is a teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda and is board certified in Holistic Nutrition.
Dr. Chitale, ND, is a Queen’s University Graduate in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Amy is a Medical Herbalist and a professional member the Canadian Herbalist Association of British Columbia.
Cordelia is the Dean of the School of Holistic Nutrition at PRC and is Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (B.C.H.N.) and a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner (N.N.C.P.).
Sugandhi completed her Diploma of Acupuncture at Pacific Rim College and now runs a busy charitable clinic in India.
Dr. Reilander is a licensed naturopathic physician in Sidney, BC.
Sky is an honours graduate of the Diploma of Phytotherapy at Pacific Rim College.
Heidi, a Red Seal Chef and an award-winning cooking instructor, has been teaching cooking classes for over 20 years.
Amber is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, a Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner, and Registered Nutritional Consulting Practitioner.
Mia is a registered holistic nutritionist with a focus on women’s health.
Curriculum
Below are the courses that comprise the Holistic Nutrition Certificate Program. Successful completion of all components is necessary for graduation with a Holistic Nutrition Certificate.
Holistic Nutrition Certificate
Please click here for a description of Academic Fees in PDF format.
Financial Aid
This program is approved for Canada Student Loans. British Columbia residents can apply for student loans online through StudentAid BC. For non-British Columbia residents, please visit hrsdc.gc.ca for information about Canada Student Loans.
For a list of all financial aid programs available to PRC students, please visit our Financial Aid page.
Post-Graduation
Graduates of this program can use knowledge and experience gained to advocate for healthier and more sustainable food choices. They can work in the health and wellness retail sector, grow and maintain urban and rural gardens, assist family and friends in making healthier food choices, or matriculate into the Diploma of Holistic Nutrition program at PRC.
To facilitate an easy transition into the Diploma of Holistic Nutrition, the following credits of coursework within the HNCP are directly transferable into the 3-year diploma program:
- NU101 Foundations of Holistic Nutrition – 3 cr
- NU111 Professional Cooking – 3 cr
- NU/WHS116 Herbal Nutrition – 3 cr (transfers as either a WHS or NU elective)
- NU110 Social Media for Holistic Nutritionists – 1 cr
- NU/WHS131 Fungal Foods and Mushroom Medicines – 1 cr (transfers as either a WHS or NU elective)