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Become a Certified Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist

Master Vegan and Vegetarian Nutrition with Accredited, Evidence-Based Training

Plant-Based Diets

Certificate Course Description

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Plant-Based Diets Certificate

Course Hours:120
Credits:35
Program Length:8-12 Weeks
Delivery Method:Online Learning
Start Date:Open Enrollment

The plant-based certificate course provides the specific nutritional requirements of a healthy vegetarian plant-based diet including information on how to transition towards a plant- based diet and guidelines for the changing requirements during every life stage.

After completing this course on its own, you will receive a certificate of completion. When you complete the Holistic Nutrition & Health Coach program with plant-based nutrition as your specialty, you will receive an officially stamped diploma in the mail listing your “Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist” designation.

Click the “Enrol Now” button below to view the tuition and payment plan options.

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What You’ll Gain

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Lifetime Certification

Graduate as a Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist with a credential that never expires and stays with you for life.

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Balanced Meal Design

Confidently create plant-based meal plans that meet nutrient needs and prevent common deficiencies.

Support Complex Needs

Work with clients managing chronic disease, allergies, fitness goals, and life stage transitions safely and effectively.

Expert Knowledge to Help Clients

Human connection, accountability, and expert guidance are what help clients succeed when shifting to plant-based living.

Career & Income Flexibility

Turn your passion into income through private practice, online programs, workshops, or collaborations in diverse wellness settings.

Trusted Authority & Credentials

Establish yourself as the go-to resource for plant-based nutrition, building confidence and loyalty with every client you serve.

Is This Course Right For Me?

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Who It’s Designed For

Maybe you’re drawn to plant-based living because of its impact on health, the environment, or animal welfare. Maybe you’ve experienced the benefits firsthand and feel called to share it with others.

Or maybe you are a health practitioner wanting to focus your niche on a plant based way of life.

Whatever your reason, this course is built for you if you’re passionate about plant-based living, looking to specialize in your practice, or simply want the knowledge to support your clients and community with confidence.

Graduate With Confidence

Upon graduation you’ll walk away as a Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist  knowing how to guide others through the transition to plant-based living. You will be able to fully support them in avoiding common nutrient gaps and will be able to confidently design plans that work.

You’ll also have the expertise to guide people managing chronic health conditions whether that’s type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, or other lifestyle-related challenges towards better health outcomes.

You’ll stand out in a growing industry as someone clients can trust, and you’ll have the foundation to build a career that allows you to earn an income doing what you love while helping create a healthier, more sustainable future.

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Not All Vegetarian Diets Are Created Equal

Becoming a vegetarian doesn’t automatically mean it’s healthy. Without the right knowledge, it’s easy to rely on processed foods and miss key nutrients.
This course gives you the education to build a balanced, truly healthy plant-based lifestyle.

Course Outline

A Mind, Body, Spirit Approach to Vegetarian Diets

In this opening module, you’ll explore the foundations of plant-based living, from the history of vegetarianism and veganism to the modern Whole Foods Plant-Based approach. We’ll unpack the “why” behind this lifestyle, including its impact on health, the environment, and even spiritual well-being.

You’ll learn to differentiate between common diet types, separate myths from facts, and understand both the benefits and misconceptions surrounding plant-based eating.

Practical guidance is also included, covering how to transition away from dairy, gluten, and refined sugar, as well as alternatives to use, and strategies for managing sugar cravings and artificial sweeteners.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a clear roadmap for moving confidently toward a healthier plant-based lifestyle and the tools to guide others through the same transformation.

This lesson takes you deep into the essentials of nutrition and why nutrient density matters most for long-term health. You’ll explore the six classes of nutrients and the categories of nutrient recommendations that guide safe, effective dietary choices.

We’ll cover both macronutrients and micronutrients, highlighting the best plant-based sources of each vitamin and mineral to ensure a complete, balanced diet.

You’ll also examine the hidden impact of preservatives and additives in ultra-processed foods and how to steer clients toward nutrient-rich alternatives.

By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to use food as fuel for vitality and how to design plant-based diets that truly meet human needs.

In this lesson, you’ll uncover the often-misunderstood world of anti-nutrients — natural compounds found in plant-based foods that can both help and hinder the body. We’ll explore the different types, how they affect nutrient absorption, and the potential positives and negatives they bring to health. Most importantly, you’ll learn practical strategies to minimise their impact, including preparation methods like soaking, sprouting, and cooking. With the included sprouting handout, you’ll gain hands-on tools to help clients enjoy the benefits of plant foods while reducing unwanted effects. This is the kind of advanced knowledge that separates a true Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist from coaches who only scratch the surface.

This lesson focuses on how to safely and effectively incorporate a plant-based diet across all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to pregnancy, adulthood, and healthy ageing.

You’ll learn the unique nutritional needs at each stage and how to ensure that plant-based diets provide complete nourishment during times of growth, development, and increased demand. By mastering these distinctions, you’ll gain the confidence to guide clients and families through plant-based living at any age.

This depth of knowledge gives you a professional edge,  enabling you to support clients with diverse needs and concerns.

Making the shift to a plant-based lifestyle starts at home. In this practical lesson, you’ll learn exactly which foods to prioritize when starting out, how to properly restock and organize your kitchen, and how to shop with confidence, including tips for navigating grocery store layouts.

You will learn healthy swaps for everyday favourites, explore a variety of herbs and vegetables, and get familiar with plant-based protein sources and milk alternatives.

By the end, you’ll have the tools to create a kitchen environment that makes plant-based living simple, sustainable, and enjoyable for both you and your clients.

A well-prepared meal starts with the right tools and techniques. In this hands-on lesson, you’ll learn about the different types of knives and how to use them safely and effectively.

You will practise cutting techniques with a chef’s knife, explore various chopping styles for vegetables, and understand why keeping knives sharp makes all the difference in both safety and presentation.

Mastering these skills not only makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable, but also adds a professional edge, giving you the confidence to lead workshops, cooking demos, or client sessions with credibility and ease.

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Set yourself apart from the rest.

Choose a niche, or multiple niches! Our individual specialization courses designed to help you lead in your area of passion and purpose. All courses qualify for continuing education credits.

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Ready to Become a Plant-based Nutrition Specialist?

Get in touch with admissions if you have questions or need assistance. If you are ready, click “enrol” and get started today!