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Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition

Certifications
Duration:

2 Years

Payment Options
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About the Course

Animal Natural Nutrition uses diet and nutritional principles to support animal health and wellbeing.

Animal nutritionists are proficient in nutrition and a holistic approach to animal health. They also need to know how diet integrates with regular veterinary care. Evidence-based animal nutritionists have a knowledge of the science as well as contemporary practice in order to develop diet plans to restore health and wellbeing. 

CIVT fills the need in the rapidly growing area of animal natural nutrition by providing high-quality training taught by qualified and experienced veterinarians. As the industry grows, so too does the demand for qualified animal nutritionists and CIVT fulfils this need with a track record of excellence in tuition and delivering training in the animal health industry.

If you are someone who wants to work with animals and contribute to their wellbeing and quality of life, or you are looking for a career change, or further skills to add to those you already have, then these courses are for you. We teach you to have the confidence and competence to work safely, ethically, professionally and within your scope. 

Become an animal nutritionist

These courses were developed for those who would like to pursue a career as an animal nutritionist.  The Certification course provides you with the foundation knowledge, practical skills and development of confidence necessary to successfully assist animals obtain their optimal health and wellbeing.

The courses are completely online and consist of video lectures, demonstrations, course notes, resources and assessments.

You can work at your own pace from anywhere in the world.

Program

We recommend course progression over two years. This course is available on an ongoing basis. 

Please note that this is an evidence-based course delivered by qualified and experienced practitioners but is not an Australian government-accredited qualification.

Communication and course materials

We will provide self-paced learning content and assessments within the myCIVT classroom online.  You will receive a login and password for access.  Email and forum support is available, as well as periodic live case rounds. You will receive access to the Animal Diet Formulator for the duration of your studies.

Assessments

Quizzes, forum participation, workbooks, activities and a case logbook of twenty cases.

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, you will receive ‘Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition’ and a record of results. 

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have completed equivalent units elsewhere and have an academic record and certificate, you may be eligible to have that learning recognised. You may have to complete gap units if these have not been covered already. This assessment is included in the course fee.

If you have a veterinary nurse or veterinary technician qualification you may be eligible for exemptions from  your course. Each case is assessed on an individual  basis to ensure you are able to complete the complete without disadvantage. 

Course Outcomes

The companion animal industry is a rapidly growing one. And within this trend, the natural and wellbeing segment is growing exponentially. People are looking for advice on natural feeding to complement their veterinarian’s care.  Upon completion of the Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition you could:

  • Set up your own business supporting companion animals as an animal nutritionist
  • Provide service for referring veterinarians
  • Work within a veterinary clinic
  • Work within a grooming facility
  • Work within a kennel or cattery
  • Work within a pet health food store
  • Work with product manufacturers
  • Develop your own range of products
  • Become an animal nutrition educator
  • Become an animal health researcher

There are plenty of job opportunities available once qualified. Please note that most graduates run their own businesses. CIVT does not guarantee that by completing the Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition you will automatically find a job. 

Study Outcomes

  • Work professionally with an evidence-based approach
  • Utilise animal health science and animal nutrition knowledge to assess animals’ health and nutrition status and develop nutrition support plans to restore wellbeing
  • Confidently work with veterinarians and other health professionals to provide integrated care
  • Critically evaluate the evidence to inform decision making with nutrition plans
  • Practice independently, safely and ethically with a high level of professional communication and reflective skills 
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Dr Mio Shinohara Royce
Dr Nancy Scanlan

Meet the Tutors and Lecturers

Dr Mio Shinohara Royce
BVM, PhD, GDip VCHM
Starting as a vet nurse, Mio has worked in the veterinary industry for 30 years. She graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology with a veterinary degree in 2002 and received PhD in 2006 from State University of New York for...
2 Webinars and 9 Courses
DVM, MS, CVA, MCHC, Certified Senior Fitness Personal Trainer
Dr. Nancy Scanlan has been using integrative veterinary medicine since her senior year in veterinary school, although she did not realize that is what she was doing at the time. She graduated from the University of California, Davis School of...
7 Courses

What will you Learn

Year One

  • Natural Animal Nutrition
  • Nutrigenomics
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Naturopathic Animal Healthcare I 

Year Two

  • Naturopathic Animal Healthcare II
  • Environmental Animal Health
  • Nutrition to support health for common conditions 
  • Professional Communications and Reflecting on Practice
  • FINAL TASK: 20 Case Logbook

Year One

  • Natural Animal Nutrition
  • Nutrigenomics
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Naturopathic Animal Healthcare I 

Year Two

  • Naturopathic Animal Healthcare II
  • Environmental Animal Health
  • Nutrition to support health for common conditions 
  • Professional Communications and Reflecting on Practice
  • FINAL TASK: 20 Case Logbook
Read More
Download Brochure
Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition

Before you take the course

Below requirements are needed before you can take this course.
  • Year 12 or equivalent
  • English language skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Independent computer skills and the ability to access  the internet, post on forums and, upload assessments
  • You will need fast broadband internet access for video content, a webcam or skype for interviews (if required)
  • You also need to have experience handling dogs and cats and access to dogs, cats and people who will support learning your skills with their animals.

If you have studied the same subjects or have experience in the industry you may be eligible for some exemptions.

Pre-requisite Courses

Below are the required course(s) that you need to complete

Certificate Animal Health Sciences
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Course Testimonials

Get inspired with our student journeys.

"I am thoroughly pleased with the 2-year Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition course. As someone who thrives on acquiring knowledge, this program greatly expanded my understanding of nutrition and natural support for animals. The well-crafted assignments, although not extensive, ingeniously require utilization of the entire module, enhancing comprehension. The instructors, who are highly skilled veterinarians, provided invaluable insights, their accessibility and prompt response to inquiries is commendable. I was so gratified with the course that I immediately enrolled in a subsequent program! Highly recommended!"

Kelly Cogen
B.Sc Animal Science, Cert.CN, B.Sc Naturopathic Animal Science
France

“I highly recommend the Certification in Small Animal Natural Nutrition course. As a certified veterinary technician and animal owner, I have always had an interest in providing the best care and nutrition for my patients. This program includes topics such as nutrigenomics, nutraceuticals, naturopathic methods, and environmental health. Nutrition plays a key role in many disease processes and is often dismissed as an unimportant topic. With the growing nutrition related concerns from clients, it is even more important for veterinary staff to be up to date on the latest research and to be able to inform clients accurately. This certification provides in-depth knowledge and skills needed for application in the veterinary setting. I am better able to assist the veterinarian and our clients in providing a complete and specialized nutrition plan, thanks to the highly skilled and knowledgeable instructors at CIVT.”

Melissa McClelland
BS, CVT, CSANN
United States of America

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Submit your information and we will send the brochure to the provided email address.
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to know more about the questions that our students asked?
Is online study right for me?

The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies offers courses that are both challenging and rewarding. You can learn at your own pace under the tutelage of experts in their field. Online or distance learning is not for everyone. Think carefully before you enroll. To succeed in online learning and distance education you will need:

  • A commitment to study and enquiry
  • To be capable of self directed learning with our guidance and support through your course
  • Motivation to pursue your course of study
  • Access to the internet and a printer
  • A good internet service that provides a good speed for downloads
  • An enthusiasm for engaging with your tutors and peers
  • The ability to work on your own or collaborate in a team
  • The capability of an independent level of written and spoken English
  • An appointment by phone may be requested prior to course commencement- we don't want you to start if we think we can't provide the right experience for you
  • If you are not sure contact us, we can help you gain a  full understanding of our courses before applying.

What you won't need is to pay airfares, travel, hotel bills by participating in green education!

All our courses are available to enrol at any time.  Our courses are part time, self paced within the course timeframe, and fully online.  Sometimes there is a scheduled start date for a course, in which we accept a group intake of enrolments. This encourages a cohort of students to move through the course together, making for a more interactive learning experience.

Although some courses have live sessions available, there are no live sessions that you are required to attend for any of our courses.  Our courses are delivered online and are self paced within the course timeframe, to give you the greatest flexibility with your study. You can study anywhere, anytime that suits you. We have great learning tools such as lectures, comprehensive course notes, videos, online resources, discussion forum and continuous support from our highly qualified and experienced tutors to help you can get the most out of your course.

Please refer to our enrolment terms and conditions when seeking extra time in a course, https://civtedu.org/enrolment-terms-and-conditions 

If you take a "leave of absence/deferral" from a course this freezes your progress in the course.  You will have no access to the course during this time.  A request for a leave of absence/deferral can be made for up to 3 months, initially.  Longer periods of time away from the course can be reviewed after this time.  If you want to use any course resources whilst you are taking your leave of absence/deferral you will need to download the material (such as documents, course notes, reading material) beforehand.  There is no fee to take a leave of absence/deferral, however your regular payment instalments for the course will continue.

If you request an "extension" for a course, you may be given extra time in a course and still have full access to the course.  An extension can be granted for up to, or equal to, the maximal period of study for that course.  There is a fee involved in applying for an extension, this varies according to the amount of extra time requested and is found on the link provided.

 

This depends on the type of course you enrol in.

Our introductory or short courses require approximately 3-5 hours per week.  Our Certifications and Graduate Diplomas require approximately 5-10 hours per week.  This will vary amongst individuals, depending on the pace in which they learn.  More time may be needed each week, depending on how long an individual needs to spend on completing assignments. 

If you are a registered Veterinarian, you are eligible to enrol in any of our courses, https://civtedu.org/courses 

If you are a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Nurse or Animal Health Professional you may be able to apply to enrol in selected courses for Veterinarians, however you will need to go through an eligibility process first. Otherwise, you can apply for our courses for Animal Health Professionals, https://civtedu.org/courses/animal-health-professionals 

If you are a Pet Owner, you can apply for our courses designed for Pet Owners, https://civtedu.org/courses/pet-owners 

 

Earn your own CIVT certificate of completion

The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies offers courses that are both challenging and rewarding. You can learn at your own pace under the tutelage of experts in their field. What you won’t need is to pay airfares, travel, hotel bills by participating in green education!

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you upon successful completion of the program, as per the stipulated requirements.

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Payment Options

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Pay the course upfront
$4,945.00 USD
$5,686.75 USD
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$5,495.00 USD
$6,319.25 USD

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