Certificate Program in
Integrative Nutrition:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to register
Policies and Procedures

Q: What is the Institute for Integrative Nutrition?
A: Founded in 1992, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) is licensed by the New York State Education Department and is the world's largest nutrition school. The Institute for Integrative Nutrition's Health Coach Training Program is offered through an innovative distance learning format, which allows students to participate from anywhere in the world.

Q: What are CEUs?
A: The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally recognized method of quantifying the time spent in the classroom during professional development and training activities. Typically, 10 contact hours of instruction (50–60 minutes) or participation in an organized, lifelong learning/continuing education experience with a qualified instructor equates to one CEU. IIN participants who enroll in the Purchase College, SUNY CEU Certificate Program and successfully complete the IIN program will receive a Purchase College, SUNY certificate of completion awarding 15.5 CEUs.

Q: Why are CEUs important?
A: The purpose of issuing CEUs is to provide a permanent record of training and continuing education for individuals who need to submit proof of their continuing education to employers, unions, professional associations or licensing agencies. The acquisition of CEUs may be applied to an array of professions to fulfill the educational requirements in order to maintain certification or licensure.

Q: Do CEUs count towards my attainment of a college degree?
A: No. CEUs do not appear on a college transcript and are awarded only for professional development and training. In many instances, employers and/or unions invest in their employees or members by sponsoring professional development and the acquisition of CEUs. Check with your employer or union to see if you qualify for subsidized tuition or tuition reimbursement for programs sponsored by continuing education providers such as Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY).

Q: What does the certificate state?
A: The certificate will be headed by Purchase College, The State University of New York, School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education. It will bear the official College seal. It will be signed by Joshua Rosenthal, Founder and Director of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Kelly Jackson, Director of Continuing Education at the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education at Purchase College. It will state the name of the student and that the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education certifies that the student has met the requirements for the health coaching program offered by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and has earned 15.5 Continuing Education Units. It will bear the graduation date established by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Sample Certificate

Q: What is the value of the certificate?
A: The CEU Certificate offered by Purchase College, SUNY is ideal for anyone interested in having high quality, presentable documentation reflecting the completion of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s Professional Health Coach Training Program. In addition, entrepreneurs graduating from CEU-approved programs find that a CEU certificate appeals to potential clients and employers.

Q: What are the requirements for the CEU and Certificate Program?
A: The requirements for the CEU Certificate Program are the same as the Integrative Nutrition graduation requirements.

Q: Is this program for credit or is it noncredit?
A: Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are a noncredit standard of professional training. College credits cannot be awarded for the completion of this program. The primary purpose of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the educational accomplishments of an individual who has completed one or more significant noncredit educational programs. Purchase College, SUNY awards 15.5 CEUs to Institute for Integrative Nutrition graduates who are enrolled in the CEU Certificate Program.

Q: What is the difference between the Institute for Integrative Nutrition certificate and the SUNY certificate?
A: The requirements for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition certificate and the Purchase College, SUNY certificate are the same. Both certificates reflect that you completed training in health coaching offered by Integrative Nutrition in partnership with Purchase College, SUNY. The CEU certificate offers you the opportunity to have a strong affiliation with a prestigious university, increasing your credibility with clients. Many employers, unions and professional associations, as well as state licensing agencies require the completion of CEUs from a recognized provider.

Q: When will I receive my certificate and CEUs?
A: You will receive the certificate documenting your completion of 15.5 CEUs upon successful completion of the requirements as set forth by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Certificates will be mailed within six to eight weeks of graduation.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about the registration process?
A: Students with questions should visit the Institute's Online Education Forums. In the Administration section there is a page called "State University of New York, Purchase College CEU and Certificate Program" where you can get more information. If you have further questions, please contact Nanda Seewah in the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education at (914) 251-6501 or nanda.seewah@purchase.edu.

Q: How much does the SUNY certificate cost? Are there payment plans available with Purchase College, SUNY?
A: The $395 enrollment fee must be paid in full when you submit your application to Purchase College, SUNY via IIN's web link: http://register.integrativenutrition.com/.
For students who register late a $85 late fee will be added to the cost. There are no payment plans available for this fee.

Q: I would like to register. How do I apply? Is there a deadline?
Registration is available on the IIN site: http://register.integrativenutrition.com/. Please be sure to choose the CEU registration for your class.

Updated Jan. 9, 2012