Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York

I am seriously thinking of studying in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. Being that they only require their students to be physically present once a month this would allow me to continue my normal work. I live in California so i would have to commute... the air travel would not be a problem since i have air travel priviledges with some airlines. The tuition is quite steep for me ($8500 for the 10 months), however this is something that I really want to do. I looked around in the internet for unbiased reviews and comments from actual students and didnt find any. I am hoping to hear from someone who is now studying there or knows someone and who can give me unbiased opinions. I would greatly appreciate it...

Im am looking for the exact same information! If I find any, I will post it.
Good Luck

Leyda in New York, New York said: Im am looking for the exact same information! If I find any, I will post it.
Good Luck

I've been considering the same thing... but did find plenty of negative comments here: www.pandamedicine.com/rt_education/256.html

Skyy in San Francisco, California said: I am seriously thinking of studying in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. Being that they only require their students to be physically present once a month this would allow me to continue my normal work. I live in California so i would have to commute... the air travel would not be a problem since i have air travel priviledges with some airlines. The tuition is quite steep for me ($8500 for the 10 months), however this is something that I really want to do. I looked around in the internet for unbiased reviews and comments from actual students and didnt find any. I am hoping to hear from someone who is now studying there or knows someone and who can give me unbiased opinions. I would greatly appreciate it...

I am currently a student enrolled in the program. If you want to direct your questions to me, email me at m.delia@mac.com and I would very happy to inform you about anything you want to know about the program. I'm a good critic of things and would be happy to answer questions.

Michele

Thanks, Michele... I have just written you... :)

I saw your post and wondered if I could also ask you about your experience at IIN. I am considering enrolling this month (there is a $500 discount if you enroll by the end of March). If it is ok please let me know.
You can reach me at cjhess02@yahoo.com.
Thanks.

Michele in Brooklyn, New York said: I am currently a student enrolled in the program. If you want to direct your questions to me, email me at m.delia@mac.com and I would very happy to inform you about anything you want to know about the program. I'm a good critic of things and would be happy to answer questions.

Michele

I too have been seriously considering enrolling in INN for the fall..... have been doing some research. Only a small percentage seem to go on to actually practicing what they have learned... found that most of them had a client base from being personal trainers or massage therapits, etc.... It seems to be a great class to enroll in as an "addition" to what you may already be doing. However, for an average Mom (like me) or someone looking to make a career change (also like me), this may be only the first step to additional schooling. When you speak with the school - they are just cheerleaders for the organization.... hand picked by the school.... plan on speaking with a person attending the class tomorrow - will followup further. Would LOVE to communicate with others thinking about doing this or having already done it. mknapp867@aol.com -- Looking for pros and cons......Thanks.

Well, I just registered last week EVENTHOUGH the admissions counselor I spoke with informed me that their "Partnership" with Columbia University's Teacher's College WILL BE ENDING and that classes WILL NOT be starting until JANUARY '09!. Why did I continue to enroll? Cuz I'm an idiot.. no just kidding! I really does sound like a really great way to learn. It is alot of money, even with a pyament plan of $469/month, it's still expensive. According to the student policy I receive when I registered I can get a full refund (less deposit of $350) up to two weeks before the first weekend seminar.... so I'll stick around and see how it goes.

Am I looking for a career change? Probly not. My background has nothing to do with health or fitness. I just want to learn, and if I can make a few bucks or change someone's life in the process then what the hay.

I am a graduate of IIN and if given the choice, would definetely reconsider my decision to attend. The information is good, the guest speakers ("faculty") are interesting, and the atmosphere is very positive and supportive.

However, the program is very much geared towards starting a professional practice as a holistic health counselor (or health counselor or whatever they are calling it now) and not toward actually learning about nutrition. Your $8,000 will get you: books that you can easily find on Amazon or at the library; lectures from "faculty" whose theories and information you could Google; lots of "turn to your partner and share" type discussion; a big bag full of more books, flyers and knickknacks every month; an online education forum where the blind lead the blind and discuss lots of Secret/Law of Attraction-type solipsism and lastly, monthly telephone "counseling" sessions with "Immersionists" (students from past years).

The reason why many of the graduates are no longer practicing basically boils down to this: Succeeding at the kind of health counseling IIN promotes has more to do with how well you can sell yourself and convince people that you care and not really with how much you actually know. And there is only so long someone can "walk the talk" before their "talk" gets fact-checked. I feel that Columbia University's disconnect speaks for itself.

If you're looking to spend $8,000 to learn about yourself, go on a trip or a retreat or go to therapy. If you're seriously looking to learn about nutrition or counseling, go to an accredited program. And if you're looking to help others, there are plenty of ways to do that without shelling out $8,000.

Sara - I really want to thank you for that comment. As soon as I registered I had a feeling in my stomach that I was making the wrong decision but I tried to make the best of it. After reading your comment and the other comments like it, I will be calling IIN TODAY and cancelling my registration and instead I will be looking into applying to Columbia University's MS program in Psychiology & Nutrition!

Can you please tell me what books you received as part of your "education" as IIN so that I can go out and by them myself?? That would be SOO Helpfull!!! you can e-mail them to me at MichL979@yahoo.com

Sincere Thanks Again,
Michelle

Hi,

I withdrew from the program after research as to the accredation (Association of Drugless Practitioners; a big negative after learning about it in my Masters program in Holistic Health Studies which ran at an accredited university). I feel a gigantic relief; now I hope they send a check within the two weeks that they promised.

I am not negating the school; it may be just what some need. I think I am going to look at UMDNJ--University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and see where I can go next, get my Reiki Level III certification and keep studying Medicinal Qi Gong.

I'm so grateful for this board. A full time working mom of two I would hate to make this investment and regret it later. Thanks for your posts.

FabSparkles in Miami, Florida said: I'm so grateful for this board. A full time working mom of two I would hate to make this investment and regret it later. Thanks for your posts.

FYI:

I am a graduate x 1 yr of IIN and developing a thriving private practice. It was worth every penny and I am still learning via their continuing ED programs.

I have a certificate from Columbia University which affliated itself with IIN...(Columia appraochend IIN, not the other way around.

This program is powerful if well applied, and I would encourage enrollment.
The visiting faculty are a who's who of the best minds in Nutrition and wholistic health.

Feel free to email me @ honor and hope@verizon.net if you care for more info.

Kristine Noonan RN CCRP CHHC

sorry for the typos in the previous post...my typing skills are not the best!

Yes, I see. However, I have an MA in holistic health studies, numerous certifications, and can readily be certified by the Association of Drugless Practitioners. What can ten weekends in a year do for me that a good business coach cannot?

I have worked one on one with some of the speakers listed on the site. I am working hard to develop my own interest and passion, Cancer Guiding. I don't know if the program would have been most beneficial for the tuition price.

However, if it worked for you, I am glad to hear it.

I am a frequent poster on another forum here and also love the frank discussions. I am involved with a company that is in the nutritional industry, they are affliated with Columbia, Stanford, UCLA but they are not an educational institute. If any are interestd in being in the nutritional arena and MAKING money as well as still helping people please email me at tomorrowschoicestoday@yahoo.com.

lju in Portland, Oregon said: I am a frequent poster on another forum here and also love the frank discussions. I am involved with a company that is in the nutritional industry, they are affliated with Columbia, Stanford, UCLA but they are not an educational institute. If any are interestd in being in the nutritional arena and MAKING money as well as still helping people please email me at tomorrowschoicestoday@yahoo.com.

Oh really? What brand of snake oil are you peddling?

Skyy in San Francisco, California said: I am seriously thinking of studying in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. Being that they only require their students to be physically present once a month this would allow me to continue my normal work. I live in California so i would have to commute... the air travel would not be a problem since i have air travel priviledges with some airlines. The tuition is quite steep for me ($8500 for the 10 months), however this is something that I really want to do. I looked around in the internet for unbiased reviews and comments from actual students and didnt find any. I am hoping to hear from someone who is now studying there or knows someone and who can give me unbiased opinions. I would greatly appreciate it...

I attended the first "class" last October, and was appalled by what I saw. I withdrew from the program the next day. It is my idea of a total scam. It might be interesting to note that the people at the IIN have known for months that their connection with Columbia had been severed, but apparently they didn't feel it necessary to inform potential customers until now.

Ellen... What did you see? I'd love to know more about your experience.

I registered but then withdrew but I received my materials anyway, and for my non-refundable $350 deposit, I can keep them! lol Anyway, I've been reading and I remain intrigued as to who will replace Columbia. I won't be re-registering this year, but I would love to know more. michl979@yahoo.com

I too would like to know more - as I was really considering going here - but my gut is telling me there is something fishy here...... also don't like the fact that Columbia is not associated anymore. Please share.... Thanks. Michelle

Michelle... I was registered for exactly a week. I began the Warm Up program which is nothing more then trying to hear students or whoever, delivering a 20-30 minute "lecture" on one topic or another in an MP3 format. Then when you are finished with that, you can go to the forum and talk about it with other students. There are no teachers moderating the discussion so the information that is being passed back and forth is all stuff that people have learned themselvs elsewhere. The moderators are former students and one in particular, pauline i think, has the attitued of "if you don't like it then you don't belong here." So, I took that and my $8900 and left. However, I received my start up materials anyway and I must admit that they are very interesting so far. The book "integrative Nutrition" by Joshua Rosenthal, that you can buy off line, basically starts with alot of talk about the USDA and FDA and how terrible they are... very conspiracy theory oriented. However, it is interesting. I MIGHT reconsider going back someday when the figure out who they are working with, but not now. Most of the studens are yoga insturctors, health nuts, vegans, Reiki masters, etc, etc.. I'm not any of that. I just want to eat helathy! So I kinda felt out of place.

Good luck!

Thank you for that..... you have confirmed my fear! Good luck in your journey.

Michelle

Hey Michelle,

Is that you? I withdrew. Email me with your email again and we can keep in touch, if that is you....

Deborah

I am Michelle from Cedar Knolls - don't think we have emailed directly, but you are more than welcome to email me to discuss your situation: mknapp867@aol.com

Deborah... I don't think I have you're e-mail, but I guess it depends on which Michelle you are talking to? I'm Michelle too.. I think we talked briefly on the IIN Forum right before I withdrew. If I remember, you have an MS in Holistic Health, correct? You can e-mail me. Michl979@yahoo.com

Michelle A.

I'e been working with an IIN graduate for a few months now. I lost a significant amount of weight on my own, but continually struggle with gaining & losing due to emotional eating, and I feel that the program is helping me look at why I do what I do and what I need to do to be a happier person, which will help with the emotional eating issues. Not there yet, but working on it.

I feel that my success *may* be this graduate's other training rather than the IIN training, but it's hard for me to separate the two having only read the Amazon-available book and not seen the entire IIN program.

This graduate is gently pushing me to go to IIN. My background is in something completely unrelated, but I do have a strong interest in nutrition and food. I did speak with them this week, and have been looking at comments online to see what info is out there. I've found websites for students who've been to IIN, and negative comments about waste of money, certificate doesn't really mean anything, "fluff", and how the certificate might enhance an existing practice or degree, but starting off from scratch with a HC practice doesn't seem to work out.

Thanks all for your comments, I've added them to what I'm reviewing.

KK

Hi,

I was enrolled for the 2009 class at IIN but withdrew when I couldn't get the tutition up and doubt about the practical efficacy of the program. I wanted the business end, basically, since I hold a masters degree in holistic health studies. It is difficult to change fields. I am a college humanities/English professor and am working hard to completely practice holistic healing.

I am, part time, due to additional reiki certifications and study with Center for Mind Body Medicine's Cancer Guide program. Would the IIN jump me into full time practice? I don't know; however, I cannot afford the "iffy" nature of the outcome.

Good luck.

I am a 19 year old first year student at a liberal arts college. This post might be particularly meaningful to other people at a similar stage in life. If you are at a similar stage in life and graduated from the program could you share your thoughts about the program's affect on your life? I would love it if you emailed me at sgarfieldturner11@cornellcollege.edu. In this post I will tell you my IIN "enrollment story."
I recently enrolled in IIN's program for several reasons including:
- I've thought about being a nutritionist/psychologist--"health counselor" for some time now.
- I was so excited about everything I learned about it. I read their catalogue front to back.
- I feel lost in my life right now - not sure what to do with my life; not sure I like the college I'm at. This program seemed like it would really set me up with at least a meaningful part time job.
- I Spoke to a person in the program and a graduate of the program. I found these people on IIN's facebook page. They both had lots of wonderful comments about IIN.

---Their marketing tactic - get a $500 tuition discount if I enrolled by the end of April -really pushed me to enroll on the last day of April. I just learned from this forum that they told people they would get a $500 discount if they enrolled by the end of March. Hmmm.

I do think the people who teach this program have good intentions, but I am starting to wonder how useful this program will be at my current stage in life. Will anyone pay a "youngen" like me to be their health counselor who has no other degree to tell them how to be healthy?

IIN's program seems to help its graduates advertise themselves well, but how legitimate is what they do? I don't think they assess their students' knowledge like a school should. This program has too much iffyness as other people in this forum have said.

I think I am going to withdraw, get on with pursuing my bachelor of arts in perhaps psychology and maybe biology.

I think at your age getting a degree is probably the best way to go. IIN's course is really a suplement to previous education. If you are in New York, Columbia University actually has a nutrition program - BA & MS. So does Westchester Community College - a AS.

Good Luck!

M.A. in Tarrytown, New York said: Ellen... What did you see? I'd love to know more about your experience.

I registered but then withdrew but I received my materials anyway, and for my non-refundable $350 deposit, I can keep them! lol Anyway, I've been reading and I remain intrigued as to who will replace Columbia. I won't be re-registering this year, but I would love to know more. michl979@yahoo.com

I think that anyone who registered between January 1 2008 and the moment that IIN publically admitted that it was no longer affiliated with Columbia T.C. (April?) should contact the Better Business Bureau to report a clear case of false advertising. Mr. Rosenthal knew by Jan.1 that Columbia was severing its ties with this totally flaky organization- it is most specifically NOT a school- but continued to advertise the Columbia connection until he could no longer hide the dishonesty.

M.A. in Tarrytown, New York said: I think at your age getting a degree is probably the best way to go. IIN's course is really a suplement to previous education. If you are in New York, Columbia University actually has a nutrition program - BA & MS. So does Westchester Community College - a AS.

Good Luck!

Thank you so much for your advice M.A.

Hi Again Ellen.. actually contacting the BBB is a good idea! And actually IIN STILL to this VERY DAY advertises that it is in connection with Columbia, but it is not true. They have removed the little Columbia Teacher's College Logo from the top of the page but if you read the web site and the guide book, it still says Columbia... I just with they would have been honest. I think I would have felt differently.

Hi All,

I am a current student at IIN - about to graduate in June.

As a current students myself, I'd say I have a pretty fresh perspective.
Let me tell you what I'm up to and my experience...

-I currently am working with 16 CLIENTS and have been supporting them in making really positive changes. They are seeing great results and are very happy with the work we've done together.
-I am running a workshop on 'Body Empowerment' for young girls (age 8-16) this summer
-I was recently featured in a magazine...an article I wrote about healthy living
-I am starting a free group program in my community for pregnant women to support them in getting healthy for baby
-I am partnered with 2 business owners, a chiroprator and a massage therapist who refer their clients to me
-I am doing monthly lectures at a local health food store
*ALL OF THIS WHILE STILL IN SCHOOL - IMAGINE WHERE THIS WILL TAKE ME IN THE COMING YEARS!

My experience with IIN has been beyond, beyond amazing.
I have no prior experience in starting a business, nor do I have a health background.
I have taken what I've learned and applied it. Simple. My clients are happy, and so am I.

To the few people who are considering IIN, please keep in mind that there are a few people on here expressing concerns or discontent, which is fine, but know that there are thousands of graduates all over the country that are successful Health Counselors - living their passion to support others in creating greater health.

Choosing an education is a very personal decision and you should follow your heart.
For me and my new friends at IIN, Integrative Nutrition has propelled us toward possibilities we had never imagined. One of my friends is changing the lunch program at the high school she teaches at, another just signed the papers to have her own LA-based cooking show!

Feel free to contact me at nisha@wellnessinbloom.com if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful day!

p.s.
to Steve in Mount Vernon...

You are young, and being fairly young myself I can relate to the feelings of "Who would hire me? I am so young!". Many of our younger students have turned their age into their advantage. I have an 18-year old friend in the program who is currently working with teenage girls around body image and self-esteem. An 18 year old can relate to a 15 year old, and a 15 year old feels that they can trust in and confide in someone close to them in age. As we all know, the teenage years are tough! How wonderful to have the support of someone through those years, teaching you about healthy food options and helping you to feel empowered! The school outlines great ways to reach various populations, so often group programs with young people are effective and keep the costs low for the participants.

Anyways, I just wanted to give you some extra encouragement that your age is not necessarily a disadvantage! It is wonderful that you are asking these questions and actively working to find your way at this time in your life.

Best of luck to you Steve!

Nisha, the person who commented above is an ADMISSIONS COUNESLOR FOR IIN!!! In fact she was the person I spoke with on the phone. Be wary of her comments.

Hello again everyone,

Michelle/Annon, you have a good memory! Yes it is me, Nisha.
I remember having some nice conversations with you
to enroll you into the program and I wish you well in your new path.

As I mentioned above, I am a current student at the school. After classes started last year I saw a posting for a job at IIN (they hire a few students as interns each year). I am now an Admissions Advisor as well! I chose to work at the school because they offered me an excellent opportunity and because I really believe in IIN. In fact, all of the school staff (not the Visiting Teachers) are IIN students or graduates, which is great.

I don't see why anyone would want or need to be wary of my comments here.
Everything that I said above is based on my personal experience at the school, as a student. This is my true experience, and I posted my name and personal email address above, so please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experience of the school from a student's perspective. I am happy to share on my own time.

Best of luck to everyone in choosing the path that's right for you.
Have a wonderful week!

I would like to say that I wrote to Joshua with my concerns and he will be issuing me a refund for my deposit... Which isn't why I wrote to him. I just wanted the him to be aware that his Web Site is misleading.

Maybe in the future, a more established IIN will be a part of my education, but for now I need to think.

hey all,
i think this is an interesting discussion. i am a current IIN student. i have struggled myself with all the questions above. is health counseling for real? is the school a sham? my husband reminded me of the following: why would Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Andrew Weil SPEAK at a school and affiliate themselves with something that is a sham? especially Walter Willet. Google him if you don't know who he is.Harvard does not mess around with shams. Ever.
the rumor about columbia Teachers college and IIn is the following (and i know this from an inside source): The CU School of Nutrition put a lot of pressure on Teachers college to drop IIN. the nutrition grads, after spending 40,000K on a two year masters, were becoming none too pleased about IIN and the 10 month-$7000 program that sends people out into the world to practice counseling in diet and wellness. I'd be angry too if i dropped 40,000 and i heard someone was practicing health counseling having done little of what i had just gone through in a masters program.
Teachers College was making a FORTUNE off of IIN. we pay $495 for the certificate from them, and we have to write a 1200 word paper and pay 100.00 if we miss a class weekend. the financial benefit to TC was huge. my connection even told me how much they made from IIN students this year--your jaw would drop. so be logical here people-someone outside of TC put the pressure on to drop IIN.
i think i can honestly say that i am on the fence. you are talking to an IIN soon to be grad who questions this myself, and yet i also have loved the program, love counseling people (i am a clinical social worker by day) and have had a dream come true by hearing Dr. Mark Hyman speak (he saved my life by holistically treating my thyroid). He is my hero. so whether i decide to pursue this or not, the speakers have been WORLD CLASS and top notch.
talk amongst yourselves-and i'm happy to answer any questions.
l.l

I agree, the speakers were great. But I paid $8K for what I thought would be more than just a speaker series. When I went to IIN last year, the speakers were called "faculty" in IIN's marketing materials. I think using the word "faculty" implies something that the word "speaker" does not and that's false advertising. I believe Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Walter Willet, Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Andrew Weil all have the best intentions in speaking at IIN. I respect the amount of time and energy that goes into what they do. However, I question exactly how much they know about IIN other than when they're going to mail out the check for their speaker's fee.

And while Teacher's College may have made a ton of money off the IIN partnership, I am willing to bet that it pales in comparison to how much money IIN makes off of their students each year. How else can they afford to have people on payroll who troll message boards and post IIN success stories using the same tired old rhetoric? "Successful" IINers are always so busy. Let's see: seeing lots of clients (check), hosting a workshop (check), writing an article for a magazine (check), doing it all while still in school (check). And it was all so easy! Oh, and bonus point for the "Who would hire me? I'm so young!" speech. I think I heard that one on Weekend 4 or 5. Inspiring! Maybe it's time to refresh the sound bites, Joshua. They're getting a little stale.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that IIN has not informed the alumni about the issue with Teacher's College in any formal way. It was by pure chance that I happened to find out. At the very least, IIN can have the respect to inform the students from last year that they are no longer affiliated with Columbia and to attest to whether the certificate and continuing ed. credits we paid $495+ are still valid.

i am a current student at IIN and i am loving it!
i find it pretty shocking that there are people out there who have an unhappy experience because i am yet to meet one person this year that has! the school told us all about the columbia partnership on the online forum, but it doesn't affect anyone that had already enrolled in the program. so, everyone from my year and previous are safe. everything is still valid and they did tell us that. i've been doing really well with my 6 clients and building more as time passes. i don't think that the success stories are "the same old tired rhetoric" because it's true! people that apply themselves and have confidence (like anything in life) can be really successful! so, more power to those who can be a success in a career helping others.

i think the point of this forum is to help give practical advice as to whether or not a chosen profession can be successful for a person and i definitely know first hand that if you want to do it and work hard at it, IIN can help you get there.

anyways, i just wanted to offer a balanced perspective from someone who is happy with the program, thinks it's worth every penny and more, and has been making it work.

sara, i am curious- are you health counseling? do you know any successful health counselors? i know hundreds and i'm just getting started!

be well, everyone.
namaste

the nutrition grads, after spending 40,000K on a two year masters, were becoming none too pleased about IIN and the 10 month-$7000 program that sends people out into the world to practice counseling in diet and wellness. I'd be angry too if i dropped 40,000 and i heard someone was practicing health counseling having done little of what i had just gone through in a masters program.

_____________________________________________________________

Yes, re the masters degree. And that is part of my concern and part of the reason I withdrew from the "school." I spent 2 rigorous years earning an MA in Holistic Health Studies with 6 post masters credits. How does this compare with a group of people sitting in a conference setting listening to speakers? I have done that also and gained additional knowledge and attendance certificates.

All of what I have read does not resonate with me. I am so relieved I withdrew! However, I will have to find a business model and pay for a good website etc. I am writing my content--do you know: I am really writing articles, doing reiki, wellness work (beginning) while at the same time teaching college and I did not go to IIN!

However, if it works for you, it works.

No, I'm not "health counseling" because IIN's approach does not feel 100% honest and ethical to me. I've decided to take the long, hard road and go back to graduate school. Because for this confident, happy person who is most certainly applying herself, 10 weekends does not a counselor make.

It's nice to hear that people love the program. I did not completely love it. Like I said in my first post, I liked the speakers and positive atmophere. But, I'm also honestly sharing the reasons why I did not like it and the things that I've noticed about this school that don't sit well with me, like the usage of the same language over and over again.

The reason I posted my experiences on this board was because I really wished that I had found some kind of discussion at the time when I enrolled instead of just positive, raving reviews (which should have been Red Flag #1). In my opinion, that's a balanced perspective. Positive and negative feedback. The good as well as the bad. Because that's how you can truly make a decision about whether a program is for you.

Believe it or not "holistic with heart", there are more people out there who, like me, feel cheated by IIN. We may not be loud, but we are out there.

I graduated from IIN in 2007 and wanted to share my perspective on a few areas for those considering the school.
1) Healthy eating and living can be really simple and it does not require years of science to understand and coach others to achieve. IIN makes VERY clear it is not training people to work with cancer patients, people taking medications, or people under regular medical supervision, INSTEAD it is training students to impact and influence PREVENTATIVE health in our families, communities, schools, and the world at large by eating real food and creating a life that feeds their soul. I think the school is actually overly conservative in coaching students NOT to work with many types of people graduates could help because they believe these people require additional education and training to be qualified. My mom did the program with me SOLELY for her personal benefit/interest, and to have an excuse to come to NYC 10 times to visit me. She had absolutely no aspirations to make a career as a health counselor but found a client about this time last year in order to meet the school's graduation requirement which is based in the philosophy that to truly learn, you have to do.

She introduced this older couple to organic, whole foods, gave them new recipes and cooking ideas, and providing coaching and support every 2 weeks to discuss progress. When the guy went back to his cardiologist 3 months later, the doctor was blown away. This was a patient who had been on a clear path to open heart surgery and was now a happy, healthy person with normal cholesterol, 40 lbs of weight loss, and able to be taken off most of his medications. This MD, who has been named "doctor of the year" multiple times in his California community and is no joke, now regularly sends his patients to my mom because he is so impressed at her level of knowledge, professionalism, and most importantly IMPACT with his patients. The MD previously sent the same patient to an RD with poor/no results.

(continuing part 2)
anyway, my mom now has a thriving practice "by accident" because a few doctors have noticed that she is on to something and can really help people.

2) There is a reason why, every year, more and more doctors, nurses, and even RDs and Nutritionists choose to attend IIN. Health and wellness in our society is completely broken and even those whose very profession is to help and heal and spent years/ thousands of dollars on their education know they lack the training when it comes to diet and lifestyle and want an approach that ACTUALLY works. There was a husband and wife physician team (Vincent Pinedo and Jackie Duarte) in my class and you can read their stories on IIN's site. www.integrativenutrition.com/Alumni/MeetGraduates.aspx

3)You can question whether IIN is the right school for you and clearly it isn't for everyone. Some people want a masters degree or a different type of training and that is what makes the world go around. BUT I felt compelled to respond to the comments around the honesty/ethics/integrity of the school. IIN's mission is to make a difference in America and the world. They played a major role in banning transfats in NYC which resulted in major corporations such as Wendy's and Disney following suit, they've partnered with the city of NYC to combat obesity and diabetes in low income communities like east harlem and offer free bilingual health counseling to east harlem residents, and have played an important role in the discussion of local/seasonal eating which has a significant and positive impact on the environment.

It makes complete sense to ask tough questions about the education and what you'll be prepared to do as a grad but to question the school's ethics and impact in the world is seriously the wrong direction and a waste of energy...

simplehealth, thanks for writing. i'm the current IIN student who posted above. i think joshua rosenthal and the IIN community want to improve the world. i have no doubt. i do think that IIN does an incredible job marketing itself and some of the marketing is at times misleading.and they haven't handled the Columbia thing with honesty and openness BUT let's be honest, who would?? with that said, though, you are spot on about prevention. prevention is key. my ideal client is not the yoga instructor who wants to know the next fad or the 75 year old on 8 medications and a respirator. my ideal client is my sister in law, who drinks coke, eats doritoes, and is on the road to diabetes and obesity. she wonders why her kids are always sick and hyper and why she can't get off the couch. these are the people that IIN grads can help, and you DON'T NEED a masters do it. to those who want to help and heal, IIN can be the right place for you. i think the debate above is a good one and should be more focused on the work you can do and are trained to do then on the ethics of the program. i agree 100 percent. i've learned so much in 10 months, mostly from the kick-ass speakers. and to be honest with you, i think i am going to try and do this work and see what happens. it is my passion and i know i won't kill people!

M.A. in New York, New York said: Well, I just registered last week EVENTHOUGH the admissions counselor I spoke with informed me that their "Partnership" with Columbia University's Teacher's College WILL BE ENDING and that classes WILL NOT be starting until JANUARY '09!. Why did I continue to enroll? Cuz I'm an idiot.. no just kidding! I really does sound like a really great way to learn. It is alot of money, even with a pyament plan of $469/month, it's still expensive. According to the student policy I receive when I registered I can get a full refund (less deposit of $350) up to two weeks before the first weekend seminar.... so I'll stick around and see how it goes.

Am I looking for a career change? Probly not. My background has nothing to do with health or fitness. I just want to learn, and if I can make a few bucks or change someone's life in the process then what the hay.

To All:

I am a current student at IIN. Buyer Beware! You might want to look into the National Institute of Whole Health. It is licenced by the department of educaiton, and offers a number of certifications via DVD or live classroom. Unfortunately, I didn't learn about NIWH until I was almost finished with my IIN program. I am currently in the enrollment process for NIWH. As it is a real school, the process is far more indepth than giving a credit card number.

I was interested in enrolling at IIN, though now I feel that my instinct has been reaffirmed by the comments above. 9,000$ is a lot of money for 20 days of classes. It equals about 450$ a class. For a regular girl like myself you have to justify that the education is going to be worth the money spent, and I do not feel like it would. I am a trained chef, and through practice and reading books have learned a lot on my own about different holistic diets etc. The knowledge is out there and I don't feel that IIN would really teach, but inspire one to apply themselves and seek the knowledge necessary. I would rather spend the 40,000$ and have a masters in nutrition. At least it is a credited education. My advice: Apply what you want to learn to your own life and experiment with different diets, eating etc. Do your do-diligence. And then decide if 9,000$ is still worth it.

M.A. in Tarrytown, New York said: I would like to say that I wrote to Joshua with my concerns and he will be issuing me a refund for my deposit... Which isn't why I wrote to him. I just wanted the him to be aware that his Web Site is misleading.

Maybe in the future, a more established IIN will be a part of my education, but for now I need to think.

How did you contact Joshua directly to ask for your deposit back? Thanks :)

You can just call IIN and speak to anyone and they will return your deposit.