Making the decision to invest in professional education requires careful consideration. Not only are you investing money, but you’re also committing valuable time and energy to your growth. Yet, time and again, we’ve seen how this investment becomes the catalyst for extraordinary business transformation.

Take, for example, Brooke Rozmenoski – a Restorative Health Practitioner, Certified Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer who already had an established practice. In fact, she had already hit six figures. But, it wasn’t until she incorporated root cause lab testing into her business model – and learned exactly what to do with that testing – that she was able to realize the full potential of her business. In less than six months, Brooke was able to make 57x her original investment in the Institute of Restorative Health. And, no, that’s not a typo!  

“We help our clients optimize their wellbeing – through virtual exercise programs, nutrition support, and lifestyle support. Because of this, we’re able to provide a more comprehensive experience at a much more affordable price. Our packages range anywhere from $3,000 – $8,000, depending on the scope of services, which is much cheaper than engaging a functional practitioner, personal trainer, and life coach separately. And, our business tripled since bringing testing in this fall, growing from $100K in revenue to $300K.” 

Or, professional dancer, singer, and actress Oliva Lucci who was a brand new practitioner and, within weeks, was already applying what she learned in Mastering the Art & Science of Gastrointestinal Healing to build a sustainable practice that was able to support her while shows remained closed during the pandemic:

“It can be scary to think about enrolling in a program – ‘Can I handle the school load?’, ‘Can I really do this?’ – but, even if you don’t work with 1:1 clients, it is so worth it for your own health. The Institute of Restorative Health has been the greatest blessing and it has supported me in so many ways. I tell everyone about IRH.”

Or, Ann Jambor, who not only earned the cost of tuition back before class ended, but went on to 4x her revenue in less than six months: 

“The quality of this education is outstanding and better than anything else out there. My practice has more than quadrupled in the second half of the year. In fact, I’m hiring a health coach to work with clients because I just don’t have time anymore to work one-on-one with each client. What the Institute of Restorative Health says about referrals is 100% the truth.”

The good news is – whether you’re just starting out or you have an established practice – there are a number of simple strategies you can implement TODAY to make sure your next Institute of Restorative Health course pays for itself (and then some). 

You don’t have to wait for class to start – you can start right now!

Here’s a step-by-step of exactly what to do: 

Step #1: Create a package incorporating the skills you’ll be learning in class and sell it right now. 

You’ll factor in the costs of the tests you’ll be learning in class, your time for client support throughout the process, and be sure to include the costs of scheduling a mentoring session with an RHP instructor, which will ensure you’re truly mastering the test interpretation. 

You’ll offer this package at a new introductory rate – the lowest price you’ll ever offer it. 

Unsure how to structure and price it? Here’s a quick checklist: 

+ The cost of the tests you’re learning in class. Let’s use the tests you learn in our foundational course, Mastering the Art and Science of Gastrointestinal Healing, as a starting point:

–2 GI-MAP stool tests (a before and after) – based on current US prices, budget $350/test

–MRT food sensitivity test – based on current US prices, budget $375.

+ The cost of your initial consultation with the client (plan for 1.5hrs) 

+ The cost of your lab results review session (plan for at least 1hr) 

+ The cost of three 30-minute check-ins throughout the protocol 

+ The cost of your retest lab results review session (plan for at least 1hr) = 5 hours of client-facing time. 

+ The cost of an hour-long mentoring session to do a deep dive on this particular client.

–This piece is optional, but highly recommended as you’re still learning how to use these tools and getting that one-on-one mentoring on a specific client case is an excellent way to truly master this work. The cost ranges depending on the instructor, but we recommend you budget $200/250.

Now, calculate the total of all of these elements and that is your one-time deeply discounted package price. 

Note that we’ve not included a budget for ANY of your learning time, the time it will take you to navigate the test, the time for the mentoring session, the time prepping and following up from client sessions, the time creating the protocols, or the time answering client emails in between sessions – this is a bare-bones package to get you started. 

Step #2: The moment you enroll in class, present this offer to your contacts. 

You can send an email to everyone on your list, post about this on social media, or even call them up personally and let them know the following: 

–You’re upleveling your skills by studying with us at the Institute of Restorative Health, the premier training program for health professionals integrating advanced tools of functional nutrition in their practice. 

–You’re offering a deeply discounted package that includes all labs, all sessions with you, and unlimited email support in between sessions for only a limited number of clients. We recommend you limit this to 5 clients at the most. Even 1 client is an excellent starting point; 2-3 is an ideal sweet spot. Over 5 and you’re starting to get overwhelmed. 

–Give them a deadline by which they need to commit to this – we recommend the deadline coincide with the first month of class. 

Step #3: Within the first two months of class, do your initial consultation with the client to get a full understanding of their health history, their symptom presentation, and their current diet, and then get them started on doing their first GI-MAP stool test and MRT food sensitivity test. 

By the time you’ve got the test results in hand and are ready to do that results review, you’ll be through the vast majority of class, you’ll understand the business model and how to structure your client support, you’ll have had the opportunity to do a mentoring session to review your interpretation of your client’s labs with an instructor, and you’ll be actively using the tools you’re learning with real, live, paying clients! 

Now, this very well may feel outside of your comfort zone. We get it – we’ve been there, too. But, we can assure you that following through and taking action is worth it. Just check out these results students in our last cohort of Gastrointestinal Healing achieved following this exact system:

“I heard Margaret speak at the NANP back in May. I didn’t apply all that she taught, but incorporated a couple of suggestions. When I saw that she was teaching it again, I wanted to participate. I took 10 pages of notes!  The next morning, I had a new client come in and I sold a $4,000 six-month package! The money is already in my account.  Happy Dance!” – Kristy Hall

“I realized I was massively undercharging, so I tripled my prices after watching that workshop and not one person has even blinked. Now I tell other practitioners, just watch this training and do what Margaret says. It works. It’s that simple.” – Kristen Files

There is – quite literally – no better way to fast-track your learning and growth as a practitioner than to learn by doing.

And, the best part is this: By following this approach, you’ll have covered your tuition investment before you’ve even completed the program. More importantly, you’ll have gained practical experience applying your new skills in real-world situations, setting yourself up for continued success. Remember, taking imperfect action is often more valuable than waiting for the perfect moment – it’s a crucial mindset for building a thriving practice.

Ready to transform your practice and expand your clinical expertise? Our next cohort of our foundational program, Mastering the Art and Science of Gastrointestinal Healing, starts on March 4th. Don’t wait – enrollment closes February 25th. Apply now!

Want to explore if this is the right fit for you? Schedule a call with our admissions team to learn more about how this program can serve your personal and professional goals.

FAQ

The following FAQs clarify how to operationalize the article’s strategy for turning educational investment into near-term revenue while building clinical competency.

How can practitioners turn continuing education into revenue quickly?

Practitioners can generate revenue immediately by pre-selling a structured client package that incorporates the skills and lab testing they are learning. The article recommends creating and selling a discounted introductory package as soon as you enroll in the program. This allows tuition to be covered before the course is completed.

Does this strategy work for both new and established practitioners?
Yes, the strategy applies to both brand-new and established practitioners. Examples in the article include practitioners who had no prior client base and others already earning six figures who significantly expanded revenue after integrating testing.

Why is integrating root-cause lab testing a business accelerator?

Integrating root-cause lab testing expands scope of services and increases package value. Practitioners who incorporated testing reported significant revenue growth, including tripling revenue and dramatically increasing package pricing.

What is the first step to monetizing a new clinical training program?

The first step is to create and price a package that incorporates the tests and skills being learned in class. This package should include lab costs, client-facing time, and optionally a mentoring session to ensure accurate test interpretation.

How should practitioners structure a GI-focused functional package?

A foundational gastrointestinal package should include labs, consults, follow-ups, and a retest review.

The article outlines the following components:

• 2 GI-MAP stool tests (before and after)
• 1 MRT food sensitivity test
• 1 initial 1.5-hour consultation
• 1 lab review session (1 hour minimum)
• 3 check-ins (30 minutes each)
• 1 retest review session (1 hour minimum)
• Optional 1-hour mentoring session with an instructor

Total estimated client-facing time: approximately 5 hours.

How do you calculate pricing for a functional lab package?

Pricing should include lab costs, client-facing hours, and mentoring support.

The article suggests budgeting:

• GI-MAP stool test: ~$350 per test (2 tests recommended)
• MRT food sensitivity test: ~$375
• Mentoring session: ~$200–$250

Notably, learning time and administrative time are not included in this introductory pricing model.

How many clients should practitioners enroll in their introductory package?

Practitioners should limit enrollment to 1–5 clients, ideally 2–3. Limiting client volume prevents overwhelm while allowing real-world application of new skills.

When should practitioners present this offer to their audience?

Practitioners should present the offer immediately upon enrolling in the program. The article recommends emailing their list, posting on social media, or personally contacting prospects, with a deadline aligned to the first month of class.

What timeline should practitioners follow for implementing testing?

Initial consultations should occur within the first two months of class. Clients complete their first GI-MAP and MRT tests early in the process so that results review aligns with the practitioner’s advanced training and mentoring.

Why is mentoring included in the package model?

Mentoring ensures accurate test interpretation and accelerates clinical mastery. Although optional, the article strongly recommends budgeting for a one-hour case review with an instructor to deepen competency.

How does this approach improve clinical confidence?

Learning by applying skills with real clients builds competency faster than passive study. The article emphasizes that taking action while still in training strengthens both business structure and clinical application.

Can this approach allow practitioners to cover tuition before program completion?

Yes, the model is designed to cover tuition before the program ends. By pre-selling a discounted package and enrolling a small number of clients, practitioners can recoup their investment while gaining hands-on experience.

Margaret Floyd Barry
MRHP, FNTP, CGP

Margaret is a functional nutritionist, writer, speaker, and educator. She joined the Institute of Restorative Health team in 2015 after taking the inaugural IRH class and transforming her practice with the application of the tools and methodology she learned. First as an instructor, then as partner, and now as full owner and Executive Director of the school, Margaret is passionate about equipping other health practitioners with the tools she learned from Anne that yielded such outstanding results in her own business.

Margaret began her career in nutrition at the Nutritional Therapy Association, and earned her designation as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP) in 2007. Since that time she has grown a thriving private practice that serves clients throughout North America and Europe, specializing in the intersection of autoimmunity, digestive health, and hormonal issues.

In addition to her training as an FNTP, Margaret is a Master Restorative Health Practitioner (MRHP), a Certified GAPS Practitioner, a Certified Healing Foods Specialist, and a Certified Gluten Practitioner. Margaret is the author of Eat Naked: Unprocessed, Unpolluted, and Undressed Eating for a Healthier, Sexier You and coauthor of its follow-up cookbook, The Naked Foods Cookbook. She currently writes at eatnakedkitchen.com as well as several other health websites.