Nutrition For Healthy Lifestyles

• 10-month certificate
• Fall start
• Self-directed community project
• Varied career options

Program Description

As public demand for healthier foods and accurate nutrition information increases,  the  need  for  trained  nutritionists  is  critical.  Proper nutrition is central to a positive and healthy lifestyle. This program is ideal for professionals currently working in health and wellness as well as culinary- and fitness-related professions.

The program also trains knowledgeable and skilled nutrition educators, counsellors and professionals in the field of health promotion. In this 10-month certificate program, students spend approximately 12 hours per week on campus attending theory-based courses. Nutrition, as it relates to human development and disease, and the principles of adult education are covered in the first semester. More advanced topics on nutrition such as current trends, diet and health promotion, as well as adult education are taught in the second semester. In the third semester, sports nutrition and the needs of special populations are presented and students complete a self-directed community project.

Online elements require that students have a personal computer and access to the Internet.

Your Career

Graduates often work as nutrition educators in corporate or community health and wellness programs, fitness centres, weight management clinics, or contract their services as a nutrition consultant. Please note that this program does not qualify students to work as registered dieticians.

Admission Requirements (2010 - 2011)

• Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent with an overall average of at least 60% in Pure or Applied Math 20, English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and Chemistry 20 or Science 20 or Physics 30 or Biology 30.
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• For upgrading options, please refer to the Academic Upgrading program.
• For international students, please refer to the International section.
• For mature students, please refer to the Admissions section.
• Advance credit may be granted to applicants who have completed equivalent education at a post-secondary institution or have demonstrated equivalent experiential learning. Please refer to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition.

Selection Criteria

Seats in this program are offered in the order that qualified applications are received.

Post-Selection Requirements

Successful candidates must sign a practicum agreement contract prior to final acceptance. Applicants who are successful in gaining admission must provide proof of the following prior to the start of classes: (A requirements package will be sent to the student following an offer letter)

1.  Security Clearance (subject to change). By law, our practicum sites require that students obtain a security clearance report prior to going on practicum. Any criminal code offence may be a deterrent to a student’s entry into practicum, and therefore will result in an uncompleted program, or non-graduating status. Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal code offence, for which they have not received a pardon, may wish to speak with the Academic Chair to determine whether successful completion of the program is achievable.

Student Success

• Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT programs.
• Students who experience success in this program demonstrate a personal interest in nutrition and health, have strong leadership potential and effective communication skills in English.
• Previous work or volunteer experience in a health or wellness related field is an asset.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate in Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles. Students will also have the opportunity to write the Government of Alberta Food Safety and Sanitation exam to receive certification in food safety and sanitation.

Accreditation

Graduates carry out unique roles in health promotion, for which there is not currently an accreditation body.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• Please refer to the Tuition and Fee Table.
• International Students, please refer to International Student Fees.
• For student funding, please refer Financial Assistance.

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• Books and supplies are approximately $750.
• Students are required to have access to a personal computer with the specifications listed in Fees and Expenses.

Program Outline (2010 - 2011)

• To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (I.E. DMST-350) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.
• This program is being reviewed and could undergo changes.

For More Information

Information: 403.284.8481
E-mail: hps.info@sait.ca
Website: School of Health and Public Safety

Transfer with Certificate to…

Transfer options may be available at post-secondary institutions where credits from SAIT programs could be evaluated on an individual basis. Interested students should contact the post-secondary educational institute of their choice for more information.

To learn more, visit Transfer Options.

Related Links (Internal):

• Student-For-A-Day
• Academic Calendar