Program Description
As public demand for healthier foods and accurate nutrition information increases, the need for trained consultants in nutrition is critical. Proper nutrition is central to a positive and healthy lifestyle. The Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles program is ideal for professionals currently working in health and wellness-related areas such as health coaching, education, health promotion, culinary and fitness.
In this eight-month certificate program, students spend approximately 16 hours per week on campus attending theory-based courses. Nutrition, as it relates to human development and disease, current trends and the principles of critically evaluating information about nutrition are the focus of the first semester. More advanced topics on nutrition such as sports nutrition, health promotion, adult behaviour change process and education are taught in the second semester. Students will be provided with hands-on experience modifying and evaluating recipes for specific population needs and will complete a special project related to their areas of interest in healthy living.
Online elements of the program require that students have a personal computer and access to the Internet.
Program Overview
Your Career
Graduates often work as nutrition educators in corporate, community or school health and wellness programs, fitness centres, weight management clinics, or retail food outlets. Please note that this program does not qualify students to work as Registered Dietitians.
Student Success
Students with higher secondary or post-secondary marks usually experience greater success in SAIT’s 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.
Credentials and Accreditation
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles certificate.
Graduates 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.
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.