Nutrition and Food Skills Certificate of Achievement

The Nutrition and Food Skills Certificate of Achievement is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge and skills in nutritional science, food science, food preparation, and food safety and sanitation.  The required courses prepare students for entry-level positions as community nutrition health associates, nutrition assistants, diet aides, and food service workers in various community, public health, hospital, or school-based settings.  The certificate provides a pathway to career and associate degree coursework in either 1) Nutrition & Dietetics for Transfer towards a career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Food Scientist or 2) Culinary Arts or Restaurant Management to qualify for the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam for food service supervisor positions in licensed kitchen facilities. 

In the first year we expect 10 students to complete this certificate.  Beyond that, we expect 24 students to complete annually as we build the program.  

Program Goals:

• Increase awareness among high school and first year college students to careers and educational pathways in nutrition and foods. 
• Provide mentorship and support for completion of higher degrees in the field. 
• Prepare students for entry level jobs in the field so they can “earn while they learn.”  
• Increase opportunities for career advancement with additional education.

Program Learning Objectives:

1.     Students will gain fundamental knowledge and skills in nutritional science, food science, food preparation, and food safety and sanitation.

2.     Students will qualify for entry level positions as community nutrition health associates, nutrition assistants, diet aides, and food service workers in various community, public health, hospital, or school-based settings.  

3.     Students will identify different education pathways needed for more advanced careers in nutrition/dietetics, food science/technology, and institutional food service management.

This certificate consists of four core courses (9 units) that can be completed in one semester (Fall or Spring) to clarify students’ career and educational pathway early, provide a time/cost-efficient “stepping-stone” to higher education, and give them the skills they need to qualify for entry level nutrition jobs immediately so they can “earn while they learn.” 

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
NUTRTN 001	Careers in Nutrition & Foods	1	S1
NUTRTN 021	Nutrition	3	S1
NUTRTN 024	Introduction to Food Science	3	S1
CLN ART 050	Sanitation & Safety	2	S1

Nutrition

Fullerton College’s Nutrition and Foods Certificate (in the OC area) http://staff.fullcoll.edu/mloy/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2018/08/Nutrition-Foods-Brochure-August-2018.pdf Mount San Antonio College’s Nutrition Certificate (in the LA area) https://www.mtsac.edu/nutrition/certificate.html/

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