January 13, 2009 — The Professional Certificate in Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness, and Sports has been designed to meet the growing demand of allied health professionals, Registered Dietitians, health and fitness professionals, personal trainers, and the general public who want to learn about developing individualized nutritional programs for clients, patients, or for personal improvement.
This innovative and comprehensive Web-based Certificate program provides an in-depth examination of contemporary nutritional topics such as meal plan analysis, functional food implementation, antioxidants, public nutrition, sports nutrition, vitamin supplementation, and weight management. Research of current issues include: energy and nutrient needs for performing activities of daily living with emphasis on particular physical activities; common myths and fallacies concerning diet and athletic performance; and appropriate behavioral change modifications and dietary approaches for different ages and populations.
Content and curriculum in each course is designed to prepare allied health care professionals and Registered Dietitians to apply their client’s health history toward optimal nutritional health and wellbeing. Personal trainers and fitness professionals will learn fundamental nutrition education to work with clients in partnership with Registered Dietitians. Individual consumers interested in learning more about nutrition, daily meal planning, wellness strategies, and sport nutrition and performance will be introduced to information to help them achieve their own goals or for their family members.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Nutrition program for 120 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs)/ or 30 (CPEUs) per course for both the Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs). Visit our website for more information on which organizations have approved this program for CECs/CEUs.
Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE, CNSD, the Certificate Program Coordinator says, “Each year many people resolve to change their health habits but lack the skills and expertise to conquer these habits, ultimately leading to decreased quality of life and/or chronic disease. Consumers and health professionals worldwide are bombarded daily with messages about new nutrition research, foods and health tips. Decoding these messages into practical application presents a significant challenge and can be overwhelming to both the health care professional, Registered Dietitian, and the individual trying to improve his or her health. Each course in the certificate program incorporates strategies and techniques to enhance one’s knowledge and practical application of current nutrition research.”
The Certificate Program is designed to supply current research and practical application in the following four courses: Weight Management, Functional Foods, Public Nutrition/Wellness Education, and Sports Nutrition and Performance. The program has been established for health, medical, and fitness professionals, and Registered Dietitians seeking advanced nutrition education, re-certification, re-licensure, or career advancement. Individuals from the public and consumers interested in seeking to stay current in nutritional program design, health, and performance would benefit from this program as well.
To earn the certificate you are required to complete the four core courses. The four core courses are offered in a two-module format; each module consists of two courses that are designed to be taken at the same time. You may also register for individual courses if desired. The two-module series is offered three times per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.