Course Descriptions

The Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals certificate is designed to provide healthcare professionals with a background in nutrition that will allow them to discuss nutrition with their patients in relationship to prevention, health promotion and wellness. 

Program Completion
Students must complete four online courses within 4 years from the date of enrollment.

Certificate Courses

HNUT 510 - Modern Nutrition (3 QH)
This course provides an in-depth overview of human nutrition including the processes of digestion, absorption, transportation, and excretion of food and nutrients; the structure, function, metabolism, requirements, deficiencies, and toxicities of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and ultra-trace minerals; and the fundamental principles of energy metabolism and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. This course must be taken first unless the department approves otherwise. Students then complete the following three courses in any order.

HNUT 542 - Complementary Medicine and Dietary Supplements (3 QH)
This course is an overview of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) that includes alternative medical systems, holistic, integrative, mind-body interventions and biologically based therapies including a variety of herbs and dietary supplements such as botanicals, vitamins and minerals. The regulatory policies relating to safety of the therapies will be discussed. An evidence-based process will be used to analyze associated benefits and regulatory concerns.

HNUT 576 - Nutrition in Human Physical Performance (3 QH)
This course focuses on the role of nutrition in the physiological and metabolic responses of the body to a wide range of physical activity. Macronutrient, micronutrient and fluid needs associated with physical activity and the nutritional needs of special athletic populations will be addressed. Topics such as the role of physical activity in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health and wellness, the use of supplements in athletes, and exercise prescription for health conditions will also be discussed. (3 quarter hours)

Assessment for Student Learning
Grading System
A 4.00 High Achievement
B 3.00 Above Average Achievement
C 2.00 Average Achievement
F 0.00 Failure

Grades without Associated Grade Points:
P Pass
F Fail

Assessment Methods
Online student learning is assessed using both formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments include discussion activities, written assignments, written reflections, and quizzes. Summative assessments include written papers, projects, presentations, and exams.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet the following program requirements:

• Satisfactory completion of 12 quarter hours of program course requirements
• Successful completion of all coursework within four years from the date of matriculation
• A cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the program