Overview
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.
Is this the right fit for me?
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
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.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in corporate, community or school health and wellness programs, fitness centres, weight management clinics or retail food outlets. Potential positions include:
- nutritional consultant
- health coach
Related careers:
- registered dietitian (additional education needed)
- food scientist

Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $8,755
Year 1 (International): $17,790
Year 1: $8,866
Year 1 (International): $18,232
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Check us out
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.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Pure Math 20 or Applied Math 20
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
- Chemistry 20 or Science 20 or Physics 30 or Biology 30
- All applicants to SAIT must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Nutrition for Healthy Lifestyles and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
- A minimum of 30 seats will be offered for the fall intake.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Semester 1
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
COMM-208 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 1.5 |
FSAN-255 | Food Safety and Sanitation | 1.5 |
NUTR-201 | Human Nutrition Fundamentals | 3.0 |
NUTR-216 | Nutrition Trends & Controversies | 1.5 |
NUTR-225 | Lifecycle Nutrition | 1.5 |
PROF-242 | Workplace Professionalism | 1.5 |
Semester 1 total | 10.5 |
Semester 2
Course code | Course name | Credit |
---|---|---|
ADED-250 | Adult Education Principles & Design | 3.0 |
NUTR-250 | Sports and Fitness Nutrition | 1.5 |
NUTR-267 | Health Coaching | 1.5 |
NUTR-268 | Health Promotion in Nutrition | 1.5 |
NUTR-281 | Nutrition Adaptions | 3.0 |
PROJ-250 | Experiential Learning Project | 1.5 |
Semester 2 total | 12.0 | |
Program total | 22.5 |
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $7,533 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $8,755 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $16,477 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $17,790 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $7,533 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $8,866 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $16,807 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $344 | $18,232 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
✅ Plan ahead ❗️
You are required to complete several health, confidentiality and consent forms before starting your program. All completed and signed paperwork is needed on orientation day.
Ensure you complete all three steps below ahead of orientation.
Fall 2020
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Sept. 3, 2020.
To find the time and platform, visit our orientation page.
We are expecting to meet you at new student orientation. Important program information is discussed to ensure you are prepared to begin classes which start on day one. Orientation is a mandatory part of your learning experience to ensure student success.
Delivery
All classes in this program will be delivered online for the Fall 2020 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Other requirements
- Health and wellness status
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience, ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices and SAFE 165: Safety at SAIT.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Patricia Reader-Downey, Academic Chair
Email: patricia.reader-downey@sait.ca