The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Nutrition Course in Canada

With so many nutrition course options and so many universities to choose from, making the right choice can seem daunting. It becomes even more challenging if you are considering an accelerated nutrition course because there are so many factors to consider, like length and cost, qualifications being offered, the preferred method of learning (fully online versus partially online, vs. in-person), not to mention levels of support. So, how can you be sure that your investment is worth it and that this is truly the right path for you?

Elevated Learning Academy has been offering nutrition courses in Canada since 2014. We understand the challenges of choosing an online course and the importance of making the right choice. After all, your education and career path are at stake, and that’s something you want to get right. To help, we’ve put together this 10-point guide to find and help you choose the right nutrition course for your needs.

Nutrition and Nutrition Courses Offered In Canada

Before you jump into the research, it is crucial to make sure you understand the basic nutrition concepts. Nutrition studies how food affects our physical and mental health, growth, and development. There are many different types of courses within the field of nutrition that could help to further your career in this industry.

Nutrition courses can range from introductory nutrition to more advanced nutrition, such as dietetics and human nutrition.

The most common nutrition courses online in Canada are the Applied Nutrition Diploma and the Registered Dietitian Diploma. These courses prepare you for a nutrition career, whether as a dietitian or nutritionist. 

How Good Is a Nutritionist Career In Canada?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are looking for. A nutritionist career in Canada can be quite lucrative and rewarding, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Dietitians and nutritionists are one of the most sought-after jobs in Canada, with demand spreading across all 11 provinces and territories. As a highly skilled professional, you can anticipate an attractive salary ranging from $57000 to over 100k annually.

Furthermore, the provincial governments in Canada are investing more resources into nutrition-related programs and initiatives. This means that job opportunities for qualified nutritionists are on the rise.

10 Tips For Choosing the Right Nutrition Course In Canada

1. Know Your Goals [Your Reason for Study]

Before you start researching courses, it is important to understand why you need to pursue nutrition studies and your career goals. This will help you narrow down the options to find a course that best suits your needs. Some goals that students have are (1) To be a nutrition coach to generally healthy people, (2) To work with ill people in a medical setting, (3) To work with kids, (4) To work in the food preparation/service industry, etc. Elevated Learning Academy’s Applied Nutrition Science Diploma is a great option for those looking to be nutrition coaches/educators within the general population demographic. Students learn everything they would need to work with clients, like nutrition sciences, nutrition coaching, nutrition program planning, recipe modification, dietary restrictions, GMOs, food labels, and many other relevant topics.

2. Research Course Details and Curriculum

It is important to research the content of each course in detail, the qualifications they are offering, and the length of their program. This will help you determine the level of education and knowledge you will gain from the course. For instance, at Elevated Learning Academy, we offer a four-month accelerated Applied Nutrition Science Diploma in Calgary and Edmonton, and virtually. The course is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills they need to become successful nutritionists. Students graduate with a government-designated diploma, which they can utilize all over Canada and beyond.

3. Consider Course Cost

The cost of an online nutrition course can vary significantly, so it is important to consider your budget before enrolling. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for a course, as additional costs may be involved. Typically, an online nutrition course in Canada costs between $5,000 and $10,000.

4. Check Course Flexibility and Evaluate the Online Learning Platform

Many online nutrition courses offer flexibility and convenience so you can study at your own pace from the comfort of your home. Check if the course includes video tutorials, live virtual classes, or both. When it comes to online learning platforms, the quality of the course can vary greatly depending on the provider you choose. It is important to evaluate the features of each platform and ensure that they provide a secure, user-friendly environment in which to learn. At Elevated Learning Academy, we offer over 200 hours of live-instructor who’s a Registered Dietian with real-world experience coaching nutrition clients and working in many other facets of the nutrition sector. In addition to the 200 hours of live instruction, students also gain access to hundreds of hours of pre-recorded lecture material and other online resources, like their textbook, tests, quizzes, and study tools.

5. Look Into Assessment and Accreditation

Accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing a nutrition course, as it can provide you with the qualifications you need to pursue your desired career. Be sure to carefully research each course’s accreditation and qualifications before enrolling. It is also important to ask about the assessment methods used for gradings, such as written exams or practical assessments. Elevated Learning Academy is a Canadian institution accredited by the Government of Alberta’s Post-Secondary Education Quality Assurance Board (EQAB). It is also licensed by Private Career Colleges department of the Ministry of Advanced Education of Alberta and the Applied Nutrition Science Diploma is designated through Alberta Student Aid.

6. Evaluate Course Content and Instructor Support

Reading the course curriculum and understanding what topics will be covered during your studies is important. Research the faculty members who teach the course and evaluate their qualifications. An ideal instructor should, at least, be a registered nutritionist with the Dietitians of Canada or another governing body. Another crucial point to consider, especially for an online nutrition diploma, is how often you speak to or see your instructor. Many nutrition courses offer weekly or bi-weekly tutorials with an instructor and give access to resources such as textbooks, lectures, and interactive activities. The more access to Instructors that the provider offers, the more value for your money you’ll get from it. At Elevated Learning Academy students have access to their nutrition instructors daily. Aside from being able to email their instructors at any time, students can also schedule one-on-one meetings and utilize the ‘office hours’ offered by instructors during the half hour before and after each and every class.

7. Check Job Placement Assistance

Many online nutrition courses offer job placement assistance to help graduates find relevant employment opportunities. This can be an excellent way to jumpstart your career as a dietitian or nutritionist. For example, at Elevated Learning Academy, we offer job placement assistance through our employer partnerships. We also have a designated staff member, our Career Transition Coach, whom supports students with everything from their resumes and cover letters, to setting up of interviews.

8. Depth of Study

Evaluating a course’s rigor can be difficult, especially for non-standard qualifications from independent instructors. Fortunately, you can get an idea of the workload by taking into consideration topics covered in each module and their corresponding hours spent studying. Studying Nutrition in-depth over four months may give you a great overview to launch your nutrition career. A way that students get a better understanding of the depth of study is by sitting in on a class prior to enrolling (i.e. ‘being a student for the day’). This experience gives them an in-person look at what a typical class experience looks like, as well as an opportunity to interact with an instructor and students already in the Applied Nutrition Science Diploma program.

9.Number of students

To understand the amount of attention your instructor can commit, get a notion of how many students are in the course, how many have successfully finished it, and how much each instructor supports. Suppose your course is conducted in a physical classroom. In that case, it’s beneficial to know your group size and how much teacher-student or student-student interaction you’ll experience. Generally, the more teacher-student engagement, the better your learning experience. At Elevated Learning Academy, classes are kept small to allow maximum interaction and individualized support for the students. Instructors have many opportunities to provide personalized feedback, answer questions, and provide additional tutoring to students struggling or catching up on missed classes.

10. Potential for Future Studies

Once you have completed your nutrition course, you may pursue additional studies in the field. It’s important to investigate the possibility of future studies and whether your chosen nutrition program can be used as a stepping stone for further qualifications. However, it’s essential to remember that all courses are different, so what works for one person might not work for another. It is essential to take your time and research all available options before making a final decision. With careful consideration, you can find a nutrition course that will help you reach your goals. By considering each of these factors, students can be sure to select the best possible nutrition course to meet their needs. Elevated Learning Academy’s Nutrition diploma offers an accredited program with a comprehensive curriculum and strong job placement assistance, so it may be the perfect fit for many potential students. If you want to gain nutrition knowledge and pursue a career in dietetics or nutrition, consider Elevated Learning Academy’s Nutrition diploma today. With our guidance, you can be sure to choose the perfect nutrition course that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more!