Professional Certificate
Register Online
The Online Professional Certificate in Family Nutrition has been designed to meet the growing demand for Registered Dietitians, DTRs, allied
health/medical and fitness professionals, parents, and the general public who want
to learn to develop healthy food strategies, family support education, and advanced
nutritional planning for moms, children, and the entire family. This Web-based Certificate
program provides an in-depth examination of developing nutritionally fit, fun, and
energized families through foods and proper nutrition! In addition, learn “Healthy
Habit Strategies” to cope with family dynamics and the different environments each
member of the family lives in.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Nutrition program for 20 Continuing Professional
EducationUnits (CPEUs) or 10 (CPEUs) per course for both the Registered Dietitian
(RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).
Who Should Attend:
Parents, teachers, allied health/medical and fitness professionals, school administrators,
caregivers, and virtually all of those who work with children in school, day care,
or in after-school programs can benefit from this certificate, as it provides concrete
actions that adults can take in place of simply watching this problem unfold.
Workplace Advantages and Benefits
- On-Going guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors/faculty members that
hold either a Master's or Ph.D Degree in Nutrition or a nutrition related field and/or
are licensed Registered Dietitians.
- College courses provide CECs or CEUs for personal trainers and allied health/medical
professionals seeking re-certification, re-licensure, or career advancement.
- A professional certificate from an accredited institution.
- Networking opportunities with industry experts.
Program Requirements
To earn the certificate you are required to complete all two core courses. The two
core courses are offered in an OPEN ENROLLMENT FORMAT, meaning you can register AT
ANY TIME, and once logged in, you are provided 8 full weeks of unlimited access for
each individual course you registered for with no penalty for finishing early. Typically
the program can be completed in as little as 8 weeks, but you must complete the requirements
within two-years.
Award of the Certificate:
- Professional Certificate in Family Nutrition: complete all two core courses within
a period of two years
- Complete and receive a passing grade of (C- or above) in all courses; which includes
quizzes, exams, written/research projects, and class assignments.
Continuing Education Credits
For a complete list of the organizations and associations that have approved this
program for continuing education, CLICK HERE.
Demo
For an online demo, contact Dimitri Onyskow, Director of Academic Relations.
Course Descriptions
Course 1: Healthy Moms and Infant Nutrition..........$249
Navigating through evidence-based research, this course will explore important nutritional
recommendations for preconception, pregnancy, and infant and toddler feeding. In addition,
it will also address food planning strategies for families (healthy meal and snack
ideas, exercise, and family support) to embrace healthy living and eating post-delivery.
This course will debunk many common myths and provide a basic understanding of the
most current maternal and child nutrition recommendations. Learn why early nutrition
is the key to preventing childhood obesity and obesity later in life, as well as where
to find excellent books and online resources for deeper exploration of topics of interest.
Course 2: Healthy Children Nutrition: At the Home, Work and External Environments..........$249
This course is designed for professionals and parents concerned and interested in
expanding their nutrition knowledge. Utilizing evidence-based research, explore the
role and impact of three predominant nutrition environments that affect a child’s
food choices: the home, the school, and the external environment. Topics covered include:
navigating the fast food jungle, addressing media and marketing to children, identifying
the connection between nutrition and school performance and behavior, exploring successful
parental feeding behaviors, and general strategies for childhood overweight and obesity
prevention.
Program Coordinator:
Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE
Melissa Halas-Liang, MA, RD, CDE is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator,
Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian and holds a Masters degree in Nutrition Education.
Melissa has the Certificate of training for Childhood and Adolescent and Weight Management.
She has over 10 years of diverse experience in nutrition management, nutrition counseling,
clinical trials, teaching, media and writing and currently serves as Co-President
elect of the Los Angeles District of the California Dietetic Association. She provides
a unique approach to health and wellness across the entire lifespan. For the past
seven years, Melissa has provided on-line education at universities to health professionals
and the general public. She provides community lectures on children and adult nutrition
and enjoys motivating her audience through encouraging small steps to healthier lifestyle
changes while creating a fun approach to living.
Instructors:
Rachel Blaine, MPH, RD
Rachel Blaine, MPH, RD is an instructor for the Online Certificate in Family Nutrition.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Clinical Nutrition from UC Davis, where she received
a Citation for Excellence and the Dean’s Outstanding Senior Award. She obtained her
Master of Public Health from UCLA as a Fellow and Maternal and Child Nutrition Trainee.
Her dietetic training occurred at the Los Angeles VA Hospital. Rachel has years of
experience running community health programs, writing grants, conducting research,
and creating educational materials related to family nutrition. To pursue her passion
for education and disease prevention, Rachel is obtaining her doctorate degree in
Public Health Nutrition at Harvard University.
Christen C. Cooper, MS, RD
Christen C. Cooper, MS, RD, is an instructor for the Online Certificate in Family
Nutrition. She holds a Master's in Nutrition from Columbia University. She is founder
of Cooper Nutrition Communications & Education, a firm that provides culturally-competent
nutrition education to organizations nationwide. Christen worked for Linking Food
with the Environment (LiFE), a Columbia University environmental nutrition program.
She has also worked for Today Show dietitian, Joy Bauer. Christen currently serves
on the advisory board of http://www.superkidsnutrition.com/, a website devoted to optimal child nutrition. She serves as a consultant for the
New York State Attorney General, Red Rabbit Lunchbox, Provant Health Care, Boys &
Girls Clubs of America, and other organizations. She writes for Today’s Dietitian, NY Metro Parent, EatLikeAnRd.com, Aging Well, Livestrong.com, and other publications.
