Cert in Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services

Graduates of the Nutrition Education certificate are prepared for employment in a growing Southern California industry that includes weight control clinics, health and fitness facilities, community organizations focused on nutrition education, and makers and distributors of nutrition products. The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, sanitation and safety, careers in dietetics, plant-based nutrition, life cycle nutrition, principles of foods, applied nutrition, food and culture, and medical nutrition therapy, with supervised practice. The goal is capable beginning nutrition education assistants who meet community employment needs. The plan of study spans three semesters, and some courses may be offered only once per academic year. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor at Orange Coast College to review course selections and sequencing so the plan fits their academic and career goals. Full course requirements and the suggested plan of study appear in the 2026-2027 catalog entry.