Co-op in Nutrition
Co-operative Education is an academic program that integrates study with paid, discipline related work experience. Co-op students gain an enriched understanding of their academic program through practical application. In addition they refine their employability skills, gain an understanding of career opportunities in their field, and gain an understanding of the realities of the workplace.
Nutrition students complete 3 four-month work terms (with an optional fourth interspersed throughout their degree) or a 12 or 16-month internship between year 3 and 4 to complete the Co-op Option. Students enrol in Co-op in September of their 2nd year of study. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required. Students with only 3 terms of study remaining in their program are no longer eligible to enrol in Co-op.
All Co-op students attend workshops and receive one-on-one coaching in job preparation skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, business ethics, and more.
Each Co-op work term is a non-credit course, with applicable tuition fees, that is recognized on the student's transcript of marks.
For further details on Co-op, please visit the Co-op website.
Visit Nutrition and Dietetics Department.
Student Testimonial
"The Co-op program has been a phenomenal addition to my education here at Acadia. I entered into it with hopes to travel the country and experience careers in the field of Nutrition, but quickly realized that it could give me so much more than that. It has helped me build both my resume and my confidence, as well as sprout a professional network and an ever-growing group of friends.
The opportunities I have achieved through the aid of the Co-op program include experiencing the versatility of a Clinical Dietitian in rural Alberta and working at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the Whistler Athlete's Village. Currently residing in the interior region of BC for my second work term, I am now in a more independent role as a Program Coordinator for a Prenatal Program. It has been an eye-opening experience thus far and I cannot wait to see what this summer has in store!
This program has enhanced my Acadia experience exponentially in both a professional and personal sense. There is an ocean of career options out there for you. The Co-op program gives you the tools to wade through them and, more importantly, that little push to dive right in and discover which one is for you."
Amber Fernie
'11 BSc Nutrition (Co-op Option)
- Dietitian Assistant, Northern Lights Health Region, Western Region, High Level, AB
- Program Coordinator/Nutritionist, The Conayt Friendship Society (8 months), Merritt, BC
Contact
Michelle Larsen
Co-op Coordinator
Science Co-op
Ph: (902) 585-1928
michelle.larsen@acadiau.ca
The deadline to enrol in any given Academic year is October 4th.
Faculty Liaison
Ms. Connie Foote
Instructor
School of Nutrition and Dietetics
Huggins 403
Ph: (902) 585-1367
connie.foote@acadiau.ca
Sample
Work-Study Schedule
Year 1 Fall - Study
Year 1 Winter - Study
Year 1 Summer - Free
Year 2 Fall - Study
Year 2 Winter- Study
Year 2 Summer - Co-op 1
Year 3 Fall - Study
Year 3 Winter - Study
Year 3 Summer - Co-op 2
Year 4 Fall - Co-op 3
Year 4 Winter - Study
Year 4 Summer - Free or Optional Co-op 4
Year 5 Fall - Final Study Term
Please Note: Students planning on Co-op, need to consult an academic advisor as early as possible.