Co-op in Nutrition
Acadia University’s Co-op Program is nationally accredited and integrates study terms with paid, discipline-related work terms. Co-op students complete a minimum of three 4-month work terms or a 12 or 16-month internship. Students apply to Co-op at the beginning of their 2nd year, but 3rd year students are also welcome (depending on total credits completed). All Co-op students participate in mandatory professional development workshops and receive one-on-one coaching in resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and workplace professionalism. Students starting their first Co-op work term during or after the summer of 2020 will receive 2 credit hours for each Co-op course completed (up to a total of 6 credit hours, counting as two elective courses towards graduation requirements). Students who have started their first Co-op work term prior to the summer 2020 term, will receive 3 credit hours upon completion of their third Co-op work term (counting as one elective course towards graduation requirements).
In Nutrition & Dietetics, having work experience upon graduation provides a distinct competitive advantage. Applying knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, students gain hands-on experience in their discipline. Co-op helps students determine their strengths and interests while exploring different work environments and test-driving potential careers. Employers from across Canada hire Co-op students to work on special projects and assist during peak periods while often evaluating them for future hire.
Recent employers include: Apple Valley Foods, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Conway Workshop Association, Harbour View Haven, and Pie R Squared
Testimonial
"Completing Co-op with my degree was extremely valuable, allowing me to apply classroom learning to the real world, discovering my interest in research, and gaining relevant experiences that I drew upon when I applied to master’s and dietetic practicum programs, which resulted in an offer from my top choice program. My Co-op experiences also allowed me to explore my interest in food security beyond what I learned in my courses and discover other areas of nutrition I could see myself working in."
Sarah Chandler
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
(Co-op Option)