FAQ
Is the program accredited? The Cal Poly Pomona didactic program is accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Education. The ED program mirrors the curriculum of the Department of HNFS at Cal Poly Pomona. Upon completion of the ED emphasis students will be awarded a certificate.
No. Students who participate in the ED program will take the same courses as those not in the mirror model with addition of six one-unit classes which focus on Hispanic culture and Spanish nutrition terms. These students perform their service learning in Spanish-only speaking sites. If you pass the Spanish online test with a score of 400 you will not be required to take additional classes.
No. Each student will need to have the equivalent of intermediate level Spanish by the end of the Spring quarter.
Based on placement test scores, you are encouraged to take Span 151, 153, and Span 251, but you are not required to. You may take these on campus or at a community college if you decide to take extra classes out of your own motivation to improve and expand your skills. We will practice Spanish language skills in class and during activities in the community, but if you choose to receive added formal learning, you are supported and welcome to do so.
No. You are able to take any classes you like at a local community college. There are no longer any required classes.
Each student that participates will be equipped with the skills to provide the Hispanic population cultural sensitive nutrition services. In addition, participants receives hands-on-training. There are two courses in which the participants provides services in the community. The first one is nutrition education, where the participant develops and implements a nutrition class in Spanish at a community partner. Secondly, the student provides one-on-one nutrition counseling in Spanish at another community Partner.
There are a number of community partners such as Riverside County Head Start, City of Fontana, City of Ontario, etc
No. Students are paired, a Spanish speaker with a non-speaker. The team will practice with the instructor prior to going to the community partner.
Yes, dietetic students who graduate possess increased job marketability, increased skills and increased confidence to work with a Spanish only speaking population.