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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Nutrition and Foods

Nutrition and Foods

Overview

The Nutrition Department at ARC offers an academically rich, inclusive environment that inspires critical thinking, learning, and achievement. Students learn to apply evidence-based nutrition principles to improve health and quality of life. The Nutrition Associate’s Degree prepares students for transfer into programs such as Dietetics, Community Nutrition, and the Health Sciences. The Department also offers a wide variety of Nutrition courses to satisfy general education requirements.

Nutrition is a multi-dimensional field of study, and can lead to careers in:

  1. Research – Academics, government
  2. Clinical Nutrition and Counseling – Registered Dietitians (RD), Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)
  3. Food Industry – Develop new foods, marketing and communications
  4. Education – Develop programs, direct education to the public
  5. Public Health – Create nutrition related policies, develop and promote nutrition education
  6. Food Service – Dietary Manager, menu development, regulation and compliance with food safety

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.S.-T. in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Dietary Manager/Dietary Service Supervisor Certificate
  • Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to a California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (Pursuant to SB1440, §66746):
• 60 semester or 90 quarter CSU-transferable units
• the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern
• a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter units in the major or area of emphasis as determined by the community college district
• obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A ”P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Required Core:
BIOL 440 General Microbiology 4
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
NUTRI 300 Nutrition 3
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
   or PSYC C1000H Introduction to Psychology - Honors (3)
List A:
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
and BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
List B:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ACCT 301 Financial Accounting (4)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
   or BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
CHEM 423 Organic Chemistry - Short Survey (5)
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
HM 310 Sanitation, Safety and Equipment (3)
HM 315 Food Theory and Preparation (4)
NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World (3)
   or NUTRI 481 Honors - Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000 American Government and Politics (3)
   or POLS C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors (3)
SOC 300 Introductory Sociology (3)
   or SOC 480 Introductory Sociology - Honors (3)
Total Units: 26

The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the principles of nutrition and their effects on overall health status and chronic disease risk.
  • analyze nutritional adequacy of a diet and recommend dietary changes to meet nutrition guidelines.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between chemistry, biology, and nutrition.
  • assess the validity of sources of nutrition information.
  • interpret the findings of current nutrition research.

Career Information

This degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to four-year colleges that prepare them to become registered dietitians. Organizations or companies that employ registered dietitians include hospitals, nursing homes, school food services, other health related facilities, college food service departments, restaurants, public health agencies, nutrition programs, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs, Meals on Wheels, health clubs, weight management clinics, community wellness centers, food companies, contract food management companies, and food distribution companies.

Certificates of Achievement

Dietary Manager/Dietary Service Supervisor Certificate

The Dietary Manager/Dietary Service Supervisor Certificate provides certification for employment in nutritional care and dietary management within a health-care facility, such as a skilled nursing facility. This program meets the standards of training as specified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). Upon successful completion of the program, students are able to use the “Dietetic Service Supervisor (DSS)” title for employment in California. In addition, students are qualified to take the credentialing exam for the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) certification, which is accepted nationwide.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
HM 310 Sanitation, Safety and Equipment 3
HM 315 Food Theory and Preparation 4
NUTRI 130 Introduction to Dietary Management 2
NUTRI 132 Management of the Dietary Department in Health Care Facilities 3
NUTRI 133 Field Experience in Healthcare Facilities 2.5
NUTRI 134 Nutritional Care Management 3
NUTRI 135 Field Experience in Nutritional Care Management 2.5
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify the location of applicable laws and regulations and determine compliance to regulatory requirements (state and federal), and determine acceptable standards of care in dietary services.
  • identify the role and limitations (no scope of practice) of the Dietary Service Supervisor under law (Title 22) for the Operation of Food Service.
  • participate with the Registered Dietitian (RD) in the timely review and revision of the facility's policies and procedures to ensure that they are in compliance with regulations and standards of practice.
  • assist in the orientation of new employees, and in the ongoing, planned development of seasoned employees to ensure that they are competent to carry out the functions of the dietary service and trained in approved policies.
  • assist in the development of Quality Assurance Programs to monitor staff practices for compliance, to determine training needs, and to evaluate resident/patient satisfaction.
  • assist in the development of planned and disaster menus to meet the nutritional needs of resident/patient in accordance with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs).
  • ensure that therapeutic menus and standardized recipes are followed, served and consumed in their appropriate form, as approved by RD.
  • ensure that food is served by methods that conserve nutritive value, flavor and appearance and that it is prepared in a form designed to meet individual needs and substitutions are of similar nutritive value.
  • maintain current profile cards, and provide assistive devices as needed.
  • ensure that food is stored, prepared, distributed, and served under sanitary conditions to prevent food borne illness, including the sanitation oversight of equipment such as internal components of the ice machine, nurse pantry refrigerators and trash disposal systems.
  • ensure that the food department runs smoothly, including food ordering and storage, according to applicable state requirements, staffing schedules, employee health, labor relations, safety programs and other duties as assigned by administration.

Career Information

Certified Dietary Manager in a Long Term Care Facility.

Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences Certificate

The Guided Pathways Milestone Certificate for Multilingual Speakers: Pathway to Health Sciences recognizes English as a Second Language students' milestones in completing both advanced academic ESL course work and introductory coursework in several health science fields. It incentivizes them to continue taking courses in this discipline after completing higher level ESL courses and to obtain a Certificate of Achievement or an Associate degree for use in a workplace.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ESL 315 Intermediate-High Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESL 325 Advanced-Low Integrated Reading and Writing 6
ESLG 320 Advanced-Low Grammar (3) 3
   or ESLL 320 Advanced-Low Listening and Speaking (3)
A minimum of 5 units from the following: 5
AH 112 Strategies for Student Success in Health Occupations (3)
AH 311 Medical Language for Health-Care Providers (3)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CISC 300 Computer Familiarization (1)
COMM C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking (3)
HCI 300 Introduction to Healthcare Interpreting (0.5)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
Total Units: 20

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze, compose, and organize oral and written communication into effective documents and/or academic compositions.
  • employ reading strategies.
  • participate in in-depth discussions effectively.
  • take clear notes.
  • give oral presentations in a business/work environment.
  • convey intended meaning and formulate and use a variety of interactive strategies effectively such as clarification, polite interruption, and agreement/disagreement strategies.
  • research and critically evaluate information to create informed responses to issues and problems and design messages that adapt to target audiences in order to maximize communication effectiveness.
  • demonstrate basic knowledge of introductory healthcare or scientific terms.
  • employ effective communication in professional healthcare settings.

Career Information

Students who complete this Pathway to Health Sciences certificate will have gained knowledge in academic English and introductory skills in several health sciences fields, such as Healthcare Interpreting, Nutrition, and Allied Health.

Nutrition (NUTRI) Courses

NUTRI 130 Introduction to Dietary Management

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an introduction to the profession of dietetics, with emphasis on a career as a dietary services supervisor (DSS). It examines current public policy and legislation related to the profession. It also includes the fundamentals of basic nutrition, individual's nutritional needs throughout the life cycle, health promotion, and disease prevention.

NUTRI 132 Management of the Dietary Department in Health Care Facilities

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:NUTRI 130 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:NUTRI 133
  • Enrollment Limitation:Current ServSafe Certification
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course reviews the standards of management and food preparation as they apply to the quantity of food production in health care facilities. Topics include types and components of food production systems, work flow, menu implementation, emergency planning, maintenance of equipment, food production procedures, dietary staff schedules, and management.

NUTRI 133 Field Experience in Healthcare Facilities

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:NUTRI 130 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:NUTRI 132
  • Enrollment Limitation:Current TB clearance and other immunizations required by clinical facility.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers field experience in healthcare facilities and is performed under professional supervision. Topics include food safety, food preparation, food procurement and budgeting, management in a foodservice department, residents' rights in food service, disaster relief feeding programs, getting ready for state inspection, and injury and illness prevention programs. A portion of this course includes 81 hours of professionally supervised field experience in foodservice/dietary departments of healthcare facilities, such as acute care hospitals and long term care facilities.

NUTRI 134 Nutritional Care Management

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:NUTRI 130 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:NUTRI 135
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a study of nutrition therapeutic diets used in health care facilities. It emphasizes the modification of diets for various dietary needs of the long-term care resident.

NUTRI 135 Field Experience in Nutritional Care Management

  • Units:2.5
  • Hours:18 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:NUTRI 130 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Corequisite:NUTRI 134
  • Enrollment Limitation:Current TB clearance and other immunizations required by the healthcare facility.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides field experience in nutritional care management in healthcare facilities. Topics include disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, wasting disorders, nutrition, and mental health. A portion of this course includes 81 hours of professionally supervised field experience in foodservice/dietary departments of healthcare facilities, such as acute care hospitals and long term care facilities.

NUTRI 294 Topics in Nutrition and Foods

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:9 - 54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides opportunities to study current, controversial topics in nutrition which are either not included in current offerings or require emphasis beyond that offered in existing courses. A portion of this course may be offered in a TBA component of 4.5-27 hours which may include reading peer-reviewed research studies regarding a particular nutrition issue and formulating conclusions based upon study results and/or evaluating the scientific validity of a supplement claim.

NUTRI 295 Independent Studies in Nutrition and Foods

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

NUTRI 299 Experimental Offering in Nutrition and Foods

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

NUTRI 300 Nutrition

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
  • C-ID:C-ID NUTR 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces biological science concepts through the study of nutrition, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between biology, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology to explain how nutrients interact with the human body. Students engage in scientific inquiry, including hypothesis testing and evaluation of evidence, to analyze and evaluate nutrition information. The course also explores contemporary nutrition controversies, their impact on society, and how scientific discoveries, along with their limitations, influence individual choices and public health policies.

NUTRI 302 Nutrition for Physical Performance

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course presents a comprehensive study of nutrition and fitness as they apply to fitness, sport skill training, and athletic performance. It includes an in-depth study of essential nutrients and functions, chemical compositions of foods and their use in the body as they relate to physical performance, muscle strength development, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition.

NUTRI 307 Nutrition for Fitness

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the basic principles of nutrition and the interactions between nutrition and fitness training. Topics include dietary practices and nutrient intake modifications that affect physical performance, including intake of energy nutrients, vitamins, water, electrolytes, and dietary supplements. It also covers the study of body weight and body composition, as well as factors that affect body weight and the effect of body composition on physical performance. This course is not open to students who have completed KINES 402.

NUTRI 310 Cultural Foods of the World

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers an anthropological perspective of traditional and contemporary food customs and cultures. Global food customs are compared including their social, religious, economic, and aesthetic significance. Topics include ethnocentrism, gender-related stereotypes, and racism as they relate to the availability, distribution, and preparation of food throughout the world. The course addresses the nutritional status of various cultures related to geographic, agricultural, and socioeconomic factors. This course is not open to students who have completed NUTRI 481.

NUTRI 320 Children's Health, Safety and Nutrition

  • Same As:ECE 415
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID ECE 220
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines basic nutrition, health, and safety needs of children from the prenatal period through school age. Topics include introduction to early childhood curriculum, laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to child health, safety, and nutrition. It emphasizes integrating and maintaining the optimal health, safety, and nutritional concepts in everyday planning and program development for all children, along with the importance of collaboration with families and health professionals. This course is not open to students who have taken ECE 415.

NUTRI 324 Nutrition for Healthy Aging

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the nutrition of older adults. Topics include the effects of nutrition on health and well-being and physiologic changes in aging, the effects of smell and taste on nutritional status, age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as well as cancer and nutrition. This course is not open to students who have completed GERON 340.

NUTRI 481 Honors - Cultural Foods of the World

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:Placement into ENGL C1000H (formerly ENGWR 480) through the Los Rios placement process OR guided self-placement.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This seminar-style course offers an in-depth anthropological perspective of traditional and contemporary food customs and cultures. Global food customs are compared including their social, religious, economic, and aesthetic significance. Included are ethnocentrism, gender-related stereotypes, and racism as they relate to the availability, distribution, and preparation of food throughout the world. The nutritional status of various cultures as it relates to geographic, agricultural, and socioeconomic factors is studied. The specific cultural groups included are driven by student interests. This course is not open to students who have completed NUTRI 310.

NUTRI 495 Independent Studies in Nutrition and Foods

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

NUTRI 499 Experimental Offering in Nutrition and Foods

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog