Back to MPH Nutrition & Dietetics Advanced Standing Program main page
What is the difference between the MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics “regular” and the Advanced Standing programs?

The “regular” program prepares students for admission to the dietetic profession by providing dietetic practical training. Advanced Standing students are not preparing for admission to the dietetic profession in Canada. The MPH Nutrition & Dietetics Advanced Standing program is option for those who are currently registered dietitians, and who will have been practising for at least five (5) years at the time of their program registration. The Advanced Standing program recognizes the significant learning these candidates have done in the course of their professional work and allows them to complete the MPH degree requirements in a shorter amount of time. There is also no provision in the Advanced Standing program to prepare graduates to apply for registration as Dietitians in Canada.

How long is the Advanced Standing program?

Given their professional experience in the field, Advanced Standing students will be expected to complete 5.0 Full Course Equivalents (FCE) in course work, including at least 4-weeks in a practicum placement. This means that it is possible for an Advanced Standing student to complete the program in as little as eight (8) months of full-time study, but full-time students usually complete the program within 12 months.

What type of experience expected for those who want to enter the Advanced Standing program?

Advanced Standing applicants will be considered if they are already Dietitians registered in good standing in their home jurisdiction, and they will have had at least five (5) years of experience in the field before entering the program. The experience can be in any area of practice, including clinical, community, public or population health, food service or food industry.

My experience in Dietetics is from outside of Canada. Can I apply for the MPH-Nutrition & Dietetics Advanced Standing program?

If you are a Registered Dietitian in good standing in your home jurisdiction and meet the requirement for a minimum five (5) years of professional experience as a Dietitian, then you are eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing program. However, it is important to note that there is no provision in the Advanced Standing program to prepare graduates to apply for registration as Dietitians in Canada.

Do my application references need to be academic references?

While for many students, academic references are best positioned to speak to their capacity for success in a professional graduate program and in the field of dietetics, we do not require academic references. We accept references from academic or other professionals who can attest to your goals, abilities, and commitment.

How many Advanced Standing students are accepted into the program each year?

It is variable however in recent years the most we have had in the program at once is four (4) students.

What funding is available to students in the MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics program?

We guarantee a stipend for students in our unpaid placements. Further, our students have access to a variety of awards and bursaries:

  • Our applicants are all encouraged to apply for an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and we regularly have students who have been successful in earning one of these awards.
  • Each year we have incoming students who receive a Dalla Lana Scholarship Merit Award.
  • We have several awards that are exclusively for the MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics program.
Can I work while I’m in the program?

Many students work during the program, both on and off-campus. We ask for students to consider that:

  • The program is demanding, so time management may be a challenge with work for pay.
  • The program course requirements vary from term to term and will require flexibility on the part of employers.
  • Students completing the MPH: Nutrition & Dietetics-Advanced Standing program on a Study Permit should review the website and/or contact the Centre for International Experience regarding their eligibility to work while studying in Canada.