Nutrition Programs at Schools in Portland
Holistic nutrition programs are unavailable in the Portland area; however, students can find nutrition programs available at a few schools. This article looks at two schools no more than 15 minutes from downtown Portland and at their nutrition degree programs. Information that is important to prospective students, such as tuition, graduation rate and school size, is included in a table that allows for easy comparisons.
- Oregon Health and Science University is almost three miles from downtown Portland and offers a master's-level program in clinical nutrition, as well as a combined dietetic internship and master's program.
- Another option for students in Portland is Portland Community College. Located roughly eight miles from downtown, the two-year school has a functional nutrition program that will prepare students to sit for the holistic nutrition board exam.
Comparison of Schools
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. This table presents some pertinent statistics about each school.
| Oregon Health and Science University | Portland Community College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | Four-year, public | Two-year, pubic |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 2,984* | 21,029* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $21,222 (graduate)* | $4,810 for in-state and $9,670 for out-of-state residents (undergraduate)* |
| % of Students Receiving Grant and Scholarship Aid (2020-2021) | N/A* | 73%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | N/A | N/A Open admissions |
| Retention Rate (2020) | N/A | 61% for full-time, 37% for part-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (Students Who Began in 2018) | N/A | 18% (17% transfer-out rate)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
Oregon Health and Science University
The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) was established in 1887 and is a well-renowned teaching university and hospital that offers a wide array of programs. The university offers four graduate options related to nutrition through the School of Medicine.
Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition program at OHSU is designed for registered dietitians and will provide students with a strong foundation in human nutrition pertaining to health and disease prevention. This is a research-based program that provides students with the training to work in a variety of settings within the healthcare sector. Program coursework includes energy metabolism, human physiology, ethics of science and a nutrition-based physical exam. Additionally, students are required to complete a research project that will be presented as an oral thesis at the end of the program.
Combined Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition/Dietetic Internship
This unique program allows students to complete the master's degree in conjunction with the dietetic internship program. The ten-month dietetic internship is a certificate program that will integrate supervised, hands-on training, lectures and theory to provide students with the skills to administer evidence-based nutrition care.
The two-year, combined program requires participants to complete the internship coursework and supervised field experiences in the first four quarters. Required coursework for the master's portion of the program will be taken throughout the duration of the program.
Portland Community College
Portland Community College (PCC) was founded in 1961 and today serves nearly 35,000 students annually in more than 100 areas of study. The Continuous Learning for Individuals, Management and Business (CLIMB) Center for Advancement at PCC offers a nutritional therapy program designed for students interested in nutritional science and natural medicine.
Functional Nutrition Program
The four-term functional nutrition program is available through online learning and provides students with the training to take the holistic nutrition national board exam. This program is designed for individuals working in the health care sector, as well as an adult learning course of study. Students will take classes on assessment, the bioscience of nutrition, research and evidence-based practice, culinary nutrition, nutrition in the life cycles and traditional Chinese medicine, among others.
