But while someone can learn the proper techniques of food preparation at a culinary school, he or she may not know how a sumptuous meal could be made healthy. In the same vein, a student studying dietetics and nutrition can easily plan a nutritious meal, but not be able to put together an appetizing one. Why not learn both under a single program?

Last June 2008, MDC began offering the Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts degree program. The first of its kind in the country, the program is designed for culinary arts enthusiasts and aspiring food industry professionals, who seek to apply nutrition principles in their culinary skills. In addition to preparation courses, the core program provides training in various areas of nutrition and culinary studies. Two fully equipped nutrition laboratories serve as a venue for hands-on training and testing.

For students’ on-the-job experience, the Manila Doctors College has tied up with leading institutions in the hospitality, food service, and health care industries, such as the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu, among others.

Equipped with knowledge of and skills on the two fields, BS Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts graduates could pursue a relatively wide range of alternative career paths in the dietetics departments of hospitals, schools, and other institutions.

Growing public interest in healthy lifestyles has created a demand for dietitians and nutritionists in the country and overseas. According to the American Dietetic Association, dietitians and nutritionists earn between US,800 to US,000 annually, with those in food nutrition and management, and education and research being paid the highest. An existing reciprocity agreement between the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the American Dietetic Registration and the Philippine Professional Regulatory Commission allows registered Filipino dietitians to work in the US.

MDC is now accepting applicants to the BS Holistic Nutrition with Culinary Arts program. For more information, log on to www.mdc.edu.ph.