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Completing a nutrition degree program in order to become a
nutritionist is a step towards a long-term career in the health
industry. Nutritionists are involved with helping others learn
how to improve their lifestyle through diet and exercise, and
many offer professional advice on a variety of health issues. A
balanced nutrition program is an essential part of a healthy
lifestyle, but many people are unaware of the impact of diet,
exercise, and optimal nutrition in their lives. Nutritionist
schools prepare students with the education and tools to help
improve the lives of others; many nutritionists are involved
with developing specific menus and programs for clients, while
specialized fields may include sports nutrition, food service
management, or a career in dietetics.
Why Become a
Nutritionist?
Nutritionists are experts in the field of diet, exercise, and weight management.
They are equipped with the tools and nutrition education to offer advice and
counseling, and are often involved with creating healthy menus for a variety of
people. They may also be involved with patients in hospitals or nursing care
facilities to meet their daily nutrition needs. Nutritionists may work in the
public sector to develop literature for health news, or share research and
related information on the nutritional content of different foods and recipes.
They may also be consulted to oversee large-scale meal planning and food service
divisions of cafeterias at university campuses and schools, or in helping with
menu development at a health care facility.
Nutritionists are often involved with:
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Developing and guiding the preparation of special meal plans
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Helping to treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits
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Recommending dietary changes and options for a poor diet
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Creating wellness programs for athletes, organizations, or other groups in
need of a comprehensive nutrition program
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Spotlighting trends and changes in the nutrition industry
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Helping people manage or lose weight
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Researching developments in the health and medical fields
A nutritionist career is heavily involved with the needs of patients and
clients, and requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. In order to
become a nutritionist, it is also necessary to be patient and learn how to work
with a variety of people with different needs.
What Does a
Nutrition Education Offer?
A nutrition education offers multiple opportunities for advancement throughout a
nutritionist career, and supplementing studies with training and attending
seminars can prove to be very valuable. A nutrition education is comprised of
courses based in food science, health, biology, and human anatomy.
Types of
Nutrition Degree Programs and Courses Available
A nutrition
education program at a typical nutrition school includes the following areas of
study:
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General Biology
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Biochemistry
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Inorganic and
organic Chemistry
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Clinical
Dietetics
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Advanced Food
Science
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Nutrition
Science
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Management of
Food Service Systems
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Medical
Nutrition Therapy
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Community
Nutrition
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Nutrient
Metabolism
If a prospective
nutritionist decides to supplement their education with hands-on experience, an
internship or work-study program at a local dietetic or wellness center can be
very valuable for a nutritionist career.
Nutrition Degree Programs at
Nutritionist School
Attending nutrition school and
completing a nutrition degree program are necessary in order to become a
nutritionist. Nutritionist degree students enroll in a variety of courses that
are centered around the biological sciences. While an undergraduate nutrition
program covers the basics of a nutrition education, many students pursue
continuing studies to obtain a master's degree or certificate. Common nutrition
degree programs available at nutritionist school include:
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Certificate in Sports Nutrition
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Master of Science in Nutrition and Health
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Dietetic Internship Programs
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Masters Degree in Public Health
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Food
and Nutrition management
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Community Nutrition Research and Education
Skills Needed for
a Nutritionist Career
A successful
nutritionist career requires ongoing independent research, and learning about
the needs of the community that the nutritionist is practicing in. The most
common skills needed include:
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Strong
interpersonal and relationship management skills
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Attention to
detail, and ability to understand scientific concepts
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Understanding
how to work with a variety of people and backgrounds
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Independent
thinking to formulate various dietary programs
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Thorough
understanding of national food guidelines and recommendations
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Learning how to
assess and determine patients’ needs
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Working with
health care professionals and doctors
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Understanding
the needs of specific health care industries
A nutritionist
career may also lead to opening up an independent practice, and many
nutritionists and dieticians turn to consulting as their own business. Here they
are involved with offering advice on diet-related concerns and performing
nutrition screenings.
Nutrition Degree
Requirements, Training, and Options after Nutrition School
An undergraduate
nutrition education program is the basis for a variety of nutritionist career
opportunities, and attending nutritionist school is the first step. Many
programs are part of the health and sciences department of colleges and
universities, and some may also include an internship or work-study for
experience. Certification programs allow students to specialize in their field,
and only 31 states require licensure while 14 require certification. General
requirements to become a Registered Dietician vary by state, and in most cases,
the individual is required to pass an exam in addition to the nutrition degree
requirements.
How are Nutrition
Degree Programs Accredited?
The American
Dietetic Association (ADA) is responsible for accrediting nutrition degree
programs, and approximately 227 bachelor's and master's degree programs were
approved the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) in 2004.
In addition to completing the nutrition degree requirements, students are
required to complete 900 hours of supervised practice, and must continue 75
credit hours in continuing education every 5 years in order to maintain
registered dietitian status.
Employment
Prospects with a Nutritionist Career
Choosing to become a nutritionist offers many options for a successful
nutritionist career. While a nutritionist degree offers years of educational
experience, there are a variety of ongoing educational courses and programs that
equip graduates of nutritionist school with additional opportunities. Graduates
may continue to study in the field of medicine, research, and nutrition program
counseling.
Job
prospects look promising, and employment of nutritionists and related positions
is expected to grow faster than average through 2014. More people are turning to
nutritionists and diet counselors for expert advice, and public interest in
healthy eating and lifestyles is steadily increasing. Hospitals, businesses, and
large communities are continually looking for qualified health care
practitioners to help develop wellness and diet programs, and a nutritionist
career can offer benefits to a variety of sectors.
Median annual earnings for nutritionists were $43,630 in 2004. Related
occupations include:
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