Nutritionists are a vital part of health care, helping people adopt healthier eating habits and improve their physical and mental well-being. They are highly educated professionals who use the latest scientific research to guide and advise clients. A degree in dietetics can lead to a variety of career paths.
A bachelor’s degree https://brescia.uwo.ca/undergraduate/nutrition_dietetics.php in nutrition is the minimum education requirement for a dietitian, but a master’s degree can also qualify you for higher-level jobs. A nutritionist works in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, doctors’ offices, schools and private practice.
You can earn a bachelor’s in nutrition by attending a traditional college or university, or you can study online. Many online programs are designed for working adults, with a focus on self-paced learning.
Bachelor of Science degrees in nutrition typically take four years to complete, and they provide a strong foundation for pursuing further education, such as a graduate program in dietetics or clinical nutrition. In addition to general education courses, nutrition majors must complete a series of core coursework, including chemistry, biology and human anatomy.
Students in a bachelor’s program learn how to apply the principles of healthy living to their professional and academic careers, and they are likely to take on leadership roles in various areas of the field. These opportunities might include counseling different populations, working in public policy and advocacy or becoming a dietitian instructor.
The number of jobs for dietitians is expected to grow 14.6% between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is attributable to the growing awareness of the relationship between diet and health, as well as an aging population.
Most employers require a nutritionist to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some even prefer a master’s. A degree can be a huge investment of time and money, so it’s important to do your research before you commit.
You must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in dietetics that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which will ensure you meet academic requirements for entry-level credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). After completing the required course work, you must apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (Internship Program in Nutrition and Dietetics or Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways) to receive 1200 hours of supervised practice before sitting for the national registration exam to become a RDN.
When choosing a college, you should ask the program advisor how successful their graduates are on the national RD exam. Most colleges report a rate of 70% or more.
A good college will not only provide the necessary course work, but they will also have an approved supervised practice internship program that you can complete to meet your supervised practice hours for the RDN credential.
The University of the District of Columbia offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics as well as an MS in Health Promotion Sciences, which is approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Both programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education of Physician Assistants (ACEPA).
After you graduate, you must pass the national RD exam to be certified and be eligible for employment. You can find out which school has the best RD exam results by asking your program advisor or checking the ACEND website.