If you’re interested in helping people make better food choices, the field of nutrition can be a great fit. Nutritionists can work with clients to help them understand their health goals, learn how to implement a diet that fits their needs and lifestyle, and even assist people with meal planning. The best way to become a nutritionist is by getting your degree from an accredited university or college. In this article we will discuss how to get your own nutrition specialist degree as well as what the education requirements are for becoming one who holds such a credential.
How To Get A Nutrition Specialist
If you’re interested in getting an online nutrition specialist degree, you have a few options.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree is the most common type of degree and can be completed in four years. Students usually take classes on campus or online, depending on their school’s requirements. Some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to get their bachelor’s degree faster than normal if they have already earned some credits through previous coursework or military service.
- Master’s Degree: A master’s program typically takes two years to complete after earning your bachelor’s degree; however, some universities offer accelerated options for an additional fee (or free with financial aid). Earning this type of credential will help prepare you for advancement within your field as well as new career opportunities outside of it!
Nutrition Specialist Degree On Campus
If you’re interested in pursuing a nutrition specialist degree program, there are several steps that you can take to make it happen. First, apply for admission to the university or college where your chosen school is located. Once accepted, you’ll be able to enroll in classes and begin taking them right away!
After completing all required coursework and passing all exams with at least a B- grade point average (GPA), students will then graduate from their chosen university or college with an Associate’s Degree in Nutrition Sciences (ADNS). This degree allows graduates to apply their knowledge base as they continue their education towards becoming registered dietitians (RDs).
If after earning an ADNS it becomes clear that additional schooling is needed before sitting for RD exams–or if one decides not want pursue this career path–there are several other options available including becoming certified health coaches through various organizations such as: Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN); National University Consortium; National Health Coaches Association (NHCA); Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics Foundation
Outlook For Nutrition Specialists Degree?
Nutritionists are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for nutritionists to increase by 30% from 2016 to 2022, which is much faster than average.
The median annual wage for a Nutritionist was $44,100 in May 2017. The highest paying states were Washington ($80,010), California ($77,370) and New York ($76,710). The lowest paying states were Alabama ($38,120), Arkansas ($39,800) and Mississippi ($41,530). You can see how your salary stacks up on PayScale’s Nutritionist Salary Report here: https://www.payscale.com/career-outlook/food_service_management/nutritionist
What Is A Nutrition Specialist Degree?
A nutrition specialist degree is a Master’s degree. It can be obtained at the graduate level and is a post-graduate degree. The aim of this program is to prepare you for a career in the field of nutrition, helping you develop your knowledge, skills and abilities so that you are better able to provide services such as counseling patients on nutrition matters or conducting research related to food science.
A Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a graduate degree that prepares students for careers as nutritionists or dietitians. The coursework covers topics such as human nutrition, food science and biochemistry.
Conclusion
The outlook for nutrition specialists is good, and the demand for their services will continue to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities will increase by 18% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average.
