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What Does a Career in Nutrition Entail?
Becoming a nutritionist is more than telling people what to eat. Instead, it’s all about approaching health from a holistic point of view. Nutritionists work with clients on an individual basis, assess their health and come up with a set of realistic goals aimed at improving overall health. Additionally, a nutritionist works to support their clients through regular meetings and tracks progress over time, though most recently some of these meetings might have moved toward telehealth with online health assessments.
But not all nutritionist careers look the same. It’s important to remember that there are many different types of clients, with different needs. Some nutritionists might work exclusively with patients struggling with their weight or those with diabetes or other chronic health issues. Other may work as more of an all-around health coach—using things like yoga and mindfulness in a broader health strategy (these might be more likely to work through online assessments or to publish advice in online publications and journals).
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Components of A Successful Career in Nutrition
The majority of nutrition & dietetics professionals have a bachelor’s degree from a program in dietetics or a program in nutrition and certification, or are licensed as registered dieticians. This job involves working hands-on with patients, assessing their nutrition as it relates to their health and personal goals. Nutritionists work to develop meal plans, educate those they work with, and promote healthy habits. They’ll also document patients’ progress and create custom strategies for better health.
To be successful, nutrition and dietetics professionals should possess an in-depth knowledge of human nutrition concepts from their food and nutrition education and food allergies, in addition to understanding how food interacts with the body. You’ll have to interact with people closely, so interpersonal writing and communications skills are a must. Individuals who wish to open a private practice will need some entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, as well, such as understanding basic information systems for an office and maintaining info security, how to deal with staff, business administration, special rules governing the field of nutrition in the U.S. in a variety of settings, etc.
How to Earn an Online Degree in Nutrition
Typical Nutrition Degree Requirements
A bachelor’s degree, whether online or in a traditional classroom, in nutrition is your first step into this field, as this is the entry-level requirement for working as a full-fledged nutritionist. Bachelor’s programs, both online and off, will focus on nutrition science, health and wellness, community nutrition and dietetics education, and anatomy and physiology, among other relevant university coursework. Additionally, bachelor’s degree students in a program in dietetics or a program in nutrition must still complete a series of general education requirements to complete their program in dietetics, which might include a foreign language, humanities courses, science, or math. These help prepare students for whatever they may need to deal with in their working lives and their nutrition careers.
Admission requirements will depend on the school, though you’ll need to have completed your high school diploma or a GED. In many cases, students will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, or SAT/ACT scores.
Typical Nutrition Certifications Needed
Nutritionist requirements vary by state. However, in most cases, nutritionists must complete a bachelor’s, gain a certain amount of work experience, and pass a licensing exam. There are also a few types of certifications you can pursue. The most common option is the Registered Dietitian Nutrition credential, which allows you to work in a clinical setting and a variety of settings outside a clinical office. RDNs focus primarily on diets and meal planning and the evaluation of food standards.
Bachelor’s degree holders may also choose to pursue a Certified Clinical Nutritionist certification, or CCN. CCNs are highly qualified nutritional professionals that have a master’s degree in nutrition or have completed a bachelor’s and a 900+ hour internship. CCNs look at how food affects the body on a biochemical level and work with patients to determine the best diet for their unique physical makeup.
Finally, students with an advanced degree may choose to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist, which is the most advanced nutrition credential available. Students must have completed an online master’s or doctorate in nutrition or related field to gain this credential. Many MDs also choose to obtain this credential to advance their expertise.
Academic Standards for Online Nutrition Degree
In general, academic standards involve completion of a four-year program, which typically includes 120-130 credit hours. Some online programs can be earned at an accelerated rate, though you still need to take all necessary credits. Nutrition and dietetics students will complete general education requirements on top of their nutrition science education including liberal arts courses, math, and science, as well as nutrition-specific work. Upon completion of a bachelor’s program in dietetics or nutrition science from their university, students are well on their way to becoming a registered dietitian. A nutritionist will need to complete an internship or work in supervised practice, which can take place in one of a variety of settings, which will take place throughout a calendar year.
Exam and Experience Needed for an Online Nutrition Degree
Credentials for nutrition science professionals vary by state. In most cases, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree to enter the field but earning your RDN may help you increase your chances of employment. While it’s not necessarily a legally binding requirement, it’s easier to get work in this business if you’re certified. To sit for the RDN exam, you’ll need to meet some requirements first. For one, you must have completed a bachelor’s from an ACEND accredited institution. Two—you’ll need to complete a minimum of 1200 supervised hours in the form of an ACEND accredited internship.
Another option is earning an online certificate. With nutrition and wellness, there are countless online programs aimed at preparing professionals to work with all kinds of people, as well as working within a variety of settings. While you will need a bachelor’s degree to work as a registered dietician or nutritionist, certificate holders may work in a consulting role, as a health coach, or in an outpatient facility or program, as a health and wellness consultant, in food service, in public health nutrition, or a number of other jobs available in the United States and on the global stage. Additionally, professionals who already have degrees may opt for a nutrition certificate to expand their knowledge, as the field is always changing.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a Nutrition bachelor's degree online?
Full-time students can expect to earn their online nutrition bachelor's in roughly four years, just like their on-campus counterparts. In some cases, students may choose to find a program that will allow them to move at an accelerated pace, but keep in mind, if you decide to go this route, you’ll pay more tuition in a lump sum. Additionally, consider the amount of coursework that comes with a heavier load and how it fits into your existing lifestyle. Chances are, if you’re looking into an online program, you work full-time or have family responsibilities, so that extra time may be a big factor.
If you wish to become a registered dietician, the process can take about five years total. Much like obtaining a teaching credential, aspiring nutritionists will first need to complete a four-year program, which is generally 120-130 credit hours and, after graduating, will need to complete an internship. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics typically plays a role in matching graduates to internships, where grads will spend a year gaining work experience before sitting for their credentialing exam.
How much does an online Nutrition bachelor’s degree cost?
The average cost for a bachelor’s degree in nutrition is $23,500 per year. Programs range from about $8000 per year to $80,000, with pricing dependent on in-state or out-of-state tuition, whether the school is public or private, and where its located.
Online programs might save students a bit of money, as they won’t be adding transportation and housing costs to the total bill, but they may come with other fees like technology fees.
Does the online school have the major(s) you’re considering?
To earn your credential, you will need to major in nutrition, dietetics, nutritional sciences, or a related discipline. As such, it’s vital that you choose a school that provides an opportunity to take the classes required to help you reach your goals.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
Nutrition is a practical career choice and it will allow students in a university program to access specialized training that lays the groundwork for a career, should you follow the prescribed steps: bachelor’s degree, internship, and sitting for the certification exam. As such, it’s important to look for a school that sets students up for success. Aside from mentions on the website or assurance from an advisor, the graduation rate could be a sign that a school works with students to achieve their goals or leaves them to their own devices.
Graduation rates aren’t the most critical measure of a quality program, not by a long shot. Instead, they’re one piece of the puzzle, one that indicates whether a program is too expensive doesn’t offer the right resources or makes it hard to enroll in required classes.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
When looking at nutrition programs, you’ll want to find a school that is both regionally accredited and recognized by ACEND. Of course, it’s also smart to look for the most competitive school that fits your budget and your academic achievements thus far. Start your search by looking at things like faculty experience, graduation rates, whether the school focuses on nutrition research or academics, and alumni outcomes.
Professional Nutrition Organizations
AND
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the nation’s largest organization for nutrition professionals. This organization offers scholarships for nutrition students in all 50 states, as well as advocacy and policy information, continuing education information, employment opportunities, and more.
What’s more, the AND isn’t just a resource for professionals and students. They also provide dietary guidelines to clinical nutritionists to pass along to clients. For example, a dietician can pull up the latest thinking on what pregnant women or kids with food allergies should eat.
ANA
American Nutrition Association
The American Nutrition Association is one of the more reputable organizations in the country regarding all things nutrition. This association is especially useful for students seeking resources to bolster their education.
For professionals at every stage, this organization brings together clinical nutritionists, scientists, and educators to advance the knowledge and application of nutrition for humans and animals alike.
ACSH
American Council on Science and Health
The American Council on Science and Health is another reliable resource for people looking for a reputable source for the latest thinking on nutrition and good health. Becoming an ACSH member means you’ll have access to a database of up-to-date information, as well as contact with organizers, networking opportunities, and more.
NANP
National Association for Nutrition Professionals
The National Association for Nutrition Professionals or NANP is the primary resource in the US for holistic nutrition. This organization offers support to independent professionals, as well as larger organizations and provides access to information for those working in the field. Additionally, the NANP offers certification options for those seeking additional expertise in holistic nutrition.
ASNF
American Society for Nutrition Foundation
The American Society for Nutrition is a non-profit organization that brings researchers, nutritionists, and scientists together to increase scientific thinking on the topic. The organization provides a wealth of resources including continuing education, job opportunities, meetings, events, and publications.