A nutritionist degree can open the door to a rewarding job and a recession proof career. This is mainly due to the fact that the demand for people with nutritionist training is increasing because more people than ever before are interested in learning how to eat healthy and stay fit. As people become more health conscious, they are looking for professionals to help them come up with nutritious diet plans that meet their individual needs.
Nutritionist Programs for Students
Students interested in learning how to become a nutritionist should enroll in a college program that is approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Nutritionist programs that have this accreditation meet the required educational guidelines to offer students the courses they will need in order to earn nutritionist degrees. This accreditation helps give students the assurance that they are getting a quality education.
Students are required to have bachelor's degree in foods and nutrition, food service systems, dietetics, or a related subject area (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition). Nutritionist training also includes lessons on how to organize menus, evaluate case studies, and have the opportunity to practice cooking. Students are also required to take a pre-nutrition class to learn the basics of health care.
Some states require students to get a license before they can become a nutritionist. Students should take classes in food science, physiology, and biology. Other areas of study that would be useful include business, psychology, computer science, and statistics. Students who choose to further their education by earning a master's degree in nutrition are more likely to have opportunities to work in management.
Nutritionist Career Options are Increased through Networking
Students can enhance their nutritionist education by gaining some firsthand experience while they work towards their nutritionist degree. They can do this by finding a nutritionist who is willing to act as a mentor. This is a way for them to find out what the job really entails. Students can also use this as an opportunity to gain insight about the strengths and weaknesses of the profession.
The experiences that students have by shadowing a nutritionist can help them decide if a nutritionist career is something that really suits them. Students can find nutritionists to connect with by searching the yellow pages and the internet. Also, family physicians may be able to offer suggestions on finding a nutritionist. Non-profit organizations such as the local YMCA, often have nutritionists on their staff. Nutritionists can also be found in nursing homes, hospitals, and schools.
Students who are pursuing nutritionist careers will develop an understanding of how to use food science and nutrition to treat and prevent illness, as well as how to address nutritional deficiencies. Students are also required to get 900 hours of hands on training through an internship or supervised practice.
There are also opportunities to train in specialized areas. For information on sports nutrition see the article How to Become a Sports Nutritionist. Students with a nutritionist degree can also work in dietetics.
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