A degree in nutrition can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in the health sciences. Depending on your goals, you can choose to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree in this area. Whether you’re interested in becoming a registered dietitian, a sports nutritionist or a food writer, a degree in this field can help you get ahead and advance in your career.
Graduate-level degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nutrition or a doctorate, are often more rigorous and specialized than undergraduate degrees. However, these programs also require a significant amount of time, typically taking about two years to complete.
You can find a degree in nutrition at 4-year colleges and universities, community colleges and vocational schools. These programs are designed for students who wish to gain more knowledge about the topic or want to learn more about their own personal health.
Some colleges offer accelerated degree programs that enable you to earn your bachelor’s or master’s in less time than a traditional program. You can also pursue a certificate in this field, which is a good option for people who have some college experience but would like to hone their skill set in the food industry.
Almost all nutrition degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, require an internship to complete. This internship, sometimes called a dietetic internship or clinical internship, can be completed at a school, hospital or other approved setting. The number of hours of supervised work required varies from state to state.
There are many jobs available in the field of nutrition, and these can be very rewarding. If you choose to become a nutritionist, you’ll spend most of your time helping people with various health issues. This includes obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions.
You might even end up famous, thanks to a TV show or book that inspires millions of people to make healthier food choices. As a nutritionist, you’ll need to have a passion for the subject and be knowledgeable about the food industry.
In general, nutritionists and dietitians must work well under pressure and with a lot of responsibility to ensure they provide high-quality care for patients. This can be stressful and challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
It is important to know that some states require a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised experience before you can become a certified nutritionist. You should check with the Association for Credentialed Dietitians to see what the requirements are in your state.
If you want to become a registered dietitian, the process can be long and complicated, so it’s important to find a nutrition degree that offers the education you need to succeed. Most states require that you have a bachelor’s degree in the discipline and that you have completed an internship or clinical practice before you can apply for licensure.
Most reputable colleges and universities offer quality nutrition degree programs that can prepare you to work as a registered dietitian. These are usually accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which is a part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.