Nutrition is the consumption of food materials of cells and organisms in order to support life. When individuals do receive adequate nutrition, common health problems can be avoided or alleviated. Nutritionists are educated and trained professionals who are experts in food and healthy eating. Their responsibilities include advising clients on the proper foods to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle; explaining nutrition information; assessing clients on their health needs; developing individualized meal plans; evaluating the effects of the prescribed meal plans; promoting better nutrition and good eating habits; and conducting research in the latest nutritional science field.
There are certain skills and qualities students, who are interested in pursuing a career as a nutritionist, should possess in order to be successful in this field...Read More
Nutritionists must have problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Patients discuss current eating habits and health issues they are dealing with and nutritionists must determine a course of action. Based on the patient’s medical history, nutritionists must develop a meal plan which would benefit the patient and aid with their health issues. Because they spend a substantial amount of time interacting with clients, nutritionists must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. They must speak to clients in terminology which they will be able to understand. They generally work with a number of different clients therefore nutritionists must have organizational skills and be able to keep their clients’ records and documents in order.
Nutrition Degree Levels Available
Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition takes approximately four years to complete and upon graduation, students have acquired a solid groundwork of knowledge, sufficient for professional employment in the nutrition field. Biochemistry, culinary studies, food science, metabolism, anatomy, physiology, nutrition therapy, sports nutrition, medical terminology, disease etiology, epidemiology, and pathology are just a few of the subject areas covered within these four years. Upon graduation, students may obtain professional work as a nutritionist.
Admission Requirements
For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree program in nutrition include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee. Volunteer and/or work experience in the nutrition field should be noted on the application form since this would benefit students during their application process.
Tuition and Accreditation
There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition should enroll in a college or university accredited by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) or ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education).
Average Annual Salary Range for Nutritionists
The average annual salary range for nutritionists is $ 46,170 to $ 66,170 (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. As a result, salaries for those from the same profession may vary from person to person.
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