Food for Thought: A Degree in Nutrition

Obesity levels in America have reached epic proportions. Vast amounts of readily available, processed foods have contributed to the crisis, as well as a lack of training in good nutrition. Careers for professionals with a degree in nutrition are growing faster than the national average -- people know they need to do something about their health, but they're not sure what.

Career Education in Nutrition

In order to work in the rewarding field of nutrition, you will need career training that leads to at least a bachelor's degree in a major such as dietetics, foods and nutrition, food-service management or another relevant area. A degree that emphasizes career education in a particular niche, such as renal or diabetic diets, could make for even greater career opportunities upon graduation.

A Dietitian's Career Training

No matter what path you take toward a degree in nutrition, several components of the career training involved are standardized. For instance, your program will familiarize you with the basics of chemistry, biology, physiology and (naturally) nutrition. Some degree programs also include work in mathematics, statistics, computer science and psychology.
It is important to pursue the proper career education in nutrition, as 46 states regulate the field of dietetics. Of these states, 31 require licensure, 14 require certification and one requires registration. Be sure to carefully consider what state or states you will be practicing in before setting out to get your degree in nutrition, as the requirements in each state may differ.
As of 2004, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 227 schools offered degree programs in nutrition approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) -- which means there is one near you! If you want a career helping others lead healthier lives, you can start today.
Source:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Brandi Schlossberg holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She writes for a variety of print and online publications.