Online Nutrition Degree Programs

With an online nutrition degree you will train to be a dietitian/nutritionist, offering healthy and safe dietary advice.

The role of dietitians and nutritionists is to offer healthy and safe dietary advice Nutritionists and dietitian are are experts in food and nutrition, healthy eating, nutritional research and developing dieting plans. As a dietitian or nutritionist, you will need a degree in nutrition and to do so you can attend one of the colleges that offer an online degree in nutrition, as well as universities that offer online dietitian degree programs and training. There are over 250 nutrition degree programs approved by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. There is a need for more experienced training in dietitians and nutritionists with specialized training. Many registered dietitians (RD) and nutritionists work in hospitals, educational facilities, health and fitness clubs and other areas. Those with a nutrition masters degree degree generally work in supervisory or administrative positions.

Nutrition Degree Programs

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start B.S. In Health And Wellness
• Advanced Start B.S. In Health Science
• Advanced Start B.S. In Nutrition Science
• B.S. In Health And Wellness/Nutrition Science
• B.S. In Health And Wellness / Pregraduate-Preprofessional
• B.S. In Health Science/Health And Wellness
• B.S. In Health Science/Nutrition Science
• B.S. In Health Science/Pregraduate-Preprofessional
• B.S. In Nutrition Science/Dietetics
• B.S. In Nutrition Science/Health And Wellness
• B.S. In Nutrition Science/Health Science

Nutritionist Education and Training

First let us differentiate between a Dietitian and a Nutritionist. A dietitian is a professional expert in food and nutrition who gives dietary advice in order to promote healthy eating habits, develop diets for individuals and groups, as well as participates in nutrition research.

In the United States to practice as a dietitian, one must be a registered dietitian (RD) through the American Dietetic Association (ADA) which requires taking an exam upon completion of the degree program requirements.

A nutritionist is a health specialists who works in food and nutritional science, preventative nutrition, diseases that stem from nutrient deficiencies, as well as the use of food and nutrients to cure illnesses. Nutritionist are not regulated. Generally, a dietitian must be a nutritionist but a nutritionist does not have to be a dietitian. The dietetics program has a food, nutrition and health focus as well as a science base.

Nutrition online degree programs vary. Online nutrition courses and online dietetics courses include classes in basic nutrition, chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, mathematics, statistics and research methods, and biochemistry.

More specific online nutrition classes and online food science degree programs may require students to take courses in nutrition and exercise, nutrition and culture, weight management, and psychology and counseling. Other online nutrition degree courses might include:

• Principles of human nutrition
• Anatomy and physiology
• Client/ patient education
• Diet and nutrition analysis and planning
• Nutrient metabolism
• Planning and directing food services
• Supervision of food storage
• Standards and regulations in the food industry

Nutritionist Careers and Dietitian Careers

Dietitians and nutritionists mainly plan, supervise and oversee serving of meals. Their role is in the prevention and treatment of illness and diseases through healthy eating. With a nutritionist career or dietitian career your primary responsibility be in helping people people make right decisions and choices about what they consume in terms of food and drink. Online nutrition degree address the importance of healthy eating and exercise, to educate clients on the serious health and medical issues that include:

• Obesity
• Heart disease
• High-blood pressure
• Diabetes

Nutritionists help clients on a one-on-one basis, or in groups. The nutrition career also deals with health education as health care counselors. Upon graduation from an online nutrition degree, many dietitians work in hospitals, health rehabilitation centers, schools, colleges, and universities. Careers for a Registered Dietitian include working in:

• Nutritional counseling
• Hospitals
• Health promotion and education
• Schools and colleges
• Clinical practice
• Public health
• Private practice
• Corporate wellness
• Food service industries

In addition as a nutritionist you can work for food processing companies and institutional nutrition programs, guiding food companies in the creation of healthier more nutritious food products. Job titles include nutrition consultants, nutrition educators, nutrition coaches and nutrition assistants.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

The mean salary for dietitians and nutritionists is about $50,590 in the United States. In 2008, the middle 50% earned between 41,060 and $61,790. On the lower scale (lowest 10%) the income was about $31,460, and on the higher scale (highest 10%) the income was $73,410 as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that the employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow by 9% between 2008 and 2018.

The American Dietetic Association reports the average salary for registered to be about $60,000 in consultation and business; $55,000 in food and nutrition management; $54,800 in education and research; $44,000 in clinical nutrition/ambulatory care; $43,300 in clinical nutrition/long-term care; $43,200 in community nutrition; and $40,800 in clinical nutrition/acute care.

A growing and aging population will boost the demand for meal and nutritional counseling in health clubs, medical centers, and other areas. hospitals, nursing care facilities, schools, community health programs, and home healthcare agencies. This influences the demand for the online dietetics degree or online nutrition degree.