Nutritionists fulfill a key role in healthcare. With their specialized knowledge of biochemistry, nutrition, and assessment, they are able to help their clients manage, treat, and prevent illness. An integral member of their clients鈥� healthcare team, nutritionists are capable of improving their clients鈥� health outcomes holistically. However, as it鈥檚 possible to offer nutrition advice with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in some states, some never consider the benefits of earning a master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition. Further still, many never consider pursuing this path online. Many ask, 鈥淚s a master鈥檚 in Nutrition worth it, and can it be done online?鈥�
An online master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition can greatly improve your career options, salary potential, and hireability. Read on to learn the ways in which earning a master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition online can help you achieve your career goals.
The Graduate School Advantage
While it鈥檚 possible to declare yourself a nutritionist or dietitian without training or licensure in some states, it is a distinct advantage to have earned at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nutrition or Dietetics. However, many employers prefer candidates who have earned a master鈥檚 degree and, in fact, some licenses and certifications require it. Therefore, a Master鈥檚 in Nutrition is worth it for aspiring nutritionists. If you鈥檙e not convinced, here are a few reasons why earning a master鈥檚 in Nutrition is so advantageous.
Certification
A Master鈥檚 in Nutrition puts you on the pathway toward advanced certification. For those wishing to earn certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a master鈥檚 degree is required. Those who earn a master鈥檚 degree from a program that meets the requirements of the Board for Certification of Nutritionists (BNCS) are eligible to sit for the exam for the CNS certification. This credential affords its holders with more employment opportunities and a higher salary range.
Be sure to check your before you choose a master鈥檚 program, as not all states accept a CNS credential for state licensing.
Career Opportunities and Salary Potential
With a master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition, you鈥檒l have several employment opportunities. These can include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Clinical Nutritionist
- Community Health Educator
- Industry Consultant
- Nutrition Researcher
- Teaching/Education
The opportunities are numerous. Perhaps most importantly, though, a master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition can improve your earning potential. According to the , a master鈥檚 degree can increase your earnings by 20 percent. The median salary for a master鈥檚 degree holder is $77,844. Even more importantly, the unemployment rate is a mere two percent. Earning a master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition can broaden your career outlook and improve your overall salary potential.
Doctoral Studies
A master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition can prepare graduates to continue their studies in a doctoral program, such as a Doctorate of Health Science. These degrees are necessary for those who wish to teach at a university or college level or who wish to become a director of a community health organization.
Online vs. Traditional Programs: Is there a Difference?
If you鈥檝e been a traditional student in the past, you may not have ever considered the benefits that an online program can offer. Traditional programs are, of course, designated as such because they鈥檙e primarily completed in-person, and full-time. Online degree programs, by contrast, offer their students the freedom and flexibility to complete their coursework when and where they want to. Additionally, many online programs offer their students a less expensive option for completing their degree. Without the facility fees, parking costs, or housing charges associated with an in-person degree, many students find an online program far more affordable than a traditional degree.
How Long Does a Master鈥檚 in Nutrition Online Take?
For many, an online graduate program is the perfect choice as it provides a flexible and expeditious way to earn a master鈥檚 degree. The online master鈥檚 in Nutrition can be finished in as few as 23 months. However, for those wishing to complete their coursework while working full time, a part-time option is available. For these students, there is an element of flexibility available. The pace is up to the student. The online program can be completed up to five years from the start of the first master鈥檚 course.
Online Master鈥檚 in Nutrition Coursework
The pursuit of an online master鈥檚 in Nutrition offers all the coursework you need to successfully enter the nutrition field. The Human Nutrition Program at 越南直播, for example, consists of foundational coursework in human physiology and biochemistry, human development, and nutritional therapeutics.
Depending on what your undergraduate degree was in, you may be required to take a variety of prerequisites including:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Intro to Biochemistry
- Nutrition Fundamentals
In addition to these foundational courses, students will be expected to complete a variety of core classes. These include:
- Evidence-based Nutrition
- Pathophysiologic Basis of Metabolic Diseases
- Biochemistry of Nutrition
- Assessment of Nutritional Status
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Lifelong Healing with Food
Lastly, students in the online program will participate in a semester of virtual clinic. This semester is completed in four monthly modules on clinical management online with different instructors. Students apply key skills that they learned throughout the program in assessment, clinical test analysis, treatment plan design, weight loss strategies, and how to start and grow their own nutrition practice.
A master鈥檚 in Nutrition can prepare you for an exciting career with endless potential. However, graduate study need not come at the expense of your other responsibilities. Whether you鈥檙e a busy professional looking to change careers or you鈥檙e preparing for future doctoral programs, an online master鈥檚 degree in Nutrition can get you where you want to go. In other words, an online master鈥檚 in Nutrition is well worth it!
Is a Master of Science in Nutrition in your future? Contact the Admissions Office at 越南直播 to find out more about our online Master鈥檚 in Nutrition program!