Food & Nutrition Science – Online Degree Programs
Food and nutrition science is the study of the chemical and biological components of food and the way these components affect our overall health. With a degree or certificate in food and nutrition science, you can easily embark on a successful career as a nutritionist, dietitian, or food scientist. Nutritionists and dietitians work with individual patients or larger communities (such as schools or nursing homes) to design a nutritional program geared towards promoting health and fitness. while food scientists study the nutritional value and preservation methods of common foods.
As mainstream society becomes more aware of the impact of food on our health and the necessity of a well-balanced diet, the demand for professionals trained in food and nutrition scientist is growing. Consequently it is now possible for qualified nutritionists to gain positions in advertising, academia, government departments, and consulting agencies. Available positions in the field of food and nutrition science is expected to increase 9% over the next 7 years.
Duties
The duties of a food and nutrition science practitioner vary based upon what capacity you plan to work in. In general, all dietitians and nutritionists will use their skills to design healthy meals, supervise preparation, and monitor the effects of diet upon the body. They will also treat or prevent illnesses and conditions such as diabetes and obesity by eliminating unhealthy components of patient’s diet or reducing the daily intake of certain elements, like salt, sugar, or fat. The basic duty of all food and nutrition science professionals is to promote health and provide support for individuals suffering from nutrition related diseases.
Choosing to specialize in a certain type of nutritional science will open up a number of specific job positions to you. The most common areas of specialization are as follows:
- Clinical Dietitian: Supervises dietary care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and private clinics in conjunction with doctors. Clinical dietitians will often work with the obese, the young, or the critically ill.
- Community Dietitian: Supervises the general dietary health of a community, such as a school or a nursing home. Community dietitians often find employment in local and federal health agencies.
- Management Dietitian: As the name implies, a management dietitian is in charge of managing the nutritional health of a large community such as a prison or school, purchasing supplies, overseeing the budget, and supervising other dietitians.
- Consultant Dietitian: Works under contract for health care centers, gyms, or in their own private practice. Consultants may also work with sports teams or grocery stores to design diet plans.
- Food Processor: Supervises the production of food, overseeing the nutritional and sanitary elements. Processors might also consult with advertising or marketing needs as well.
Education & Licensing
Most nutrition and food science positions require a B.S. degree in nutrition. The degree takes approximately 4 years to complete and covers the basic elements of nutrition such as microbiology, food nutrition, food technology, and agricultural marketing. To advance in your career as a dietitian or nutritionist, you may consider earning an M.S. degree in nutrition along with a B.S. M.S. programs will allow you to specialize in certain areas of food science and will diversify your skill set as well.
To begin work as a nutritionist or dietitian, it is essential that you look into the presently enacted laws for nutritionists in your area. Currently 48 states require some kind of licensing in order to practice. Gaining licensure may include taking an examination or partaking in a specific course of study every few years. Certain employers may also ask for candidates to earn a certain type of certification. Investigate the requirements in the area and workplace you wish to practice before applying.
