Overview
Nutrition Consultants work in different settings as well as opt for private practices. Organizations where nutrition consultants work include hospitals, nursing care facilities, old age homes, and others. They also work in food planning and management institutions. Nutrition Consultants are professionals who provide essential services related to food planning as well as developing effective nutritional strategies. Dietician and nutrition consultants are experts in the field of food and nutrition. Their role is to advise people regarding a healthy lifestyle and to achieve goals associated with health. Dietician and nutrition consultants are required to have a bachelor’s degree in the related field.
A number of states require them to be licensed and registered. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the minimum education requirement for nutrition consultants is a Bachelor’s Degree. There are several states in America that have established specific laws that regulate certification, licensing, and registration for nutrition consultants. Nutrition Consultant Laws are diverse in different states, and nutrition consultants need to be aware of those laws. In order to practice as nutrition consultants, professionals require a license approved by the state. Licensing requirements for Nutrition Consultants include education, relevant work experience, and passing of examination. A license of nutrition consultants should be approved by the Department of Health.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for nutrition consultants include a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or other courses. In order to start career as a nutrition consultant, professionals need, at least, a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Becoming a nutrition consultant requires students to opt for science-based education. Professionals can also opt for associate programs in nutrition, dietetics, and food planning. During this degree program, individuals study different courses including food planning, food management, biology, psychology, economics, and others. A master’s degree in nutrition can also be pursued in order to seek advance opportunities. Students who require flexibility can also opt for online associate, bachelors, and master’s degree in nutrition.
Apart from associate and graduate degrees, post-graduate degree options are also available in the field. These postgraduate education programs allow individuals to study the relationship between natural health and nutrition. During post graduate studies, professionals study different courses include advanced nutrition, homeopathy, and research methodology. The skills that are vital for nutrition consultants include communication skills, persistence, and patience. Furthermore, research and analytical skills are also important for nutrition consultants in order to stay updated with the latest research and developments.
Job Outlook
Job requirements of nutrition consultants include planning and supervising meal and diet programs. They are responsible for dealing with issues associated with diet and health of individuals. Some of the issues that consultants deal with include digestion, balance of minerals, and balance of vitamins in human body. The average salary earned by nutrition consultants is approximately $53,230 (www.bls.gov). The largest employers of nutrition consultants include hospitals, outpatient care services, food services, nursing care facilities, and others. By the year 2018, the employment opportunities for nutrition consultants are expected to be increased by 9%.
Career promotion, financial independence, and freedom of choice are some of the rewards which can be yours if you opt to study in this field. Either decide to develop further in your current field of employment, or choose to learn about an entirely new field that stimulates your mind. Once that’s done, you can start hunting for the course that will help you open the doors that have always been closed to you.
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