Good nutrition is a large component of humans’ overall health and wellness, and the continued search for a balanced diet has driven increased demand for qualified, registered dietitians. A Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition online from Lamar University is one of the most efficient ways to get the training you need to succeed in this growing field.
Preparing for a New Future
What do today’s registered dietitians (RDs) need to know? It’s not only about vitamins, minerals and calorie counts. From the requirements of our elderly population to those undergoing complicated medical therapies, the vast range of dietary needs represented in today’s different patient populations is significant. Diet is one of the most unique ways people can heal and stay healthy, and dietitians have the opportunity to become a source of wellness in ways no other providers can.
The courses offered in the Lamar University M.S. in Nutrition online program include corequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, nutrition and statistics. After completing those, students study more specialized topics including energy nutrients, education and counseling, vitamins and minerals, pregnancy and infant nutrition, nutrition in aging, weight management, eating disorders, sports nutrition and how culture intersects with food and health.
No clinicals are required for this degree program, but you’ll get ample opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in the field, as well as your peers. Students will have a chance to learn best practices for researching new treatments and therapies, as well.
What You Can Do With Your Degree
An advanced degree in nutrition online is one of the quickest ways to boost your knowledge in a fast-growing industry. With a master’s in nutrition possible in as few as 15 months, Lamar University’s online M.S. in Nutrition program can put you closer to assuming one of these in-demand job roles:
- Personal trainer or wellness coach
- Social worker
- School or hospital food service director
- Clinical dietitian
- Senior care food planner
- Private consultant
- Nutrition researcher
You may also go on to work in private food businesses, such as in research or development, marketing or sales.
Starting in January 2024, a master’s degree will be required of those who wish to take the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam. The 100% online coursework in Lamar University’s M.S. in Nutrition program makes it a practical option to add a master’s degree and meet that eligibility requirement. The online format means greater flexibility for those working full-time jobs or who cannot commute for traditional classroom learning.
Keep in mind, however, that Lamar University’s master’s degree program does not provide candidates with an opportunity to gain the required clinical hours for anyone who still needs to meet those specific eligibility requirements to take the RD exam.
Job Outlook for Those in Nutrition
What does the future look like for dietitians? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects higher-than-average growth for those in the nutrition field. Given the recent increase in diabetes incidence, this patient group alone will need more intervention to stay healthy over longer lifespans. The role of registered dietitians, as well as other professionals in the nutrition and diet industry, is an essential one that will only become more valuable as people age. Because a healthy diet can create better overall health outcomes, now is the right time to consider your master’s degree in this exciting field.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online Master of Science in Nutrition program.
Sources:
Commission on Dietetic Registration: 2024 Graduate Degree Requirement – Registration Eligibility
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dietitians and Nutritionists
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