Are you a health and wellness enthusiast with a talent for inspiring and motivating others? If so, a career in nutrition offers rewarding opportunities in wide-ranging settings, such as hospitals, wellness centers, gyms, universities and professional sports.
In a world of information overload, nutrition professionals help people make the right choices to achieve their goals, whether guiding them back on track after an illness or injury, making lifestyle changes or achieving optimal performance as an athlete. Lamar University’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Nutrition with a Specialization in Sport Nutrition program prepares nutrition professionals to set themselves apart in this growing field.
What Is the Need for Nutrition Professionals?
An online search for “nutrition” returns billions of results. Articles and videos offer tips on taking supplements, losing weight, gaining weight, achieving gut health, starting a keto diet (plant-based, paleo, vegan, low-carb, flexitarian and anti-inflammatory), eating well during pregnancy, improving athletic performance and much more.
Can the information be trusted? Unfortunately, even the most well-intentioned people can share misleading information online. In addition, what is best for one person may be useless or harmful to another. As consumers become increasingly interested in health and wellness, the need grows for nutritionists and dietitians who can help them sort through the noise and make intelligent decisions.
“Dietitian and Nutritionist” positions made U.S. News & World Report’s list of best healthcare jobs for these reasons and more:
- Above average scores for a flexible schedule and work-life balance
- A faster than average job growth rate of 10.7% between 2020 and 2030
- A median annual salary of $63,090, with the top 25% earning $77,180
The growth of the wellness market is one way to assess the demand for nutrition professionals. A McKinsey survey puts the size of the global wellness market at more than $1.5 trillion, with annual growth of up to 10%. In addition, survey findings point to an increase in spending on services such as personal trainers and nutritionists.
What Is the Value of an M.S. in Nutrition – Sport Nutrition?
Advanced knowledge of nutrition and related health topics is essential for providing appropriate professional services. Counseling clients on managing or preventing chronic disease may involve a care plan that includes dietary and lifestyle changes. For example, competitive athletes will have unique needs, such as calories, macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and meal timing.
Whatever the nutritional need, Lamar University’s M.S. in Nutrition – Sport Nutrition prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge to offer evidence-based services. In addition to providing a foundation for nutrition-based research, coursework prepares graduates in key areas such as:
- Counseling skills for providing nutrition education
- Nutrition as it relates to athletic performance and physical activity
- Obesity and weight management
- Eating disorders, including screening techniques
- Sports supplements and ergogenic aids (such as creatine supplementation)
- Macronutrients, metabolism and the health effects of alcohol
- Integrative nutrition, including complementary and alternative nutrition therapies
- Kinesiology (the mechanics and anatomy of human movement)
- Training programs for strength, fitness and conditioning
Considering the importance of a healthy diet, nutritionists and dietitians have an opportunity to improve their clients’ well-being. Whether you plan to open your own practice or work at a fitness club, in a hospital or even as a director of sports nutrition for a professional sports team, Lamar University’s online M.S. in Nutrition – Sport Nutrition can prepare you for success.
Learn more about the Lamar University online M.S. in Nutrition – Sport Nutrition program.
