Earning a Clinical Nutrition Degree: Answers to the Top Five Questions
With emerging research proving the connection between nutrient intake and function, and job growth at a projected 11 percent, choosing to pursue a master's degree in Applied Clinical Nutrition is an excellent choice for your future. At Northeast College of Health Sciences, we get asked many questions regarding the industry, job outlook, and program we offer. We wanted to share answers to our five most frequently asked questions to help you decide if pursuing a career in nutrition is right for you.
1. What Is A Nutritionist?
A nutritionist uses whole-food nutrition as the primary means of reaching and maintaining optimal health and perfect form. After graduation from our M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition (MSACN) program, you will most likely be working in hospitals; government agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, outpatient care centers; or private practices. Regardless of the professional placement, clinical nutritionists focus their efforts on creating personalized prevention and treatment programs through diet, exercise, and supplementation recommendations.
2.How Long Does It Take To Earn A Master's In Clinical Nutrition?
When pursuing a master's degree, it's important to consider each program's length and flexibility. At Northeast you can become an expert in science-based, whole-food approaches to optimal health by earning your M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition in as little as two years. Our program is offered 100 percent online to support optimal life, work, and studies balance.
3.What Coursework Is Required for a Clinical Nutrition Degree?
An Applied Clinical Nutrition degree at Northeast is split up between six trimesters, and offers a wide variety of courses including Behavioral Nutrition, Micro and Macronutrient Biochemistry, and Clinical Nutrition for Pain and Inflammation. In addition to standard nutritional studies, you can expect some specialty focuses like Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion, Clinical Sports Nutrition, and Clinical Herbalism. This diverse course load emphasizes the principles of quality, patient-centered care and will set you up for a successful career in clinical nutrition.
4. How Much Does A Nutritionist Make?
Your projected salary as a clinical nutritionist often depends on the job location and company for which you choose to work . According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage for nutritionists in May 2019 was $61,270, with nutritionists in outpatient care centers making the highest average salary.
5. What Kind Of Jobs Are Available With A Clinical Nutrition Degree?
Entering the workforce with your degree opens the door to so many career opportunities. Deciding what work environment you are looking for is the first step. As mentioned before, the top five employers of nutritionists are hospitals, government agencies, nursing and residential care facilities, outpatient care centers, and self-employed workers. Once you decide in what facility to work, you can choose to further specialize, such as working only with patients with specific health conditions including kidney disease, diabetes, or digestive disorders.
If clinical nutrition seems like the right fit for you, know that Northeast will help you prepare for your career with the highest assessment, intervention, health promotion, and case management standards. For more information about our M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition program, visit our programs page or contact us today.
Sources
https://www.nycc.edu/programs/school-of-health-sciences-and-education/m-s-applied-clinical-nutrition
https://www.nycc.edu/webdocs/registrar/NYCC_Nutrition_Tear%20Sheet_Final_reduced.pdf
https://www.nycc.edu/faculty/spotlights/peter-nickless
https://www.nycc.edu/webdocs/registrar/acn_courselistingsbytri.pdf
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm
https://www.nutritioned.org/careers.html