Is Registered Dietitian A Good Career

People's unhealthy diets are linked to many chronic diseases and premature deaths, so becoming someone trained in nutrition allows you to help others live a longer and happier life!

The impact the types of food humans ingest on disease and illness cannot be overstated. Once the belief existed that nutrition had little effect on health measures, but few would dare argue this nowadays. Enrolling in one of our top-ranked accredited online colleges for Registered Dietitians give you the knowledge to educate others about healthy diets and put you at the forefront of making a difference in how others feel. It won't be a walk in the park, but what in life worth achieving or doing comes easily? In our opinion, not much!

Featured Programs

What Will You Learn With a Registered Dietitian Degree?

Obviously with a nutrition and food science degree much of your studies will focus on the effects nutrition has on the human body, but completing one of these degrees will teach you so much more. Nutrition focused degrees and certificate programs are going to teach you how to evaluate and possibly also conduct research, which is a skill that shouldn't be underestimated in a field of study as confusing as nutrition and food science. There are many diet claims circulating that purport to be the answer to this problem or that problem, but are the claims true? This is where being able to analyze and breakdown research becomes essential!

Many of the nutrition and food science programs on this list also will require students to learn anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Nutrition programs are teaching students how molecules we put into the body ultimately effects its functioning, so it naturally follows that you'd need to have some knowledge of how the body is put together and how it functions!

What Are the Best Accredited Online Colleges For Registered Dietitian Degrees?

Accredited Online College uses the most recent data from the Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. Each program is scored individually. It's then compared to all other universities offering that degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online. To learn more, visit our methodology page.

University of Arizona – Tucson

It's no wonder that the Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from the University of Arizona is our number one pick for best online accredited colleges for Registered Dietetics when you learn that it is only one of four online programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program allows students to choose from either a dietetic emphasis or a nutrition emphasis for their studies. Those that choose the Dietetic emphasis are able to apply for internships and eventually become Registered Dietitians.

Students who choose the Nutrition emphasis are able to utilize the knowledge learned in medicine, food chemistry, cell biology, and biochemistry to pursue graduate studies in dentistry, other health science careers, or biochemistry. Both emphases provide a solid and well-rounded science education that focuses on the impacts nutrition has on the human body.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Arizona – Tucson here.

Arizona State University

If the business aspect of nutrition and food science is what captivates your attention then the Bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship from Arizona State University is worth checking out. This degree will teach you marketing skills, management skills, and research and development, among other skills and information. Ultimately this degree will teach you what you need to know to flex your entrepreneurial muscles after graduation and launch your own food venture.

This Bachelor's degree consists of 120-credit hours of coursework which is divided among 40 classes with each class held in 7.5 or 15-week modules. Topics you'll be exposed to in this program include Business and entrepreneurship; food manufacturing; food marketing; food service management; media and communication; school nutrition; and sustainability. This program also encourages learners to gain experiential knowledge by working with foodservice professionals in your community.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Arizona State University here.

Kansas State University

For students with the ultimate goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, the Bachelor's in Dietetics from Kansas State University may be your ticket to your dream career. This degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which means that upon completion of the program students are eligible to apply for supervision. After supervised practice graduates of this program will be able to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) credentialing exam, so you'll be registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

This ACEND-accredited program consists of 120-credit hours of work with each credit hour costing online students $402.50. During this program students will take classes such as Clinical Nutrition 1 & 2; Counseling Strategies in Dietetic Practice; Financial Management in Dietetics, and many others. The degree major coursework consists of 41-credit hours of nutrition and food science courses.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Kansas State University here.

Liberty University

If you are someone who doesn't want to go through the hassle, time, and money commitments to earn a nutrition degree then a graduate certificate may be what you're looking to pursue. Liberty University has a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition that only takes enrolled students half a year to complete. The classes are held entirely online and in an accelerated eight week module format. This is a graduate certificate, which means that to be able to apply for this program students are required to have already earned a Bachelor's degree.

The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition is a 15-credit hour program that will enable graduate to pursue careers as health educators, nutrition coaches, and sports nutrition specialists. The program will also give students foundational nutrition and health information that will be helpful if they decide to continue their education by pursuing the schools Master of Public Health – Nutrition. Completion of this graduate certificate allows students to transfer all the classes in this certificate toward the MPH in Nutrition.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Liberty University here.

University of Wisconsin, Madison

The Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition offered by the University of Wisconsin, Madison is a program designed specifically for individuals who already have a strong background in Clinical Nutrition, but need to earn a Master's degree to stay competitive in the changing nutrition landscape. In 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require that candidates have at least a Master's degree to be eligible to take the Registration Exam for Dietitians.

The MS in Clinical Nutrition is composed of 30-credit hours of work, which can be completed in as little as four semesters of full-time study. Students who want to complete their studies at a slower pace are able to enroll in this program on a part-time basis. Tuition for this program runs students $800 per credit hour, so you can expect to spend around $24,000 for this program if you're transferring credit hours.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Wisconsin, Madison here.

Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics that will prepare students to take the exam required to become a Registered Dietitian. Since the requirement that students earn a Master's degree to be eligible to sit for the RD exam doesn't take effect until 2024, students who enroll in this program will likely be one of the last classes able to be RD's without six years of education. Take advantage of this program by enrolling in this program now!

This 124-credit hour BS in Dietetics program will allow students to take 58-credit hours of coursework in the Dietetic major. Students enrolled in this major will take classes such as Nutrient Metabolism: Macronutrients; Nutrition Therapy I; Foodservice Systems Management II; and Community Nutrition, to name a few. Students in this program will also gain experience working with practicing RD's, which will help solidify the nutritional knowledge learned.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Eastern Michigan University here.

Texas Tech University

The Online Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Texas Tech University was specifically created for individuals already practicing as Dietitians/Nutritionists. The program will also accept applicants who will receive a DPD verification statement or is in the process of completing a Dietetic internship. There may not be a better time than now to apply to this program as the program has waived their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement for 2020-2021.

Students enrolled in this program will expand their knowledge in areas such as maternal health; geriatrics; nutrition support; diabetes; pediatrics; nutrition, exercise, and sport; obesity management; and eating disorders. The MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is a 33-credit hour program that does not require the completion of a thesis for students to be eligible for graduation.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Texas Tech University here.

University of Georgia

The Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition with a concentration in Community Nutrition from the University of Georgia may be particularly suited for individuals who want to become a school nutrition director. Upon graduation from this program, students are eligible for certification as Georgia School Nutrition Directors. This is a 30-credit hour program that does allow students to transfer up to six credit hours of relevant coursework, so some students will only have to take 24-credit hours to complete this degree.

The program typically takes two years for students to complete with students taking two classes per semester. Examples of classes students enrolled in this program may take include Optimal Nutrition for the Lifespan; Childhood and Adolescent Nutrition; and Nutrition Health and Aging. While most students will complete this degree within two years, up to six years can be taken to complete the program.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Georgia here.

East Carolina University

The Master of Science in Nutrition from East Carolina University is designed for two types of students, RD's wishing to expand their knowledge and expertise in nutrition and for individuals looking to conduct food and nutrition research. Non-RD's applying to this program will likely have to have at least an undergraduate minor in nutrition, as this is one of the considerations the school uses to gauge how successful applicants are likely to be in this program.

This MS in Nutrition program has both a thesis option and a non-thesis option with both degree options consisting of 33-credit hours of coursework. The core curriculum taken by both degree options consists of three classes, which include Biostatistics for Health Professionals I; Human Nutrition in Physiology and Metabolism; and Methods in Nutrition Research. This program also has a research component that consists of six to ten credit hours and a concentration component in which students complete 14 to 18-credit hours.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at East Carolina University here.

Texas Woman's University

Community education and the business aspects of nutrition is the focus of Texas Woman's University's Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Health Sciences with a Nutrition Emphasis program. The program is ideal for community college transfer students with at least 15-semester credit hours of WECM (workforce education) and 12-semester credit hours of academic courses. The BAAS in Health Sciences degree is composed of 120-credit hours of coursework.

The BAAS core curriculum consists of three classes, which include Professionalism and Ethics in Health Care; Health Care in Multicultural Settings; and Needs Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation for Health Professionals. The nutrition emphasis requires that students select four nutrition related classes from a list and take 12-credit hours of electives chosen in conjunction with an academic advisor. In all, the Health Science major, which includes the nutrition emphasis is composed of 33-credit hours of work.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Texas Woman's University here.

University of Utah

Prospective students interested in the biochemistry of nutrition and food science will find the University of Utah's Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology of interest. The program is ideal for those who have already earned an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics or health sciences. The program is 39-credit hours in duration, which is typically completed over two years of full-time course loads. Of the 39-credit hours, 21-credits are dedicated to the core curriculum, while 18-credit hours are set aside for elective coursework.

Other admission requirements the school looks for in prospective students is registration as a Registered Dietitian or students who have taken at least one class in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry and anatomy or physiology. Additionally non-RD's will also have to have taken at least two nutrition classes in their undergraduate studies.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Utah here.

Purdue University Global

The Online Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Purdue University Global is a great option for students needing to start at the very basics of nutrition and food science. This is a comprehensive nutrition program that initially builds foundational knowledge in nutrition and then teaches students more in depth concepts that allows them to create real expertise. Upon completion of this program students are eligible to gain additional credentials such as Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN); and Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

Unlike many other Bachelor's programs on this list, the BS in Nutrition from Purdue University requires students complete 180-credit hours of coursework. This program can also be combined with an Accelerated Master's Degree in health care administration, health informatics, health information management, public health, or health education, which will decrease the time and money required to pursue these degrees separately.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Purdue University Global here.

University of Western States

The University of Western States offers both a Masters degree and graduate certificate in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. The Master of Science option is composed of 17 classes with two start times each year, one in April and the other in October. The MS program is estimated to cost students $26,468 for all 17 classes and the program can be completed in two years of study.

The graduate certificate is composed of nine classes and can be completed in one year of study. The certificate program is more geared toward clinicians already in practice who want to hone their studies on a specific focus in functional medicine. Students enrolled in these programs can expect to take classes such as evidence-based nutrition; principles of functional medicine; gastrointestinal imbalances; hormone and neurotransmitter regulation and imbalances, among others.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Western States here.

University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado has two unique programs to suit a wide diversity of prospective students. The school offers its students a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, as well as a Didactic Dietetics Education Certificate Program for those that have already earned a Bachelor's degree and just need to meet the DPD requirement to become a Registered Dietitian. The BS in Dietetics also includes the DPD curriculum, but is more suited for students who have yet to complete an undergraduate degree.

Students in the DPD-only certificate program option are allowed to take 15 courses of the required 30 courses online. Classes are held in a 16-week semester format with students able to complete the DPD-only program after eight and 14 months of study. Tuition for each credit hour of education is estimated to cost students around $415.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Northern Colorado here.

North Dakota State University-Main Campus

University of North Dakota

Become an expert in nutrition education, nutrition counseling, and nutrition science with the University of North Dakota's Master of Science in Nutrition. Students are able to specialize in two areas in their online program including Nutrition Education and Counseling and Nutrition Science. Those who choose to attend class at their main campus in Grand Forks, North Dakota are able to also choose a specialization in Dietetics.

This Master of Science in Nutrition is a 30-credit hour degree program ideal for students with an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a related field. The program is expected to take students around two years to complete. Examples of classes you may take while enrolled in this program include nutrigenomics; nutrition counseling; nutrition in disease prevention and wellness; nutritional health advocacy and policy, and obesity and eating disorders, among others.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of North Dakota here.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition for individuals who ultimately want to become Registered Dietit

ians (RD's). This is one of three online nutrition programs in the United States accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Keep in mind that completing this program does not guarantee that you'll be accepted into a dietetic internship upon graduation as this is a competitive process, but it does give you the educational background necessary to apply.

The online BS in Food and Nutrition is a 120-credit hour program of which 59-credit hours are in the food and nutrition major. Students will also take 20-credit hours of science courses and 44-credit hours of general education courses to finish their degree. Tuition for this program will run students around $375 per credit hour.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Alabama here.

Bowling Green State University

Take your nutritional and food science expertise to new levels with the Master of Food and Nutrition online program from Bowling Green State University. The program is composed of 12 classes totaling 39 to 40-credit hours of coursework. Courses are held in seven week modules and there are multiple start dates throughout the year, so you don't have to wait to start your new career journey.

This Master's degree was created for individuals who already have a well developed foundational knowledge of nutrition through the completion of an undergraduate nutrition degree or an undergraduate degree in a related field. Students applying to this program are expected to have taken coursework in biochemistry; nutrition; and anatomy and physiology. The entire program is reasonably priced at between $18,000 and $20,000. Graduating with this degree is only accomplished after students complete a thesis or Master's project or pass a comprehensive examination.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Bowling Green State University here.

University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi teaches students how to become leaders in their communities health and wellness through the school's Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems. The degree allows students to select an emphasis in Dietetics. The ideal candidate for the Dietetics emphasis are students enrolled in a Dietetic internship and are looking to earn a Master's degree.

During the MS in Nutrition and Food Systems students will learn in depth concepts and practices in leadership, nutrition counseling, and education. Examples of courses you may end up taking while enrolled in this degree program include Global Nutrition and Health; Nutrition Education: Theory, Research, and Practice; and Food and Nutrition Public Policy. The program does require that students complete a thesis before graduation, as well as take an additional three research classes.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Southern Mississippi here.

North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers a Master of Nutrition that does not entail a thesis. Skip this headache and learn to understand and teach nutritional concepts effectively in this 36-credit hour degree program. Although students won't have to worry about a thesis project the program does entail a directed practicum or internship that is at least six credit hours of the total. Students enrolled in this program can choose to emphasize their degree in Feed Science or Human Nutrition, Food, and Bioprocessing.

While an undergraduate degree in nutrition is not required for application to this program, the school looks for prospective students to have a Bachelor's in a science related field. Students looking to gain admission will need to have taken coursework in biology and organic chemistry, and have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. North Carolina State University also offers a Professional Science Masters of Nutrition with an emphasis on Human Nutrition, which differs from the Master of Nutrition in that students have to work with prospective employers to develop relevant courses.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at North Carolina State University here.

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

The University of Nebraska, Lincoln is a major research university that offers on-ground students of their Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Science the ability to specialize in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition; Community Nutrition & Health Promotion; Hospitality Management; Nutrition and Exercise; and Professional Studies in Dietetics. Online students of this university are able to specialize in Dietetics. The online Dietetics program is only for already practicing Registered Dietitians needing to obtain a Master's degree.

The online MS in Nutrition and Health Science with an emphasis in Dietetics a 36-credit hour program. Students are required to take three courses, which include Statistics; Research Methods; and Current Issues. To graduate from this program students must pass a final examination and an oral examination, which are taken during the last semester of this program.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Nebraska, Lincoln here.

University of Texas, Austin

Individuals who ultimately wish to become a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist (BCNS) can meet, at least in part, the requirements to obtain this credential through the University of Texas, Austin's Master of Science in Nutritional Science program. This program doesn't meet the requirement necessary to become a Registered Dietitian. There are two tracks to this program, a one year program ideal for individuals preparing for advanced health education such as medical school or a physician assistant program.

The second track is a two year program that was created for more flexibility in mind for working professionals with changing schedules. This program will teach students about nutrients and their preservation; concepts related to the intestinal microbiome and how diet affects this system; how food interacts with our genes; and other metabolism processes and functions.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Texas, Austin here.

University of Central Missouri

The Master's of Science in Nutrition is a continuation of the Bachelor's of Science form the University of Central Missouri. It is geared toward those who desire the path of becoming a registered dietitian, as a master's degree will soon be a requirement. The master's program shifts focus onto clinical applications of human nutrition, and practical diet counseling skills.

Students can choose from a Clinical Nutrition option or a Sports Nutrition option, depending on their personal career goals and learning preferences. For both options, there are a number of course prerequisites which are satisfied by completing the Bachelor's in Nutrition. Plus, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to be accepted into the program. To complete the program, credits range from 30 to 43, depending on the exact tract a student chooses.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Central Missouri here.

Logan University

Logan University's Master's of Science in Nutrition and Human Performance is a nutrition program specifically designed for those who wish to work with athletes and others one-on-one to perform in-depth nutrition assessments. This program includes the training needed to complete nutrition and health assessments utilizing nutritional deficiencies evaluations, and food allergies evaluations and provide evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle guidance.

OnlineU.org named Logan University the #8 most affordable online master's in nutrition. This program is ideal for health professionals in the field, such as chiropractors, health and wellness professionals, and nurses who want to take their practice to the next level. After graduating, graduates are prepared to take the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) and the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exams.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Logan University here.

University of Memphis

Sustainability of our food system is of rising importance today. The Master's degree in Environmental Nutrition from the University of Memphis was designed to train tomorrow's leaders in understanding farming and food sustainability practices, traditional food practices, food justice and complementary approaches to nutrition.

The course is 33 credit hours and has a focus on practical experience through an internship and research. Students will be required to complete an applied project that involves research and first hand experience in their internship.

Applicants to this program come from a variety of backgrounds including health, nursing, dietetics, and the social sciences. Upon graduation, many go on to leadership roles in schools, industry, health care, government and non-profit organizations.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Memphis here.

Auburn University

Auburn University's non-thesis Master's of Science in Nutrition includes a combination of lectures, exams, assignments, and research. The program is 33 credit hours, 5 of which is dedicated to research to give students an opportunity to experience new advancements in the field.

This Master's program is well-suited for those with previous nutrition training and experience as well as those new to the industry. Upon graduation, many go on to pursue careers in nutrition and health programs, consulting, and business related to health, wellness, and human nutrition.

Students are able to learn at their own pace through the use of recorded lectures they can view at any time. Plus, the program can be tailored to the student's interests by selecting one of four areas of focus: Community nutrition, nutrition science, sport's nutrition, or clinical nutrition.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Auburn University here.

West Chester University, Pennsylvania

Community nutrition involves the health and wellness of populations in regards to dietary and nutritional practices. The online Master's of Science in Community Nutrition from West Chester University is a specialized nutrition Master's program that is centered on nutrition from a community standpoint. This program was designed for physicians, registered dietitians, and Bachelor's of nutrition graduates who have a special interest in community health.

This is a research-based program that is 33 credit hours in duration. The focus is on evidence based nutrition, health promotion and disease prevention. In addition to coursework learning, students are required to complete a non-thesis capstone paper based on their experience and research in the field. The professors of this program are equipped with first-hand experience and knowledge in the industry who hold doctorate degrees.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at West Chester University, Pennsylvania here.

Rutgers University

The Bachelor's of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Rutgers University is an Accredited program from the Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. As a Bachelor's degree, it is an excellent basis for pursuing a Master's in Nutrition and dietetics. Also, it provides the knowledge for the Credentialing Examination for Dietitian Nutritionists, for those who wish to become a registered dietitian.

The program provides the foundations of human nutrition, food and diet, as well as ethics and professional practice. To complete, it takes two to three years of online study. In addition, students must complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice in a nutrition and dietetics facility. All classes are taught by registered dietitians and those with ample training and experience in the field who can share real life experiences with students.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at Rutgers University here.

University of Illinois

The Master's of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition is a 32 credit hour program that is delivered in a full online format. The coursework included recorded lectures and online quizzes. To receive their degree, students must complete all the required coursework as well as pass an oral examination.

This program is ideal for professionals who are looking to advance their knowledge in the area of food science and nutrition, while being able to continue to work. To apply and be accepted, students must hold a bachelor's degree and have completed college courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, physics, and calculus.

Graduating from this program opens career options in industry, academia, and governmental agencies. The Master's program includes business, leadership, and marketing skills to prepare graduates for leadership and executive roles in the industry.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Illinois here.

University of Rhode Island

The Master's of Science in Nutrition at the University of Rhode Island is exclusively for Sodexo RDNs, or those who have been accepted into a Sodexo internship program. The Sodexo Dietetic Internship program is required to become a registered dietitian, which includes internship experience along with the standard coursework. This path is ideal for registered dietitians who are in their first five years of practice.

The program can be completed in 14 weeks through online study. The program consists of 11 courses that are taught over seven weeks and is 36 credit hours in total. Classes include research, clinical, management, and community.

All classes are taught by qualified professors who are registered dietitians themselves. A survey conducted by the college found that 98% of graduates would recommend this program.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Rhode Island here.

University of Alabama, Birmingham

The University of Alabama, Birmingham's Master's of Science in Nutrition Science is completed fully online and is ideal for those with a nutrition Bachelor's degree who want to take their training to the next level. To be accepted, applicants must also have completed 1,200 hours of supervised clinical hours, in addition to their bachelor's degree in nutrition/dietetics.

The coursework is flexible. Students can enroll in full or part time study, which allows them to complete the course quickly, or continue working while during their studies. With full-time study, students can expect to graduate in three semesters.

To customize learning, students can elect to enroll in a practicum as well. Practicum options include pediatric nutrition, weight management, children with special health care needs, and clinical research.

Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Registered Dietitians at University of Alabama, Birmingham here.

How Much Can I Expect To Earn With a Nutrition or Dietetic Degree?

Your earning potential can vary greatly depending on both the specific type of program you choose to complete and the career you ultimately decide to go into. Those that choose to pursue a nutrition degree without going through the internship and national board examination required by Registered Dietitians have multiple career paths that they can choose between including becoming a Dietetic Technician; Health Educator; or Community Health Worker, among other possible career choices.

Dietetic Technicians assist Dietitians in creating and implementing food and nutritional programs. Individuals in this career may also help educate the public about healthy eating. This career is projected to grow at an average rate of 4% to 6% between 2018 and 2028, with an estimated 3,100 job openings between that time. Those employed as a Dietetic Technician can expect to earn an annual pay of around $28,400.

Health Educators are responsible for planning and managing health education programs. Health Educators go by a variety of titles including Community Health Consultant; Health Education Coordinator; Health Education Specialist; and Public Health Educator. According to O'Net, 31% of Health Educators have a Bachelor's degree with the majority (62%) holding an Associates degree. Health Educators earn a median annual salary of $55,220, which comes out to $26.55 when broken into hourly pay.

Community Health Workers "Assist individuals and communities to adopt healthy behaviors. Conduct outreach for medical personnel or health organizations to implement programs in the community that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health." As of 2018, there were an estimated 61,700 people in the United States employed as a Community Health Worker and the profession is projected to grow at a faster than average rate of 11% or higher. Community Health Workers are reported to bring home over $40,000 per year.

Those individuals who complete a Dietetic degree, apply for and complete an approved internship, and take and pass the national board exam become Registered Dietitians. Around 29% of Registered Dietitians have a Bachelor's degree and 24% have a Master's degree. These numbers are going to change after 2024 due to new requirements that will require RD candidates to have at least a Master's degree to obtain the credential. All the hard work required to become a Registered Dietitian can come to fruition as the annual median wage for RD's is estimated to be $61,270, which calculates out to $29. 46 per hour.

Are Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians the Same?

The simple answer is that Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians are not the same. While Registered Dietitians work with and utilize nutrition, RD's have to jump through more educational and legal hoops than those that call themselves nutritionists. There are pros and cons to both careers, which we will explain in the next few paragraphs.

Nutritionists are individuals who have completed some kind of food science or nutrition program. The level of educational attainment for Nutritionists can vary greatly from a few months long program to a Master's or Doctorate degree. Additionally, the information learned in these programs can be different, which means that nutritionists are not all trained the same and have the same body of knowledge. Nutritionists are not able to call themselves Dietitians or Registered Dietitians and are under much less or zero governmental oversight. Depending on the state you reside in, nutritionists may or may not be required to obtain a license to practice nutritional counseling.

Conversely, Registered Dietitians go through rigorous specific training to earn their credential. To become a RD, an individual has to attend at least a Bachelor's level Nutrition, Food Science, or Dietitian program approved by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). After the completion of an approved program those looking to become Registered Dietitians must complete an approved internship which can last between six months and two years depending on the type of program and whether you are working full or part-time. Accredited internships for Dietitians are extremely competitive with only around half of students who apply to these programs getting accepted.

Once the approved dietetic internship is completed students are eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration examination which consists of at least 125 multiple-choice exam questions. Students sitting for this exam are given three hours start to finish and students are required to pay $200 to take the test.

If you're interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out 30 Accredited Online Colleges For Nursing and 30 Accredited Online Colleges For Respiratory Therapy!