Whether you want to work as an integral part
of a health services team, a food scientist, foodservices manager, or
consultant to a professional sports team, studying nutrition can lead to
a rewarding career helping people do one of their favorite things
(eating!), in the best way possible. Read on to find out more about
accredited health and nutrition courses available online that are part
of an associate's, bachelor's, master's or even doctoral degree-granting
program.
A Look at Online Courses in Dietetics and Nutrition
Accredited online bachelor's degrees in dietetics or nutritional
science can prepare an individual for an entry level career in public
health, foodservice management or research, or lay the foundation for
pursuing a graduate degree in the field or another life science, entry
into medical school or licensure as a registered dietitian.
Students can complete all of the bachelor's degree coursework for
becoming a registered dietitian online, but then must take part in an
accredited practice program under supervision and pass a national
registration exam from the American Dietetic Association (
www.eatright.org). Registered Dietitians most frequently work in the
health care
sector with populations who have specific nutritional needs (including
children, the elderly, obese individuals, and people with eating
disorders, diabetes, kidney problems or chronic illnesses). They may
also choose to practice privately or work as consultants for clients
like professional sports teams, restaurants or corporations.
Associate's degree programs are available online that lead to
becoming a dietetic technician. There are also distance master's and
doctoral programs available online for those wanting to pursue their
education even further.
Course Requirements
Virtually all online courses require students to have regular
computer and Internet access, as well as know how to use e-mail and word
processing programs. Hardware specifications may include minimum
processor speeds, screen resolutions, and available storage and RAM
(memory). You may also need other hardware like a sound card and
speakers or a CD-RW, DVD-RW or USB mass-storage device. Online courses
sometimes specify platform (generally the more recent versions of
Windows or Mac OS), software (such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat
Reader), a preferred browser, and a minimum Internet speed. Many schools
utilize the Blackboard course management system to deliver online
courses and will provide an orientation to new users.
List of Online Health and Nutrition Courses
Degrees in dietetics and nutrition often include studies of business,
economics, sociology, computer science, microbiology, chemistry and
physiology. Online courses with a more specific nutrition and health
focus are also integral to degree-granting programs, and may include the
following:
The Science of Human Food and Nutrition
This course focuses on the biological and chemical components of the
foods we eat and the role of individual nutrients in maintaining health.
It also covers digestion and metabolic function and considers how
nutrition is affected by the way consumers plan meals, select, store and
prepare their food.
This course focuses on the nutritional issues and needs of various
segments of the population. Approaches to nutritional education, factors
influencing food intake and cultural differences are also considered.
Additional topics include food trends, culinary history and nutrition
throughout the lifespan.
Nutritional Evaluation, Education and Intervention
Students learn how to apply various methods to evaluate specific
nutritional components in this course. Nutritional therapy and practices
for promoting healthy eating in various groups and settings are also
covered.
Food and Management
This course covers issues relevant to foodservices management. Topics
include standards of safety and sanitation, purchasing, storage,
distribution, nutritional concepts and the management of operations and
personnel.
Food on a Global Level
This course takes on food and nutrition on a more global scale by
looking at topics such as geography, culture, religion and tradition.
Also considered are factors influencing the quantity and quality of
food, such as availability of fertile land and livestock, changes in the
environment, fair trade and industrialization.
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