Registered dietitians provide measurable
benefits to the public involving nutrition, health and the interaction
between the two. Individuals interested in pursuing a college education
in this field online can pursue a bachelor's and master's degree
program.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics
An online bachelor's degree program in dietetics is concerned with the science of
nutrition,
the role of diet in health and disease prevention, food safety
regulations and principles of food preparation and meal planning.
Students also develop the communication skills needed to counsel people
on their dietary choices and the management techniques necessary for
foodservice operations. Enrollment in a dietetics program requires a
high school diploma or GED. High school-level courses in the natural
sciences are preferred, particularly chemistry and biology.
Apart from internship requirements, courses in an online dietetics
bachelor's degree program can be completed entirely online. Students
interact with instructors and other students via message boards, e-mail,
chat sessions and phone. All course content may be accessed through a
school's Web site at a student's convenience. Assignments have a fixed
deadline, but students can work at their own pace toward that deadline. A
bachelor's degree is typically earned in four years.
A sound and graphics-capable personal computer and Internet access
are the minimum technical requirements to participate in an online
program. Schools may use Blackboard to manage educational content.
List of Common Bachelor's Degree Dietetics Courses
Bachelor's degree programs generally require liberal arts courses in
the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Programs may give
particular emphasis to courses in human anatomy and physiology,
chemistry and biology.
Nutrition Course
Students learn about the function of various nutrients and their
effect on human health. Topics considered include nutrient digestion,
utilization and storage.
Food Production and Management Course
This course presents general management theories , examining the
process of running a food service system in particular. Topics include
procurement, menu planning, quality control and computer applications,
among other topics.
Dietetic Counseling Course
Students learn techniques used in educating and advising people on
food choices and nutritional options. Techniques are also explored for
use in both individual and group counseling.
An online bachelor's degree in dietetics qualifies graduates to work as a dietetic technician or
dietitian.
Hospitals, nursing homes, government agencies concerned with public
health, private businesses and educational institutions all employ
dietitians. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov),
employment of dietitians will grow 9% from 2008-2018. Growth will
result from increased emphasis on proper diet as a means of preventing
disease.
Payscale.com reports that as of June 2010, dietitians with less than a year of experience earned salaries in a range of $34,636-$41,513.
In most states, dietitians need to be licensed or certified by the
state; however, dietetic technicians do not. Students who wish to be
certified as registered dietitians by the American Dietetic Association
need to arrange for and complete an internship at an approved food
service corporation, community agency or health care facility. They may
then go on to earn a master's degree in dietetics.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Dietetics
This degree program is designed for registered dietitians looking to
enhance their knowledge in food, nutrition, health and wellness
promotion, and food service operations management. Programs emphasize
research, critical thinking on public health policy and applications of
new theories in dietetics. Eligible candidates must have earned a
bachelor's degree in dietetics with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
and be credentialed by the American Dietetic Association's Commission
on Dietetic Registration.
Students may complete this program entirely online, typically in 2-3
years. Readings, lectures, assignments, tests and other course content
are accessible on a 24 hour basis. Interactions between students and the
instructor are conducted through online forums, chat rooms and e-mail.
Students need a multimedia-capable personal computer and Internet access
to participate.
List of Common Master's Degree Dietetics Courses
Master's degree programs are often organized into sets of core
courses and electives and can include a thesis or non-thesis option.
Students who choose to write a thesis may have to present an oral
defense of it before a review committee.
This course explains the physiological processes by which the body
metabolizes vitamins and minerals and uses them for energy and cell
maintenance. Coursework addresses hormonal regulation, symptoms of
toxicity and nutritional deficiency, biological availability and
nutrient interactions.
Energy Balance Course
Students examine the effect of metabolism and endocrinology, as well
as lifestyle choices on mental and physical vitality. Topics explored
include the development of obesity, research methods and applications of
energy balance data.
Clinical Dietetics Course
An in-depth analysis of the pathology and physiology of diseases is
provided as they relate to nutrition. Physical disorders that disrupt
nutrient assimilation and nutritional deficiencies that undermine
physiological function are both considered.
An online master's degree in dietetics can help registered dietitians
meet any legally mandated continuing education obligations, as well as
advance to higher level management positions as directors or assistant
directors. Some dietitians may specialize in nutrition therapy for
elderly, diabetic or renal patients. They may also become dietetic
consultants, nutrition policy advisers or clinical researchers.
According to
Payscale.com, dietitians with 5-9 years of experience earned salaries ranging from $43,024 to $55,855 as of June 2010.
Registered dietitians who earn a doctorate degree in dietetics may
teach at the college level or lead academic research projects. As of
June 2010, doctoral programs in dietetics were not offered online.
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