Degree programs in sports nutrition are not
available by name online; however, online degree programs in nutrition
and dietetics are available with courses and concentrations in sports
nutrition. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science and a Master of
Science degree in nutrition and dietetics that will prepare them for a
career as a licensed dietitian or nutritionist in a sports-related
field.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition Science and Dietetics
Students interested in earning an undergraduate degree in sports
nutrition can receive their education through a Bachelor of Science
(B.S.) in Nutrition Science or a B.S. in Dietetics degree program. These
programs investigate the role that nutrition plays in the development,
sustenance, and maintenance of health. Students can sometimes choose a
concentration in areas that include sports nutrition, which will allow
them to effectively educate and council athletes in their nutritional
choices. Prospective students must have a high-school diploma or GED
equivalency to be admitted into these programs.
B.S. degree programs in nutrition science and dietetics range from
120-130 semester hours, and can be completed in four years. Many
programs are organized in a degree-completion format so that students
may transfer into the program once they have completed their general
education requirements elsewhere. Programs are available to be completed
entirely online; however, some hybrid programs exist as well. Students
access course material through online websites, downloadable
multimedia, CD's and DVD's.
Students need to have access to a computer with an updated browser,
operating system and a high speed Internet connection. Due to the nature
of streaming video lectures, the computer must have a media player with
functioning speaker system.
List of Common B.S. in Nutrition Science and Dietetics Online Degree Program Courses
Some programs require for students to participate in field experience
courses, where students work in food service as well as study with
dietician mentors.
Nutrition in Public Health Course
This course prepares students to assess the nutritional needs of
varying populations. Emphasis is placed on education, analysis, program
planning and outreach.
Clinical Nutrition Course
This course is commonly delivered over two semesters. Participants
investigate the role of nutrition in maintaining wellness in the body,
and in the defense against disease. Students analyze the effect of
disease on the body's utilization of nutrients, as well as nutrition
therapy and counseling.
Biochemistry in Nutrition Course
Emphasizes the processes involved with energy metabolism. Through the
study of physiochemistry, macronutrients and micronutrients, students
gain an understanding of the absorption and utilization of
carbohydrates, vitamins, nutrients and proteins.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, (BLS) graduates who
have completed an internship in dietetics are eligible to receive
licensure to be employed as a registered dietetic technician (DTR) (
www.bls.gov).
Graduates must take an examination from the Commission on Accreditation
for Dietetics Education (CADE) to be eligible for this occupation.
DTR's assist registered dietitians in various settings where they help
administer nutritional therapy. Licensure requirements vary by state, so
examination is not always necessary to work in the field of dietetics.
The BLS reported in May 2009 that the mean annual wage for registered
dietetic technicians was $28,530.
Graduates of an undergraduate degree program in nutrition and
dietetics can pursue further education in sports medicine without
pursuing a master's degree. Certificates in sports nutrition are
available completely online, and prepare students for the American
College of Sports Medicine national examination. Programs generally
consist of four courses that deal exclusively with the nutritional needs
of athletes. These certificate programs can be completed in 1-2 years,
depending on the time the student spends on material.
Overview of a Master's Degree Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
Many states require that registered dietitians complete a master's
degree program in nutrition science or dietetics to be eligible for the
CADE licensure examination. Applicants should have an undergraduate
degree in dietetics, nutrition science or in a related field that will
prepare them for advanced courses in nutrition, chemistry and health.
Some programs require for applicants to already be licensed dietitians.
These programs investigate nutrition science and dietetics in depth, and
often allow for students to declare a concentration in areas that
include courses in sports nutrition. Common program titles include a
M.S. in Nutrition and an M.S. in Dietetics.
The average length of these programs can range from 30-43 semester
hours. This large range is due to the variance in the formatting of
curricula; students can choose to complete a thesis option, a capstone
project and/or an internship. Participants access course material
through online learning programs like the Blackboard system. Students
also engage in collaborative learning via weekly chat sessions with
instructors and peers where relevant course material is discussed.
Programs are available to be completed entirely online.
List of Common M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics Online Degree Program Courses
If an applicant's undergraduate degree is in a non-related field,
then prerequisite courses in chemistry, anatomy, statistics, physiology
and nutrition must be completed prior to enrollment.
Sports Nutrition Course
This course examines the utilization of food and nutrients in the
bodies of people involved in athletic performance. Emphasis is placed on
analyzing diets that are conducive to optimal fitness health. Course
projects often include the design of diet plans for hypothetical
clients.
Preventative Nutrition Course
This course focuses on the role that nutrition plays in disease
prevention and the promotion of wellness. Students research case studies
and analyze current research findings to identify disease risk factors
and to construct diet plans to maintain the health of future patients.
Sports Nutrition Business Practice Course
Emphasis is placed on the business strategies that sports
nutritionists take when setting up a private practice. Concepts include
the analysis of current business practices, legal issues, reimbursement
and target markets.
Graduates of this program are eligible to work as certified
dietitians and nutritionists. Certification and registration for these
occupations vary by state, so graduates must adhere to state-governed
protocol for these positions. According to the BLS, the employment rate
for nutritionists and dietitians is expected to rise by 9% between
2008-2018. The BLS also reported in May 2009 that the mean annual wage
for this occupation was $53,230.
No comments:
Post a Comment