As the economy is improving, a number of industries may be seen experiencing a boom, especially in healthcare. Nutrition careers are among the few areas that have made their way to the "Best Job" rankings by US News & World Report. More people in the economy are suffering from diet-related diseases and medical conditions, which has boosted the demand for nutritionists. Fox News has reported that due to many people interested in improving their lifestyle and diets, a number of career opportunities have opened up in wellness and nutrition.
Nutritionists may be described as professionals who use their skill and expertise to formulate diet plans and advise people on how to eat healthy. A 21% growth rate in job opportunities has been reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While this career may seem in-demand and well-paying, careers in nutrition also bring a sense of achievement and allows one to personally help a person build a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition has emerged as an academic discipline and is offered for study by many accredited schools. Individuals may pursue bachelor, master, or doctorate degrees in this field.
Doctorate in Nutrition
If you have completed your bachelor and master's degrees, you could expand your career opportunities by enrolling in a doctorate program in nutrition. This is the highest form of degree available in any academic field. The main purpose of a doctorate level degree is to provide students with research skills, critical thinking skills, and advanced conceptual knowledge. A PhD in nutrition will expand a student's base of knowledge regarding nutritional sciences and research. The program will cover various areas relevant to the field; highlighting areas such as metabolism, behavioral sciences, and molecular and biochemical sciences.
Students are required to conduct independent research and develop a dissertation. The dissertation must reflect an organized and well-researched topic. Much of the coursework in a PhD program is advanced in nature. Some key areas that are covered in the curriculum are:
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Nutrition and metabolism
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Nutrition research design
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Biostatistics
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Other sciences (related to specific interests)
The curriculum of nutrition PhD programs will vary slightly from college to college. Typically, the duration of this degree ranges from 5 to 7 years. It is also possible to pursue a doctorate degree online. Students are able to study from their home using their computer and an internet connection.
Licensing and Certification
In most states, a nutritionist is required to hold a valid license. There are a number of credentialing agencies such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Commission on Dietetic Registration, and the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialist.
Career Opportunities
You could seek many research-based job positions and university teaching jobs with a nutrition doctorate degree. The career opportunities in the field of nutrition are vast. Many individuals with this degree may be seen working in research and development sectors of large corporations. According to the BLS, the annual median income of nutritionists was $55,240 in 2012. With a faster than average growth rate, the occupation could turn out to be a suitable career choice.