Public Health Careers--Nutritionist or Dietitian
Can a Psychology degree lead to a career as a Nutritionist or Dietitian?
Yes, your Psychology degree can lead to a carer as a Nutritionist/Dietitian--experts in food, nutrition, and diet regulation. These jobs involve advising people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or to achieve a specific health-related goal. Nutritionists and Dieticitians work in many settings, including hospitals, business, the government, nursing homes, cafeterias, and clinics. Some are self-employed and have their own practices. Keep in mind that the title of "Dietitian" is legally protected, which means to use this name you must have met certain educational requirements at an accredited college (you would get a Master's degree) and have passed the national registration exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration so that you can be licensed as a Dietitian. In this way, Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals licensed to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional problems.
It is interesting that the totle of "Nutritionist" is not legally protected. Because of this, there is no specification with regard to education, experience, or ongoing training. Thus, most states allow you to call yourself a "Nutritionist" without any specific type of education, certificate, or license.
Click on this link to read more about the differences between a Nutritionist and Dietitian.
Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the average yearly income of a Nutritionist and Dietician at $59,500.
Click here to read important steps to a Public Health Career with a Bachelor's Degree.
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Click on the links below to read about another Public Health career that only requires a Bachelor's Degree:
Public Health Careers--Health Educator/Worker
Click on the links below to read about other Public Health careers that require a graduate degree:
Public Health Careers--Biostatics
Public Health Careers--Environmental Health
Public Health Careers--Epidemiology