Finding Your Perfect School Starts Here!
Step 1
Please answer the question below so that we can help you find your ideal school.
A Bachelor's Degree Can Lead to a Rewarding Career in Child Nutrition
By Catherine Groux
Posted June 18, 2012 08:28 AM
Students can become child nutritionists with a bachelor's or master's degree.Today, as more Americans are deemed overweight or obese, a healthy diet is more important than ever. This is especially true for children, as the habits they develop in their youth can affect them throughout their lives. In order to make a difference in the lives of these children and show them how to eat properly, individuals can launch rewarding careers as child nutritionists.
The Importance of Ensuring Children Eat Healthily
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past three decades. In 2008, more than one-third of children and youths were overweight or obese, and this figure seems to be growing annually. This is significant, as obese children are more likely to have prediabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, social and psychological problems, poor self-esteem and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
In addition to these health issues, a new study found that obese children often struggle in school more than their peers, according to CNN. After following 6,250 children from kindergarten to the fifth grade, researchers found that obese youths scored lower on math tests than non-obese children. Additionally, the study found that obese students are more likely to be held back in school and less likely to go to college and earn an associate's or bachelor's degree.
How to Become a Child Nutrition Expert
Individuals who want to ameliorate the child obesity crisis can launch nutrition careers. Typically, in order to become a nutritionist, students must earn at least a bachelor's degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. However, many people opt to advance their education and earn a master's degree in the subject. Additionally, most states require professionals to receive licensure before becoming nutritionists.
While a general nutrition degree can qualify individuals to become child nutritionists, some students choose a degree or certificate program that specifically focuses on youth health. For example, the University of California Davis offers a graduate degree in maternal and child nutrition, while the University of Southern Mississippi has a graduate certificate in management of child nutrition programs, the schools' websites state.
A Growing Industry
Child nutritionists can have rewarding careers, as their jobs are extremely crucial in securing successful futures for the nation's youth. However, as eating healthily becomes increasingly important, the nutrition industry is expected to boom. This, in turn, can ensure that nutritionists not only have rewarding careers, but also plenty of job opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of positions for dietitians and nutritionists is expected to rise by 20% through 2020, which is faster than average for all jobs.
