What Types of Certificate Programs are Available in Nutrition?

<p>Certificate programs in nutrition are sometimes offered at the graduate level and are intended to build your knowledge in a specialty area, such as sports nutrition, family nutrition or nutrition education. Undergraduate certificate programs, which can prepare you for entry-level careers in the diet and nutrition industry, also are available. They can serve as a good foundation for continued studies. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutNutritionCertificatePrograms">Important Facts About Nutrition Certificate Programs</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses</td><td> Nutrition, exercise, physical fitness, anatomy, physiology, flexibility training, sociology, anthropology etc.</td></tr> <tr><td> Programs</td><td> Undergraduate certificate, graduate certificate</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Fully offered</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible occupations</td><td> Nutritionists, personal trainers, weight loss consultants, women infants and children (WIC) counselors, health educators, clinical dietitians</td></tr> <tr><td> Licensure</td><td> Some states require licencing or certification prior to entering the workforce</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $61,650 (<i>for all dietitians and nutritionists </i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all dietitians and nutritionists </i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---CommunityNutrition">Community Nutrition</h3> <p>Certificate programs in community nutrition can prepare you for work with women, children and infants at community agencies. Topics of study emphasize the dietary needs of these groups as well as physiology, anatomy and dietary therapy. </p> <h3 id="section---NutritionEducation">Nutrition Education</h3> <p>A nutrition education program can be a good choice if you plan to work for a weight control clinic, gym or health club, community agency or manufacturer of nutrition-related products. Your coursework may include physiology, anatomy, nutrition therapy and principles of food. You may also study the theories and science of nutrition. </p> <h3 id="section---FoodAndNutrition">Food and Nutrition</h3> <p>As a student of a food and nutrition program, you'll likely explore the relationship between a good diet and overall health. In addition, you could learn about basic strategies for developing nutritional plans. Coursework may include health and nutrition, diet therapy and nutrition for different age groups. </p> <h3 id="section---NutritionAndFitness">Nutrition and Fitness</h3> <p>Certificate programs in fitness and nutrition focus on the relationship between physical activity and good eating habits as a strategy to achieve a healthy lifestyle. You might examine scientific principles of nutrition and their application to wellness and disease. Course topics can include fitness activities and injury prevention. </p> <h3 id="section---SportsNutrition">Sports Nutrition</h3> <p>These certificate programs might blend nutrition and exercise knowledge. You could learn to work with athletes to help them reach peak performance and avoid injury. Courses may cover human metabolism, caloric needs, hydration and weight management.</p>