Where Do Aspiring Dietitians & Nutritionists Attend School?
In a 2011 survey held by the Department of State Health Services in Texas, it was discovered that 32% of adults and around 15% of youth are suffering from obesity. Likewise, these candidates who were diagnosed to be obese are also suffering from cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some even died at a very early age. That said, the nutritionists located in South Carolina are in search of ways on how to lessen the risks of obesity that often occur in the state residents. One of the ways to make that possible is through the implementation of healthy eating habits, as well as lifestyle changes.
Furthermore, based on current state law of Texas, the nutritionist profession isn’t as organized as it may seem. In fact, nutritionists don’t even need to have a license, certification, experience, education, or training requirements just to be able to practice their profession. On the other hand, unlike nutritionists, the dietitians are required to have a license. With that, the nutritionists aren’t allowed to use the titles, such as “provisional dietitian,” and “licensed dietitian” unless they have successfully procured a license coming from the State Board of Examiners of Dietitians in Texas.
The Education and Degree Needed
Despite the fact that the nutritionists in Texas aren’t required to fulfill a secondary education requirement in order to practice their profession, a lot of employers prefer nutritionists who have graduated with a bachelor’s degree– this gives them the guarantee that the nutritionist they’re planning to hire is capable of doing her job. Also, based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 42% of dietitians between 27-45 have a bachelor’s degree, while 37% of them have a master’s, doctor’s, or even a professional degree.
In Texas, there are a number of accredited higher institutions that provide nutrition-related programs. Some programs even offer courses focusing on exercise science, dietetic, food science, community, nutrition, nutritional sciences, and so on. Students are asked to take part in nutrition degree programs that are composed of the following subjects: food deliver systems, nutrition education, metabolism, consumer sciences, and medical nutrition therapy.
Bachelor Degree Programs being offered in Texas include:
- BS Food Science and Nutrition
- BS Nutrition Sciences
- BS Human Nutrition and Foods
- BS Food Science and Technology
- BS Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Administration
- BS Nutrition
Employment and Texas Nutritionists Salary
Additionally, based on the data gathered from the Texas Workforce Commission, there are around 4,365 nutritionists and dietitians that were hired throughout Texas in 2010. Likewise, based on the prediction made by the government, in 2020, this number will rise to 5,530. This indicates an increase for this profession.
Some of the top places where the nutritionists are in demand includes colleges, outpatient care centers, universities, and offices of local physicians.
As for the median hourly wage of nutritionists employed in the US, it falls around $27.88, with a median yearly salary of $55,750. It has been observed that the nutritionists and dietitians are earning slightly lower as compared to other professions. However, it’s also important to realize that the geographic location, work experience, and professional credentials also contribute to the amount of salary a professional is going to earn.