I am 28 years old, work full time in a salaried retail management
position, and have a mortgage payment.

I recently discovered that I have a burning passion to pursue a career
in the field of Nutrition, specifically assisting others in reaching
nutritional and / or fitness levels that they desire. The challenge I
am experiencing is, I don't know where to begin.  I'm in a position
where I have little time to research this information and I feel like
I'm neglecting my passion by working in retail.

Here is my question broken down:

1. Specifically, what types of jobs exist for someone with my interests?

2. What type of degree does it require and approximately how long
would I have to attend school part time to earn it?

3. What's the average salary of a nutritionist?

Thank you kindly,
Karl

---

Clarification of Question by toiletman-ga on 11 Sep 2005 10:39 PDT

Also, are there any online courses I can take that will earn me a
authentic degree such as a Bachelors or Masters? I found a lot that
offer "diplomas" and such but none with degrees.

Hi! Thanks for the question.

When you have questions about particular careers and career trends
like the one as a nutritionist, the best source will be the
Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics

I will try to answer your question in a point-by-point manner.

1. Specifically, what types of jobs exist for someone with my interests?.

a. Clinical dietitians ? ?provide nutritional services for patients in
institutions such as hospitals and nursing care facilities.?

b. Community dietitians ? ?counsel individuals and groups on
nutritional practices designed to prevent disease and promote health.?

c. Management dietitians ? ?oversee large-scale meal planning and
preparation in healthcare facilities, company cafeterias, prisons, and
schools.?

d. Consultant dietitians ? ?work under contract with healthcare
facilities or in their own private practice.?


2. What type of degree does it require and approximately how long
would I have to attend school part time to earn it?

?Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor?s degree in
dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a
related area.?

Usually these degree programs are for 4 to 5 years.


3. What's the average salary of a nutritionist? $41,170  

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos077.htm 


Here are other sources that maybe helpful to you.

?Summary Report for: 29-1031.00 - Dietitians and Nutritionists?
http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-1031.00

?CareerAge - Nutrition and Dietetics?
http://www.careerage.com/resources/career_choices/dietician/dietician.shtml 

Lunch Money
http://www.lunch-money.com/Careers/Overview/29-1031.00.aspx 

?Dietitians & Nutritionists?
http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/A-D/Dietitians.shtml 


---------------------------------------
Online and Distance Education Degrees for Food and Nutrition:

Eastern Michigan University ? Online Degree in Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
http://www.ce.emich.edu/onlinedietetics/index.html

Kansas State University
http://www.directdegree.com/scripts/offer.php?code=XXXX&&offer=KANSAS-010&&file=diettt&&session=1

Auburn University
http://www.auburn.edu/distance_learning/programs/hs_mnfs/ 

East Carolina University
http://www.ecu.edu/che/nuhm/nutrmsde.htm 

University of Alabama
http://www.ches.ua.edu/nhm/graduate_nutrition.htm 

University of Bridgeport
http://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/2272.asp 

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
http://shrp.umdnj.edu/nutr/index.htm 


Search terms used:
nutritionists career
online bachelors degree dietetics nutrition

I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
                                                          
                              
Regards,                              
Easterangel-ga                              
Google Answers Researcher

Very well done.  Thank you very much Easterangel!

You're welcome!