If you’re interested in nutrition but want to make a big impact on the community at large, public health nutrition careers may be for you. By working in public health as a certified nutritionist, you will be able to influence the decisions around you to create healthier and more sustainable local food systems. Whether you’re passionate about environmental health or improving access to high-quality nutrition, a public health nutrition career can give you the knowledge, tools, and education foundation you need to make a difference.
What to Expect When Studying Public Health Administration
For upper-level job opportunities as a public health nutritionist, you will typically need to get a Master’s degree in Public Health Administration after completing your undergraduate program in nutrition or something similar, like Food Science Fundamentals.
At Everglades University, our Master’s in Public Health Administration with a Concentration in Functional Nutrition (MPHFN) covers advanced theoretical concepts spanning an array of concerns impacting the public health field, such as the following:
- Complex health issues
- Evidence-based nutrition
- Infectious disease control
- Whole foods for wellness and health
- Nutritional assessments
- Functional nutritional approaches
- The U.S. healthcare system
- Healthcare policies
- Research models in public health
- Community health assessments
- And more
To work as a licensed public health nutritionist, many states require you to acquire licensing and certification through various boards, which you can often complete after your undergrad. Upon fulfilling your MPHFN, you will unlock numerous employment prospects, allowing you to work in field-based positions for actionable change.
Primary Careers in Public Health Nutrition
Public health nutrition careers differ from standard nutrition careers because you work on larger-scale community initiatives rather than one-on-one with individual clients. Your primary goal will be to improve the nutritional habits, health, and access of an entire community through things like policy initiatives. You will conduct research, consult specialists, analyze large groups of people, and present recommendations to promote change within communities.
Many options exist for public health nutrition careers, as you can work in a range of communities. Settings could include hospitals, local governments, schools, and more.
The Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in dietician and nutrition fields are expected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average careers, reflecting a positive job outlook. A ZipRecruiter report also displays that the average public health nutritionists make over $60,000 per year.
Are You Interested in Public Health Nutrition?
Public health nutrition careers display a promising future. If you want to make a positive impact on your surrounding communities, you can start by applying to Everglades University today to begin your Master’s in Public Health Administration with a Concentration in Functional Nutrition.