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Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in California
California Nutritionist and Dietitian Schools
Use the links on the right to navigate to helpful tips on nutritionist and dietitian programs in California, as well as salary and career outlook. Learn what may be required, then get started on a potential path toward becoming a nutritionist in California.
Campus-Based vs. Online Nutritionist Education in California
Course work at nutritionist schools in California may include subject-specific classes such as dietetics, nutrition, biology and physiology, as well as courses in management and communications. Prerequisite course work may include courses in science and math, along with courses in English.
One advantage of an online nutrition degree program over campus-based programs is the accessibility of the education. Busy students with family obligations can take classes online and work toward earning their nutritionist degree without sacrificing time with their families. Online programs may also provide working students the flexibility to earn a degree without giving up their career.
California Nutritionist Salary and Employment Outlook
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) reported that as of 2010, there were 7,000 nutritionists and dietitians employed in the state. Additionally, the EDD projects an employment growth of up to 20 percent from 2010 to 2020. As of 2012, nutritionists and dietitians in California earned a median annual wage of $68,621 (labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/, 2012).
The following table provides salaries in state by county.
| Dietitian & Nutritionist Salary in California By County | 2012 Annual Median Wage |
| Nutritionist Salary In Los Angeles | $67,772 |
| Nutritionist Salary In Sacramento Metro Area | $71,082 |
| Nutritionist Salary In San Diego | $62,497 |
| Nutritionist Salary In Santa Barbara | $73,143 |
This table is based on data from the California EDD, Labor Market Information Division (labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov, 2012)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the recent increased interest in the role of food as it pertains to health and wellness -- diet and nutrition are important in both preventing and treating illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes -- is expected to spur professional growth across the nation (BLS.gov/ooh, 2012). The BLS projects that from 2010 to 2020, the number of nutritionists and dietitians working as part of the health care industry should increase nationwide by about 20 percent -- same as the growth expected in California. Nursing homes are also forecast to experience a demand for these professionals, as an aging population may require special dietary needs.
California Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Requirements
Nutritionists in California are not required to be licensed in order to work as nutritionists. However, the state does prevent people from using the titles of dietitian/dietician or registered dietitian/dietician, as well as the letters RD and DTR, unless registered with an approved agency (leginfo.ca.gov). Those not registered may still work in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, but may not refer to themselves as anything other than nutritionists. More information on the registration requirements for the state of California can be found on our California Nutritionist License page.
Nutritionists and dietitians can contribute more to their community than just selling vitamin supplements. They may help manage the nutritional intake of patients and children, prescribe diet changes for healthier living, and provide needed public health information as a health educator. Whatever your path, you are likely to find a nutritionist program to fit your goals.
Sources:
State of California Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, Dietitians and Nutritionists, http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/cgi/databrowsing/occExplorerQSDetails.asp?searchCriteria=nutritionist&careerID=&menuChoice=&geogArea=0601000000&soccode=291031&search=Explore+Occupation
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Dietitians and Nutritionists, July 2012, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm
California Legislative Information, California Business and Professions Code: Section 2585-2586.8, 2002, http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=bpc&group=02001-03000&file=2585-2586.8
Nutritionist Programs:
Arizona State University Online
Online
Why ASU?
At ASU, learning online is effective, flexible and smart. Every program delivered online is developed by the same excellent faculty who teach on our campuses, and is designed to engage students and professors in meaningful ways. The result? Our students are an integral part of a New American University.
ASU students who learn online connect with the full university experience: interaction with internationally recognized faculty, access to collections from ASU's eight award-winning libraries, an alumni network tens of thousands of members strong, and membership in a community of thousands of students pursuing their degrees.
Programs offered:
Kaplan University
Online
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*
Programs offered:
Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management
Online
Work toward your degree online with Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management. We offer a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management that can be completed 100% online.
Programs offered:
Ashworth College
Online
Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.
Programs offered:
California University of Pennsylvania
Online
Study online with California University of Pennsylvania. We offer certificate and bachelor's and master's degree programs in a wide variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.
Stratford Career Institute
Online
Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.
Programs offered:
