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Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Nutritionist and Dietitian Schools
The road to earning your license as a dietitian or nutritionist in the state of Massachusetts may not be as daunting as you might have believed. The information listed on this page may be helpful for learning more about nutritionist and dietitian programs in Massachusetts, as well as salary and career outlook information for these health science professionals.
Campus-Based vs. Online Nutritionist Education in Massachusetts
Nutritionist schools in Massachusetts may require students to take subject-specific classes such as dietetics, food science, biology and physiology, as well as courses in management and communication. Prerequisite courses may include science, math, and English.
Online programs may offer more flexibility for working students than traditional schools. Additionally, remote students, or those with family obligations with the ability to manage their time and responsibilities, may also benefit from online programming that allows them to take classes when they have the time. However, the most important aspect of an online or campus-based program depends upon what type of student you are and what you want to gain from the program.
Massachusetts Nutritionist Salary and Employment Outlook
As of May 2012, dietitians and nutritionists in Massachusetts earned a mean annual wage of $60,640 (BLS.gov/oes, 2012). The following table provides nutritionist salaries in the state by region. This table is based on May 2012 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov/oes, 2013).
| Nutritionist Salary in Massachusetts by Area | 2012 Annual Mean Wage |
| Nutritionist Salary in Barnstable Town, MA | $65,300 |
| Nutritionist Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | $61,350 |
| Nutritionist Salary in Peabody, MA NECTA Division | $67,180 |
| Nutritionist Salary in Pittsfield, MA | $72,620 |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nationwide employment growth of nutritionists and dietitians is expected to increase by 20 percent from 2010 to 2020 (BLS.gov/ooh, 2012). The BLS projects that these professionals, as part of the health care industry, may be in demand as a result of the increased awareness of the importance diet and nutrition play in preventing heart disease and diabetes. Nursing homes in particular are expected to experience a demand for nutritionists and dietitians, as the aging population can require special dietary needs.
Massachusetts Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian Requirements
Massachusetts licenses both dietitians and nutritionists practicing within the state and requires professionals to maintain their license through continuing education. More information, including education and training requirements for dietitians and nutritionists, can be found on our Massachusetts Nutritionist Certification and License page. It can also be found on the website for the Massachusetts Board of Dietitians and Nutritionists.
Nutritionists and dietitians can be much more to their community than purveyors of vitamin supplements. These food-science professionals may help control the nutrition of sick patients with prescribed diets, as well as fulfilling the role of health educators by providing valuable nutritional information to schools and businesses. Whatever your path may be, you're likely to find a nutritionist school that may fit your goals.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Dietitians and Nutritionists, July 18, 2012, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm#tab-6
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2012 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Massachusetts, Dietitians and Nutritionists, March 29, 2013, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm
Commission on Dietetic Registration, Laws that Regulate Dietitians/Nutritionists, http://cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web/files/Licensurelawsregulations.pdf
Mass.Gov, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists, 2013, http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/nu/
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Community, State Licensure Agency Contact List: Massachusetts, Board of Dietitians and Nutritionists, 2013, http://www.eatright.org/HealthProfessionals/content.aspx?id=7093
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:
