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Distance Learning Course for a Nutritionist

Distance Learning Course for a Nutritionist

Ever thought of being a nutritionist or working in a related industry? Oxford Learning College can help you achieve relevant qualifications with our range of online distance learning courses for nutritionists.

Becoming a nutritionist is a great career option if you’re interested in health and food. But how easy is it to become a nutritionist? And what courses are available to help you get there? You will need specific qualifications to become a registered nutritionist, and they can depend on the type of role you want to go into.

Let’s take a look at the nutritionist qualifications you’ll need, and the types of distance learning courses available in this field.

What qualifications do you need to be a nutritionist?

Depending on what type of nutritionist you want to become, there are a few different qualifications you might need. An undergraduate BSc (Hons) degree is usually preferred but it’s not necessarily essential.

In order to join the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN) you will need an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a similar relevant bioscience degree, or at least 7 years of experience. So the quickest way to become a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) is by getting a degree.

If you want to specialise in a particular area within nutrition such as food science, public health, fertility, or genetics, you will often need to complete a master’s degree as well.

Can I become a nutritionist from home?

Yes, you can become a nutritionist from home if you complete a nutrition degree or related biosciences degree online via distance learning. Prior to starting a degree, you can take online distance learning courses in nutrition and related subjects.

The online courses offered by Oxford Learning College can give you vital knowledge and skills to prepare you for work in related industries. Some of these qualifications offer academic credits that you can use towards a degree in nutrition.

Nutritionist diploma through distance learning

There are a few different diploma courses you can take through distance learning if you’re interested in becoming a nutritionist or working in this industry. These courses can help you learn essential knowledge and transferable skills if you plan to go into a nutrition-related career. A diet and nutrition diploma can also provide a good foundation if you plan to complete an undergraduate degree in this subject.

Some of these include:

Completion of the Level 4 and 5 diploma in health, diet and nutritional studies will make you eligible for membership with the Complementary Medical Association. Complementary medicine involves a range of medical therapies that can be used alongside traditional medicine. This can include treatments like acupuncture, osteopathy, and dietary supplements. So if you’re looking to start a career in complementary medicine, this may be the course for you.

After completing the Level 4 and 5 diploma, this qualification can be used to gain entry onto a Level 6 diploma course or a degree course in a related subject.

Why study a nutrition course online?

Nutrition is a complex and interesting subject with many different specialisms involved, it can lead you into a number of career paths. Studying a nutrition course online with Oxford Learning College means you can be in control of your hours, and work around any existing commitments like work and family. It also gives you the flexibility to study wherever you are, all you need is a computer and internet connection to access all the course materials.

Once you have completed an online nutrition diploma, you’ll have the option to go into a nutrition-related undergraduate degree or find a job within the food and nutrition industry. So whether you’re just starting your career, or you want to make a change, an online course gives you a flexible option to learn new skills.

How long is a nutrition course?

For a nutrition diploma qualification, the length of a Level 3 course is one year, and the Level 4 and 5 course takes two years. The Level 3 to 5-course bundle takes three years in total, consisting of approximately 1,000 hours of study time.

To complete an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a similar subject, the standard course length is three years. Completing a master’s degree in a specialism will take an additional year.

Certified nutritionist course online

When looking for a nutritionist course online, you’ll want to make sure that they are certified or accredited by the related governing bodies in that particular field. This means once you have completed the course, your qualification will be approved by the relevant professional body.

For online nutrition courses in the UK, this will usually be the Association for Nutrition (AfN), the organisation responsible for maintaining and advancing standards in the nutrition field in the UK. The AfN also governs the UKVRN to uphold the credibility of nutritionist practitioners and ensure they meet the rigorous training and professional criteria needed in this industry.

What career path can you take with a nutrition qualification?

If you want to study nutrition, either through a diploma, degree or both, there are a wide range of different jobs you can go into once you complete your course. Nutritionists’ skills can be applied to a number of industries and roles. Some of the possible careers and industries that might interest you include:

  • Clinical nutrition or dietetics – Working with clients to improve diets in regards to weight control and obesity, to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, as well as other health-related nutrition work.
  • Sports and exercise – Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand, so working with athletes to develop meal plans, or becoming a personal trainer are some possible career options if you’re interested in sport and fitness as well.
  • Animal nutrition – This industry can also involve working with animals if you’re studying towards being a vet or completing a BSc in Animal Science. You can work in research with animal nutrition, as well as developing feed and studying how animal products as food can affect humans.
  • Public health nutrition – Someone with the right qualifications and experience can work in areas like nutrition development for low-income countries, as well as emergency relief efforts.
  • Academia or teaching – If you have a degree in nutrition or dietetics, you may choose to continue with education and pursue a PhD in a more specific aspect of nutrition. You could also become a university lecturer for nutrition-related courses.
  • Food industry – Most large food manufacturers and retailers will employ a nutritionist to help with the development of new products and ensure health claims on packaging are accurate.

For more information on distance learning courses for a nutritionist, check out our full course range or contact us to learn about what Oxford Learning College can offer.