Public health nutritionists ensure that schoolchildren receive nutritious meals, advocate for the nutritional needs of marginalized communities, and lead programs that improve the health and well-being of communities.
This in-demand career bridges public health and nutrition, two fields focused on overall well-being. As a result, working in public health nutrition requires specialized training, including a Master of Public Health (MPH). Individuals who are interested in becoming a public health nutritionist can benefit from understanding the job duties, education requirements and career outlook for the role.
Public health encourages healthy communities, and public health nutrition examines the connection between food and health. Professionals in this field draw on critical public health skills to promote health and educate the public about food and nutrition.
Public health nutritionists help develop nutritional standards for food assistance programs; create school nutrition guidelines that encourage health; and educate people about food, physical activity, and nutrition as key components of public health. They also examine the connection between nutrition and disease to improve public health.
Depending on their specializations, public health nutritionists may work in public health policy, where they develop guidelines or advocate for effective programs. They may also lead programs that encourage healthy eating.
Public health nutritionists work in several settings, including public health clinics, health care organizations, and government or nonprofit organizations. Those focused on global nutrition also work for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). Examples of these types of organizations are Amnesty International and the U.N.
Becoming a public health nutritionist requires specialized training and experience. Many public health nutritionists build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field by earning an MPH.
A bachelor’s degree meets the minimum educational requirement for careers in public health nutrition. Majors in areas such as public health, dietetics or a related field can prepare graduates for entry-level nutritionist roles. However, specializing with a master’s degree prepares public health nutritionists for a wider range of career paths.
Graduate-level training in public health and nutrition builds the skills needed for leadership roles in the field, including roles such as policymaker, program director or educator. A master’s degree in public health explores environmental health, health promotion and health care performance improvement; collectively, these areas strengthen valuable knowledge and skills for nutritionist roles in the public, nonprofit or health care sector.
An MPH can also prepare graduates for closely related roles, such as public health educator or director.
Public health nutritionists may need professional experience for certain career paths. This can include a public health or dietetics internship, work experience in public health or other forms of supervised training. Graduate programs can help public health students gain relevant experience relevant for their career goals.
Some career paths in public health nutrition require a state-issued license and professional certification. For example, dietitians may need to register with the state or meet licensure requirements to practice. Similarly, employers may require professional certification, such as the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credentials.
Both of these credentials require a master’s degree. Licensure and certification requirements vary by state and credential, and some career paths do not require a license or certification. As a result, prospective public health nutritionists should carefully review the requirements for their chosen career path.
Public health nutritionists work in several fields that report above-average median salaries and growing demand. For example, dietitians and nutritionists earned a median wage of $69,680 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those working in hospitals and outpatient care centers earned slightly higher salaries.
Those who specialize in health education earned a median annual salary of $62,860, while public health professionals in program management roles earned a median annual salary of $77,030, according to the BLS.
These career paths report strong projected job growth. The BLS projects dietitian and nutritionist jobs will grow by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033, as will roles for health education specialists. Social and community service managers will benefit from 8 percent projected job growth.
Are you ready to take the next step in your journey toward a career as a public health nutritionist? Earning an MPH degree at Augusta University Online can prepare you for careers in this field.
During the MPH program, you will learn how to develop research-based solutions to public health challenges. Courses in health promotion, epidemiology and health care management strengthen core competencies in public health. With concentrations in health informatics, health management, and social and behavioral sciences, you can customize your course of study in the area of public health nutrition in which you plan to specialize.
Reach out to AU Online today to learn more about the MPH program.
Recommended Readings
12 Public Health Career Paths
Addressing Health Disparities in Public Health
How to Advance Your Skills in Public Health
Sources:
American Nutrition Association, Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists
American Public Health Association, Food and Nutrition
American Public Health Association, What Is Public Health?
Commission on Dietetic Registration, Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Certification
Indeed, What Is a Public Health Nutritionist? Definition and Qualifications
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dietitians and Nutritionists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Health Education Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers
