Best Online Health and Nutrition Certificates
Updated October 10, 2023
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Online health and nutrition certificates prepare students for entry-level roles in the health field and prepare professionals for nutrition certification online programs.
A nutritious diet helps prevent illness, reduce health complications, and manage chronic conditions, but most children and adults fail to meet the daily nutrition recommendations set by the Center for Disease Control. Nutrition certificate-holders can work to reverse this trend and join a field projected to grow at a rate twice as fast as the rate for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While many positions require bachelor's degrees or nutrition certification programs, nutrition certificates provide specialized training for students seeking a short career pathway, advancement opportunities for professionals, or complementary training for workers in related fields.
Read on for a ranking of the best online health and nutrition certificate programs and learn how these programs can help you start a meaningful career in the health field.
The Best Online Health and Nutrition Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Health and Nutrition Certificates
Brandman University
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The nutrition and wellness certificate at Brandman University introduces students to career-focused topics in a flexible learning environment. From its main campus in Irvine, California, the private institution operates three certificate programs.
The nutrition curriculum incorporates industry-tailored classes that provide a deep insight into the profession. Certificate-seekers work with faculty mentors to individualize their program and pursue experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees can modify the program based on their schedule. The online nutrition and wellness certificate program offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options. Busy students benefit from the flexibility to balance school with work and other obligations.
Distance learners can contact the financial aid office to learn more about their eligibility for certificate programs. The school qualifies for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. The institution reports a 60% graduation rate, and 89% of enrollees receive financial aid.
#2 Best Online Health and Nutrition Certificates
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online nutrition certificate at Liberty University uses online classes to train students for careers in the field. The private institution offers 17 certificate programs, supporting distance learners from its main campus in Lynchburg, Virginia.
With industry-tailored classes, the nutrition program introduces participants to foundational topics and offers industry insights. Certificate-seekers can also participate in experiential learning opportunities focused on their career goals. Flexible coursework options allow learners to find a format that fits their schedule. The online nutrition certificate program offers tracks for full-time and part-time students. This flexibility appeals to busy students and working professionals.
The financial aid office helps learners identify funding sources for certificate programs. The school's financial aid options include external scholarships, internal funding opportunities, and federal financial aid. The institution reports a 47% graduation rate, and 99% of enrollees receive financial aid.
#3 Best Online Health and Nutrition Certificates
Central Arizona College
Coolidge, AZ - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Central Arizona College offers an online nutrition and dietetic technician certificate for students interested in nutrition careers. Located in Coolidge, the public institution lets learners choose from 102 certificate options.
The nutrition program emphasizes industry-specific knowledge and professional insights throughout the curriculum. Certificate-seekers can also complete hands-on training to gain skills through workshops, events, and internships. Flexible coursework options allow learners to find a format that fits their schedule. The online nutrition program offers full-time and part-time tracks. This flexibility allows working professionals and busy students to balance school with other responsibilities.
Learners can reach out to the financial aid office to learn more about opportunities to pay for a certificate. The school administers federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant for qualifying students. The institution reports that 69% of learners receive financial aid, and the school has a 19% graduation rate.
Online Health and Nutrition Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
-
Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.
We thank you for your readership and trust.
Featured Online Health and Nutrition Programs
What Is an Online Health and Nutrition Certificate?
Nutrition certificate programs vary by school, but most consist of 12-30 credits and take less than one year to complete. These programs explore many areas of nutritional science, including recommended food intake, the role of nutrients in the body, and how diet contributes to healthy living and disease control.
Many states require that nutritionists possess certification and licensure to practice. Some states limit the use of the nutritionist title to those who hold the appropriate credentials. To qualify for most nutritionist certification programs and positions, a candidate typically must possess at least a bachelor's degree.
While some employers hire nutrition certificate-holders for entry-level positions, many candidates pursue these programs to complement related degrees. Associate and bachelor's degree-holders can use this specialized training to enter the nutrition field. Similarly, professionals like personal trainers and community health educators can use certificates to develop complementary skill sets.
A nutrition certificate can also lead to employment opportunities on its own. Graduates can pursue careers as wellness coaches, recreation workers, and, in some states, nutrition specialists. In addition, entrepreneurial-minded professionals can launch their own businesses and offer different nutrition-related services.
What's the Difference Between a Nutrition Certificate, Nutrition Certification Program, and Health and Nutrition Degree?
Nutrition certificates and nutrition certification programs differ considerably. Certificates on a specialized subject are usually offered by schools in a condensed format, whereas organizations offer certifications to measure professionals' knowledge and skills against industry standards.
A health and nutrition degree provides more comprehensive training than a nutrition certificate. In addition to specialized training in nutrition, degrees offer general education and elective courses.
Nutrition Certificate
Who Might Consider Pursuing This?
Nutrition certificates may appeal to individuals seeking quick pathways to nutrition-related careers or to professionals looking to expand their qualifications. These credentials complement food service, fitness, and health training jobs.
| Length | 2-12 months |
|---|---|
| Examples |
|
| Exam Required? | Yes |
| Prerequisite Education and Experience |
|
Nutrition Certification Program
Who Might Consider Pursuing This?
In some states, individuals must complete nutrition certification programs to be licensed or to use the nutritionist title. Some professionals pursue these credentials to showcase their expertise in specific areas and advance their careers.
| Length | 1-2 months |
|---|---|
| Examples |
|
| Exam Required? | Yes |
| Prerequisite Education and Experience |
|
Health and Nutrition Degree
Who Might Consider Pursuing This?
Students aiming for careers as nutritionists and dietitians typically pursue these degrees. Some states require that nutrition certification applicants have an undergraduate degree.
| Length | 3-4 years |
|---|---|
| Examples |
|
| Exam Required? | No |
| Prerequisite Education and Experience |
|
What to Expect From a Health and Nutrition Certificate
In a health and nutrition certificate program, students may take classes in macro and micronutrients, nutrition counseling, and eating disorders. Some certificates offer specializations, such as sports nutrition, public health nutrition, and nutrition education, which feature more focused courses in these areas.
Health and Nutrition Curriculum
Every health and nutrition certificate features a distinct curriculum and structure. Students take three to eight courses, depending on the program and the level of the training. Some schools may require prerequisites for admission, which means learners may have to take additional classes.
Generally, specialized nutrition certificates feature fewer courses than the more comprehensive programs. While training can vary considerably, the following list highlights some of the topics students can expect to cover.
- Science of exercise and weight loss
- Nutrition and the digestive system
- Nutritional basis of disease
- Applied human anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
Choosing an Online Program
To choose the best school and most suitable program, prospective students need to consider their personal and professional aspirations. These goals will determine if they should pursue a nutrition certificate, degree, or nutrition certification online. They also need to verify their state's employment requirements.
Choosing an online school requires some additional considerations. Learners need to think about the residency requirements and the best class format for their schedule and lifestyle, such as asynchronous or synchronous classes.
Accreditation for Health and Nutrition Programs
Prospective students need to verify that their school and program hold the appropriate accreditation, as it can affect their transfer credits, licensure, employment opportunities, and access to financial aid.
Regional accreditation applies to an entire school, while programmatic accreditation applies to specific academic departments within institutions. Some organizations that accredit nutrition certificate and nutrition certification programs include the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals, and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
What Can You Do With a Health and Nutrition Certificate?
Professionals with certificates possess the training necessary to incorporate nutritional and dietary science into their careers. In many states, the amount of nutritional counseling and advice certificate-holders can provide depends on their level of training. Though most careers in this field require a nutrition certification or degree, a nutrition certificate can still lead to employment by itself.
Students with a nutrition certificate can find roles in the following careers:
- Fitness trainers
- Recreation workers
- Community health workers
Health and Nutrition Careers
Nutritionist and nutrition consultant careers typically require a bachelor's degree in nutritional sciences or a master's degree in nutrition, along with a nutrition certification online. However, nutrition certificate graduates can still enter related fields that draw on nutritional science or start their own nutrition-related businesses.
While certain titles and pathways may be restricted, this career path accommodates professionals of different training and experience levels. In addition the common career paths listed below, nutrition certificate-holders can pursue careers as:
- Health coaches
- Nutrition writers
- Food service associates
- Nutritional aides
- Food labeling specialists
| Career | Median Salary (2020) | Typical Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dieticians and Nutritionists | $63,090 | Bachelor's degree + internship/residency |
| Health Education Specialists | $56,500 | Bachelor's degree + certification |
| Health Educators and Community Health Workers | $48,140 | High school diploma, associate degree, or health certificate |
Health and Nutrition Organizations
Health and nutrition organizations offer their members valuable services and resources. Students can receive access to scholarship opportunities, mentor programs, and job boards, while experienced professionals may benefit from networking, career development, and continuing education opportunities.
While many organizations host national memberships, some limit participation to more localized or specialized groups. Some of the biggest organizations in this field include:
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Become a Certified Nutritionist?
A certified nutritionist must complete an accredited nutrition certification online program and examination, such as registered dietitian nutritionist or certified nutrition specialist programs.
Can I Be a Nutritionist Without a Degree?
According to the BLS, a nutritionist needs at least a bachelor's degree in order to practice professionally. Some states require nutritionists to complete nutrition certifications as well.
What Can I Do With a Certificate in Nutrition?
A certificate in nutrition can lead to entry-level jobs in the field. Learners studying related fields who pursue nutrition certificates can focus their training, and professionals can use certificates to advance their careers.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images
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