Nutrition and Dietetics

Career Outlook

Our Nutrition and Dietetics program responds to the growing need for professionals dedicated to the study of dietetics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 11% job growth by 2030, making nutrition one of the fastest growing fields in the healthcare industry. In recent years, interest in the role of food in promoting health and wellness has increased, particularly as part of a preventative healthcare strategy in medical settings.

Registered dietitian nutritionists work in clinical settings (such as hospitals), planning food service and organizing nutritional programs to promote healthy living. There are opportunities to conduct research, work with children, and join the military, as well.

With growing interest in public health and wellness, careers are also available in secondary fields, including:

• Business Management
• Community Health
• Culinary Arts
• Employee Wellness
• Insurance Agencies
• Nutritional Sales

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Our program prepares and encourages graduates to pursue additional education at a four-year institution. Most graduates opt to become registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), which requires a science-heavy course load and many hours of patient care. To acquire these credentials, you must earn a bachelor's degree*, complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship, and pass the national registration examination. FLCC's program offers the first two years of this education.

Previous graduates have continued their education at a variety of four-year institutions, including:

• Cornell University
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• SUNY Buffalo State College
• SUNY Oneonta
• SUNY Plattsburgh
• University at Buffalo

*Note: Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum degree requirement to take the registration examination for dietitians will change from a bachelor's degree to a graduate degree. The new degree requirements allow RDNs to specialize in a variety of subfields, including public health, community health, business administration, and exercise physiology. Find out more about this change from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Food as Preventative Healthcare

Food is vital to our overall health and can alleviate and avert chronic illness. In this program, you'll practice creating dietary plans for clients to improve their nutritional status. The program capstone involves assessing a patient's health and then developing an appropriate diet and nutrition plan. The project challenges you to demonstrate applied knowledge of food and wellness, ensuring that you're ready for the next stage of your nutrition and dietetics education.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• CUL 100 - Culinary Fundamentals Lecture
• CUL 105 - Culinary Fundamental Lab
• HCS 153 - Fundamentals of Health Care
• HCS 270 - Ethical Considerations in Health Care
• NS 115 - Introduction to Nutrition
• NS 210 - Nutrition in the Life Cycle
• NS 220 - Sports Nutrition