While many schools offer distance learning programs in nutrition and dietetics, it is important to define your career goals before choosing your school and degree program. If you wish to pursue registration as a Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietary Technician you must obtain your degree from an accredited university that offers a degree leading to registration. Be sure that the school and degree you choose will offer you the option of pursing a supervised practice program and taking the exam to become registered. Schools which offer these opportunities are indicated below.
Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas offers an associate's degree program in dietary management. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in food service management or to pursue further education in the field of nutrition. This program combines work experience and course work. Students must either work or volunteer at a food service facility while taking the coursework.Tuition at Barton County Community College is very reasonable and federal financial aid is available.
Eastern Michigan University's Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) is a fully accredited program offering a Bachelor of Science degree preparing graduates to become Registered Dietitians. They also offer a Master of Science in Human Nutrition which also leads to a career as a Registered Dietitian.
The University of Northern Colorado offers a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Nutrition. Completion of the degree in Dietetics is the first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian. Graduates are prepared to go on to a supervised practice program and pass the exam to become a Registered Dietitian.
UMassOnline at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has designed a Master of Public Health in Nutrition program through the Department of Nutrition and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. This degree is offered completely online using cutting edge technology. This course is designed for health and nutrition professionals who already posses a Bachelor's or advanced degree and wish to continue their education in nutrition.
Kaplan University is one of the leading distance learning universities. They offer six programs for degrees in the field of nutrition at the Bachelor's level. Degrees are offered in Health and Wellness, Health Science and Nutrition Science. In addition, advance start programs are offered students who already have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. All programs contain on the job training to allow you to gain experience in the field. Unfortunately, Kaplan is a private university and therefore more expensive than the other options presented here.