Nutrition & Dietetics (AST)
Program Overview:
A Way to a Person’s Health is Through Their Diet
Create a nutrition plan for a patient with congestive heart failure, discuss dietary choices with someone with diabetes, talk with middle school children about why they should choose water over sugary drinks, survey the community on how often they eat fast food and what factors are behind those choices to create effective nutrition campaigns for the public.
Someone’s diet can have a great impact on their overall health, and Dietitians and Nutritionists are able to use food science and nutrition to help people improve their health, treat diseases, and educate clients on healthy dietary choices.
Dietitians usually need to be licensed or certified, as they are able to do such things as design meal plans and diagnose eating disorders. Nutritionists do not always need to be licensed and can support Dietitians, as well as teach clients about the healthy properties of food and how food affects us.
Careers in Nutrition & Dietetics
Often nutritionists and dietitians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, but there are a growing number who are starting private practices which allows for more attentive and individualized client visits.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a nutrition and dietetics degree:
Career information below taken from bls.gov December 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $69,370/year | $33.35/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years needed | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 117,900 |
Advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | $74,550/year | $35.84/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Internship/residency | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 2,690 |
Develop fitness and exercise programs that help injured or sick patients recover.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $75,670/year | $36.38/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | -2% decrease (decline) | 90 |
Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $64,020/year | $30.78/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 7% increase (faster than average) | 35,600 |
Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.
Data for Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $32,870/year | $15.80/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than one year | 9% increase (faster than avearge) | 1,890 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Nutrition & Dietetics
You can get Associate in Science in Nutrition & Dietetics for Transfer (AST) degree at LASC’s where you build your foundation in nutrition and food science before going:
- Learn the history of food science and nutrition from how ancient cultures have been using food to treat illnesses to how modern science has played a role in greatly expanding our knowledge of the importance of food’s role in our health and well-being.
- Develop your critical-thinking, research, and analytical skills regarding new trends in nutrition and food health, such as time-restricted eating, high-protein/fat diets, and the effects of CBD-related products.
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create ties in the community to use after you graduate.
- To transfer with your AST degree in Nutrition & Dietetics, you will save money on your first two years of college learning from knowledgeable, dedicated faculty. Once you successfully complete this degree, you will graduate with guaranteed admission into a CSU, and even some UCs. Visit your counselor for details.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review LASC’s Associate in Science in Nutrition & Dietetics for Transfer (AST) degree and our suggested course of study for this program. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 1306
Total Units Required: 60
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU or UC, then an Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer (AST) Degree is for you! You are guaranteed admission into a CSU into the Nutrition and Dietetics bachelor’s program once you successfully complete your AST degree at LASC.
The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer Degree requirements include:
- completion of 60 CSU transferable units, including the minimum 25-39 units in the major and the completion of either IGETC or CSU GE;
- a minimum GPA of 2.0.
| Required Courses: | Units |
|---|---|
| CHEM 101 General Chemistry I | 5 |
| FAM & CS 21 Nutrition | 3 |
| MICRO 1 Introduction to Microbiology | 5 |
| PSYCH 1 General Psychology | 3 |
| List A: Select Two Courses | |
| ANAT 1 Introduction to Human Anatomy | 4 |
| OR | |
| PHYSIO 1 Human Anatomy | 4 |
| MATH 227 Statistics | 4 |
| List B: One Course | |
| COMM 101 Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 27 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Want a profession in nutrition and dietetics? You can start preparing for your career before your first class starts at LASC:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and discuss which four-year colleges and universities would be a good match for your academic and career goals.
- Getting into a Dietetics program at a four-year college or university can be very competitive, so now is the time to ask local dietitians and nutritionists in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, if they offer any internships or volunteer possibilities, or if they know of any administrative opportunities you could be a part of to gain some experience with this career.
- Still in high school? Find out if your school or school district has a dietitian to talk with about your career goals. Contact local dietitians and nutritionists to see if they have any internships or volunteer opportunities. Volunteer at your local food bank or food pantry, retirement home, or meal service organizations.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with off- and on-campus clubs and organizations, such as becoming a student ambassador, joining Toastmasters, or running for student body government. See if you can get an on-campus job at the cafeteria or to volunteer with LASC’s food pantry or “Food For All” events. These create new relationships and show potential employers your commitment to building your communication and leadership skills a desire to learn about your community.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Associate in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for Transfer degree is designed to provide you with a Transfer Model Curriculum study that is concentrated in the areas of nutritional science, medical nutrition therapy, community nutrition, food science, food production, and management of food service operations, chemistry, physiology, plus a variety of supporting coursework in related disciplines.