The first step in hiring someone to perform your major’s education is to interview them. This doesn’t necessarily have to be done in person; if you’re interviewing online or via a company’s video chat service, this step will not be necessary. If you do choose to conduct an interview, there are several questions you can ask to determine their level of commitment to the field and their academic achievements.
A good teacher will have an interest in health education beyond providing you with information on diet and nutrition. They should be able to explain what constitutes a healthy diet, how the body gets the nutrients it needs, and what you can do to improve your diet while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your instructor should also be able to discuss current issues in the field of nutrition. In addition, they should have experience working with a wide range of students, and they should be willing to work with you to ensure that your class meets the requirements set forth by the state in which you live.
Once you have decided whom to hire, it’s time to consider the resources available to meet your own nutritional needs. Many universities now offer a nutrition center that is designed for the health and nutrition needs of students. You can get the knowledge you need to make better food choices and eat a healthier diet from these centers. These centers will offer a variety of coursework in which you can learn to identify good eating habits and implement them into your everyday life.
If you live in a small community, you may find that your school’s wellness center isn’t equipped to meet your needs. Fortunately, many private universities and colleges offer nutrition centers in the form of a campus-based nutrition center. These centers are designed for students who may live in smaller towns where access to the university’s library or other resources may not be easily available.
Nutrition programs offered at a university or college should focus on providing information to educate students on nutrition basics, such as determining how much sodium, potassium, and protein you need to consume each day. Nutrition programs should also cover how to calculate caloric values, how to use nutrition labels to help you find food at grocery stores, and what to do if your body doesn’t respond as well as it should. Your instructor should also show students the importance of exercise and healthy eating by showing them how to track their body’s reaction to food. If your instructor doesn’t take the time to demonstrate these things in a fun, engaging way, he or she could lose students.
For students who already have a passion for learning about nutrition, the best way to find a program that addresses the student’s needs is to contact a local university or college. Most offer programs for students who want to become certified teachers in nutrition education and become instructors themselves.
If you feel comfortable working under the guidance of a physician or registered nurse (RN), you can earn a masters in nutrition education while gaining hands-on experience by becoming an RN at a university’s health center. Graduates of a master’s degree in nutrition instruction have a lot to offer prospective employers, since they have an extensive background in a subject matter that affects everyone’s quality of life.
