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Bruce Mawhirter, a civil engineer for nearly 40 years, puts his expertise to good use after Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, preparing designs to repair bridges, roads and homes. Michelle Barkley is a director of emergency management who handles emergency operations plans. Now, they’re both helping to mitigate disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Both of these people are real-life heroes. Both are also online students in Adelphi University’s MS in Emergency Management.
Read the full article to learn how students like Mawhirter and Barkley apply the management skills they need to effectively handle today’s emergencies.
One lesson that many of us have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is just how essential nurses are to saving lives and helping people during even the most challenging crises. Over the past several decades, the healthcare field has undergone many changes as providers embraced innovative treatment methods and digital recordkeeping. Throughout these shifts, nurses’ contributions have always been vital to the well-being of individuals and communities.
With how quickly the nursing field can change, it’s always valuable to refresh your expertise, and many states require nurses to undergo continuing education: Healthcare professionals may expand their skills by taking courses in areas like infection control, earning a specialized certification or pursuing a four-year degree. In fact, New York has made a BS in Nursing mandatory for RNs within 10 years of first receiving their license, and other states could follow soon.
For registered nurses, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a wide range of benefits, including supplementing their knowledge of clinical best practices, helping them become more effective communicators, and introducing them to the latest technology for diagnostics and data-driven decision making. This article will delve into the difference between RN and BSN credentials to help you plan for the next stage in your career.
RN vs. BSN
To become a registered nurse you must fulfill your state’s licensing requirements, which include an approved nursing education program. That can mean completing a two to three-year program such as an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), associate of science in nursing (ASN) or a diploma from a hospital or medical center. However, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a prerequisite for starting many positions and may qualify you to take on greater responsibilities or progress into a leadership role. This four-year degree involves more advanced coursework and clinical hours than an ADN or ASN.
What is an RN?
Licensure as a registered nurse is a requirement for numerous healthcare positions and an advantage in others. RNs may help and advise patients in hospitals, clinics, private medical practices, residential care facilities and at home. To be an RN, you must:
Complete a state-approved nursing education program, which commonly involves clinical experience as well as taking courses in fields such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology and psychology
Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This test covers topics like how to provide patients with a safe and effective care environment.
Meet all other state requirements, such as paying a fee, passing a criminal background check and answering questions to demonstrate your good moral character. To maintain your license, you may need to satisfy continuing education requirements or earn your bachelor’s degree.
There’s high demand for RNs across the U.S. that’s fueled by the medical needs of an aging population and a shift toward shortening hospital stays by treating more people at home or in outpatient facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 3,059,800 people employed as RNs in 2018 and projected a 12% increase in jobs through 2028. That’s more than two times faster than the 5% average growth for all occupations. RNs earned a median salary of $73,300 in 2019.
However, not all licensed nurses are RNs. According to the BLS, 728,900 Americans worked as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in 2018, with more than a third employed in nursing homes and other residential care facilities. These jobs generally focus on basic care and comfort and offer lower pay than RN positions at an average salary of $47,480. LPN or LVN roles call for only a single year of higher education, usually completed at a community college or technical school.
With more coursework and clinical experience under their belts than a practical or vocational nurse, RNs are qualified to handle complex tasks like independently assessing a patient’s condition or coordinating care from multiple providers. They may be responsible to:
Use medical equipment
Perform laboratory tests
Record medical histories
Develop or modify treatment plans
Administer drugs or other treatment
Order and evaluate diagnostic tests
Prepare rooms, instruments and equipment
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
Assess a patient’s condition and note any symptoms
Advise a patient and family members on how to manage treatment and recovery
What is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing will help build your expertise across a wider range of nursing, patient care and health topics than a two-year program, preparing you for expanded duties and leadership roles. Organizations like the Institute of Medicine, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the AARP have called for states and institutions to meet emerging challenges by mandating that more nurses hold a four-year degree. In 2019, the Center to Champion Nursing in America reported that 56% of RNs held a BSN or higher, an all-time high.
A bachelor’s program gives nurses an edge in the workplace by preparing them to:
Make decisions based on scientific knowledge and evidence
Provide high-quality care that leads to improved outcomes
Apply informatics concepts and data-driven strategies
Communicate clearly with patients and families
Formulate patient-centered treatment plans
Think critically about all aspects of nursing
Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts
Pursue professional advancement
Become an effective leader
Many nurses complete a BSN before they become RNs, but you can also go back to school after gaining on-the-job experience. Under legislation passed by New York State in 2017, RNs must now earn their bachelor’s within 10 years of their initial licensure. Several other states have considered enacting similar measures, and many already require some form of continuing education.
An RN to BS in Nursing curriculum presents a variety of concepts and techniques that allow professionals to work more independently and take charge of multidisciplinary teams. Some of the topics that may be covered in these programs includes:
Project management
Scholarly writing for medical experts
Information technology and databases
Management of chronic illness and injury
Interdisciplinary communication strategies
Processes for quantitative and qualitative research
Biological insights into detecting and treating diseases
Laboratory methods for comprehensive health assessment
Nutritional guidelines to promote health and manage disease
Patterns of inheritance in genetic disorders and the ethical issues they present
Preventive and epidemiological measures to address community and global health issues
BSN Careers
A BSN or higher is often necessary to qualify for administrative, research, teaching and consulting positions. Some common job titles for nurses with a bachelor’s degree are:
Care coordinator
Case manager
Charge nurse
Critical care RN
Emergency room RN
Geriatrics nurse
Health educator
Nurse manager
Nursing supervisor
Operating room RN
Obstetrical nurse
Pediatrics nurse
Psychiatric nurse
Quality coordinator
School nurse
A four-year degree can also improve nurses’ annual earnings. PayScale reported an average BSN salary of $84,000, though income varies based on a number of other factors like region and specialized expertise.
Fitting a Bachelor’s Program into a Nurse’s Life
An RN to BS in Nursing program offers current RNs a clear path forward in their careers. By taking online courses, full-time nurses can earn the additional credential they need to get ahead while learning about the latest advancements, like methods for leveraging data to prevent the spread of disease. Clinical hours provide experiential learning opportunities for BS in Nursing students to apply new concepts to their daily work.
Of course, seeking higher education is challenging, especially when you have to balance full-time professional responsibilities as a nurse. The director of Adelphi University’s RN to BS in Nursing program, Associate Professor Janet Raman contributed to a study that provided insights into what variables are most likely to impact student success for nurses working toward their bachelor’s degrees. The data revealed just how crucial it is to receive encouragement and support, especially if you’re also managing childcare and other family responsibilities.
Fortunately, online classes offer current RNs the convenience to expand their skills while continuing to serve patients and at home. Jacqueline Brandwein, a clinical associate professor in the Adelphi College of Nursing and Public Health, explained some of the advantages she’s discovered from teaching online.
“It’s very flexible and allows students to meet their personal schedule needs,” Brandwein said. “In an online format, everyone participates. When students who are sometimes hesitant to speak in class are in the privacy of their own homes and have the time to edit what they’re saying, they actually say a lot more.”
Registered nurses play an invaluable role in healthcare, contributing to wellness and education for patients and their communities. In an RN to BS in Nursing program, you can update your skills and build the knowledge you need to succeed in the next phase of your career. Online classes and clinical hours prepare you to apply analytical methods to problems in areas like epidemiology, chronic illness and genetics while you continue to make a difference as an active professional.
Adelphi University’s RN to BS in Nursing
The RN to BS in Nursing from Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health is designed to prepare students to meet the field’s current needs and emerging challenges. Online coursework makes it possible for RNs to continue working while they earn their degree. The cutting-edge curriculum focuses on clinical skills, critical thinking, technology, leadership and communication.
RN to BS in Nursing students explore a holistic approach to healthcare in a dynamic online environment. Nurses benefit from an average 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio as they learn from distinguished experts in the field. By completing 35 clinical hours focused on wellness and prevention, Adelphi students gain real-world experience and prepare for the next stage of their careers.
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A visit to the doctor’s office usually includes a request to list the medications you take. But soon, the doctor may also ask you to list the foods you eat.
For millennia we have been curious about how foods affect the ways we think, feel and heal. In the last century, we have transformed this curiosity into a science and in the past few decades we have started to align this science with medical care.
As we become more aware of how our eating habits affect well-being, healthcare providers and practitioners are embracing nutritional care as a way to help prevent diseases and promote “healthy aging.” They acknowledge that, while many risk factors play into a person’s chances of developing a disease, nutrition is a key area where patients have control.
Researchers and advocates are increasingly calling for physicians to receive nutritional training and for nutritionists to be present in medical settings. Nutritionists are now working alongside physicians to develop more comprehensive care plans that incorporate diet and lifestyle recommendations. They are being hired to support hospitals, clinics and care centers and to advise food companies, corporate wellness plans and community centers. According to Burning Glass, a platform that collects job posting data, more than 33% of postings for nutritionists or dietitians in 2019 requested medical support as a necessary skill.
As demand for nutritionists increases, the need for specialists with a master’s degree has increased as well. The overall trend for health fields is that employment and certification standards are increasing. For example, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics plans to make a graduate degree part of its certification requirements starting in 2024.
If you are considering a nutrition master’s program, you might notice that some universities list a master’s in clinical nutrition. It may leave you wondering: what is the difference?
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How is a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition Different than a Master’s in Nutrition?
In general, nutrition programs teach
how nutrients and minerals affect bodies,
how to develop eating plans for patients or clients
and how to share this information effectively with diverse populations.
Some programs allow specialization in an area such as sports nutrition, public health or corporate wellness. If you are especially interested in how nutrition can manage disease and disorders, you may want to consider clinical nutrition.
MS in Clinical Nutrition
A master’s in clinical nutrition program centers on the relationship between food and disease, principally in healthcare and disease research settings. Students in these degree programs use science-based techniques to identify, treat and prevent disorders through nutritional therapy. They are likely to go on to be clinical nutritionists working in a medical environment or as academic researchers. Some clinical nutritionists choose to specialize in a specific condition, such as diabetes or cancer. Or they may specialize in disorders of a particular part of the body, such as the kidneys or digestive system.
MS in Nutrition
Master’s in nutrition programs encompass a much broader range of concentrations, which reflect the many ways we can promote wellness. For example, Adelphi University’s MS in Nutrition highlights experiential learning and professional opportunities. Other programs may emphasize public health approaches or prepare students to move into research positions. All programs include training in advanced interventions, research techniques and communication strategies.
Master’s in Clinical Nutrition vs. Nutrition Course Comparison
Below is a sample of master’s in nutrition and master’s in clinical nutrition courses in the United States. This is not an exhaustive set and each institution’s curriculum is different, but this can give you an idea of the classes you may encounter.
Sample Master’s in Clinical Nutrition Courses
Sample Master’s in Nutrition Courses
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Vitamins and Minerals
Biochemistry
Statistics
Genetics
Metabolism and Body Composition
Lifecycle Nutrition
Nutrition in Critical Care
Public Health and Epidemiology
Nutrition Counseling/Health Coaching
Leadership and Management
Complementary/Alternative Medicine
Research Methods
Capstone/Thesis
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Vitamins and Minerals
Biochemistry
Anatomy and Physiology
Nutrition Assessment
Metabolism
Lifecycle Nutrition
Food, Culture and Social Issues
Community Nutrition
Nutrition Policy and Ethics
Nutrition Counseling/Health Coaching
Entrepreneurship
Research Methods
Capstone/Thesis
Master’s Program Prerequisites
A master’s in clinical nutrition and a master’s in nutrition have similar requirements. Nearly all schools require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and the fulfillment of some prerequisite courses:
Introductory Nutrition
Anatomy and Physiology
Biochemistry
Chemistry (Inorganic and Organic)
Statistics
Some schools may require additional foundational courses such as physics, kinesiology or science writing. Most programs do not require a GRE. The application process will typically require your undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendations and an application fee.
Choosing the Right Degree Program
Choosing between a master’s degree in nutrition versus a master’s degree in clinical nutrition comes down to your professional goals and the time you want to dedicate to education. To get started:
Check out a program’s overview or benefits statement.
Read through the courses offered, comparing core classes and electives.
Determine whether you want to obtain your Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification.
Decide whether you are able to commit to a full-time program or need to balance part-time coursework with other obligations.
Consider whether you would like to attend in-person classes or take courses online.
Both online and in-person master’s degrees require 30 to 36 credit hours and the average completion time is two years.
You can also contact a school’s admissions counselor to talk about what programs or specializations would fit best with your plans.
Possible Nutrition Careers
If you are considering a move into the nutrition field or are thinking of extending your professional capabilities, now is a great time. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates nutrition and dietician jobs will grow by 11% in the next decade, much faster than other jobs. Healthcare workers with a master’s degree make at least 19% more than their counterparts with only a bachelor’s degree.
Here is a comparison of average salaries and potential careers for an MS in nutrition versus for an MS in clinical nutrition.
Master’s in Clinical Nutrition Salary and Careers
Master’s in Nutrition Salary and Careers
Median salary is $55,499*
Many clinical jobs currently require certification as a registered dietitian
Top employers*
Compass Group
Sodexo
Fresenius
DaVita
Department of Veterans Affairs
Morrison Healthcare
Example jobs:
Develop meal plans for patients in a university hospital
Assess and treat children with metabolic disorders
Monitor nutrition in a community home for patients with disabilities
Lead patient education for a county health clinic
Median salary range is $56,466*
Broad range of career opportunities in both public and private settings
Top employers*
Sodexo
Compass Group
Anthem Blue Cross
Fresenius
Healthcare Services Group
Aramark
Example jobs:
Counsel new parents on infant nutrition care
Optimize athlete eating plans at a fitness center
Consult on new product development at a food manufacturer
Manage the kitchen at a nonprofit
*Source: Burning Glass
“Clinical Nutrition” and “Dietetics”: Is There a Difference?
You will likely come across the terms “dietetics” and “dieticians” in discussions of nutrition education and careers. What separates clinical nutrition from dietetics? There’s a lot of overlap between the two terms and you may see clinical nutritionists and dieticians working in the same settings. One major difference comes down to certification.
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, no matter their level of training. Clinical nutritionists can choose to become a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).
Beyond this, clinical nutrition is more focused on how particular nutrients affect our bodies, while dietitians look at how our overall diet affects our bodies. While clinical nutritionists are largely found in healthcare settings, dieticians may work in food service and kitchens (management dietitians) or public education (community dietitians).
Many job postings that carry the title of clinical nutritionist still require applicants to be a registered dietician. Students and working professionals who want to become an RDN should consider a master’s that offers a coordinated or combined program in dietetics, meaning the school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics and it provides the coursework and test-prep necessary to become an RDN.
Working as a Nutritionist in New York
New York has the highest employment level of nutritionists in the country, behind California and Texas, and is in the top ten of states with the highest mean salary. According to the New York State Department of Labor, there are nearly 6,000 active certified nutritionists and dieticians in the state of New York.
New York’s Nutritionist and Dietitian License Requirements
The professional license requirements for New York state require anyone who calls themselves a certified nutritionist, certified dietitian, or certified dietitian-nutritionist to be registered with the state and meet certain qualifications. These requirements include:
Complete at least an undergrad degree in nutrition-dietetics from an accredited program or a program registered by the New York State Education Department
Fulfill at least 800 hours of work experience in the nutrition field
Pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist exam or the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist exam
Be over the age of 18
Pay a registration fee
Renew the certification every three years
The state has different education and experience requirements for nutritionists with an associate’s degree: Their degree must be from a nutrition-dietetics program that is registered by the New York State Education Department, and they must have ten years of experience, which can be a combination of education and full-time work.
These requirements do not limit someone from working in the nutrition field, but instead restricts them from using a “certified” title.
Nutritionist Job Prospects in New York
There were more than 500 job postings for nutritionist or nutrition technician jobs in New York state in 2019, with a median salary of $55,546, according to Burning Glass. More than 20% of jobs were in general medical and surgical hospitals, followed by special food services and higher education.
Adelphi University’s Online MS in Nutrition
The online MS in Nutrition at Adelphi University prepares students to become nutritionists and to work within a variety of sectors in the health and wellness field. Our courses are designed to give students the comprehensive skills they need to be effective nutrition leaders and communicators. The program is geared toward busy working professionals in health or health-related fields who want to expand their knowledge so that they can more effectively help others, expand their career opportunities or advance in their current role. A graduate degree from Adelphi is an excellent way to advance your career. The average base salary of Adelphi graduate students is 10% higher than the national average—with 94% of grads working or continuing their education within six months.
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In hazardous situations like wildfires raging across California, people around the world falling ill to a new viral strain or a violent plot threatening civilians, strategic decision-making saves lives. Organizations rely on experts who anticipate these dangers and act to mitigate crises. By learning to implement best practices for emergency planning, response and recovery, you can build a career that makes a difference.
If you’re interested in exploring the emergency management industry, it’s important to compare the similarities and differences between a master’s in emergency management and a master’s in homeland security. The right graduate program can provide the knowledge to set plans for hazardous conditions and take charge in the moments when every decision counts.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Homeland Security?
A homeland security master’s degree program is primarily designed to equip professionals for careers among the more than 240,000 employees who make up the Department of Homeland Security. Formed in November 2002, the newest cabinet department of the U.S. federal government comprises operational and support components such as the:
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
United States Secret Service (USSS)
Each of the agencies under the auspices of DHS are staffed by professionals dedicated to the overarching mission of protecting the U.S. against internal and external threats. A graduate education in homeland security can enable you to contribute to that mission, whether you choose to focus on fortifying government agencies, communities, transportation infrastructure or computer systems. Students learn to enforce regulatory compliance and meet ethical responsibilities even in high-pressure situations.
Master’s programs focus on knowledge and skills in areas that are relevant to homeland security careers such as:
Budgeting and planning
Critical infrastructure protection
Ethical decision-making
Intelligence gathering
Organizational theory
Policy analysis
Public health
Public sector management
Homeland Security Job Description
Experts in homeland security may advance their careers in a variety of roles depending on their education, employment history and interests. While professionals in this field often have a military or law enforcement background, others may contribute to public safety by applying their technical skills in computer science or their knowledge of business and finance.
Some of the most common job titles for graduates from homeland security master’s programs are:
Compliance Specialist
Cybersecurity Engineer
Data Analyst
Intelligence Analyst
Operations Manager
Police Officer
Program Manager
Master’s in Homeland Security Salary
Salaries for positions within the Department of Homeland Security and related roles can vary greatly depending on factors like your employment history and any specialized skills you may have such as security testing, risk management and intelligence analysis. PayScale reports people with a homeland security master’s degree earn an average of $62,000.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Emergency Management?
Studying emergency management involves some of the same concepts as a homeland security degree program, but courses may take a wider perspective that’s applicable in both public and private-sector organizations. For example, Adelphi’s emergency management master’s program offers a broad-based curriculum centered on an all-hazards planning approach. That means professionals learn to operate in many different contexts that call for heightened security or disaster response by employing best practices and software tools to analyze risks, set priorities and determine what resources are necessary.
Readiness for multiple hazards requires emergency management professionals to engage in functional planning, assembling a set of versatile and agile strategies. The systematic development of core functions like alerts and evacuations puts an organization on guard. With ample resources in place, emergency personnel have the means to deal with situations from securing a high-profile meeting of international dignitaries to recovering after an earthquake or flood.
Statistical methods for evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing risk data
Multidisciplinary perspectives on managing safety for complex events
Planning methodologies for disaster response
Theory and practice in organizational behavior
Research methods to inform decision-making
Public administration
Regulatory compliance
Maintaining business continuity during a disruption
Professionals may pursue emergency management careers within DHS, but also in other government agencies, nonprofits and private businesses. Some common workplaces for emergency management specialists include:
Local or state government agencies
Hospitals
Universities
Disaster relief organizations
Utilities
Extraction companies
The military
Emergency Management Job Description
Experts in emergency management are responsible for analyzing possible risks to an organization or community and creating plans that minimize disruptions to essential functions while preserving lives and property. To prepare for dangerous situations, a specialist in this field must stay current with best practices, applying the latest software tools and quantitative methods. Professionals ensure that emergency facilities are properly maintained, equipped with all necessary supplies and staffed by employees who are trained to handle the worst.
When a disaster does occur, emergency management specialists collaborate with government agencies, public safety officials and nonprofit organizations. A well-planned response makes it possible to limit harm while efficiently executing response and recovery strategies. Other important duties can involve assessing the damage caused by an event, arranging to share resources across multiple affected communities and applying for federal funding.
Some of the top job titles for professionals with an emergency management master’s are:
Emergency Manager
Emergency Management Specialist
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Security Manager
Health and Safety Manager
Security Director
Master’s in Emergency Management Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $74,420 for emergency management directors. The BLS projected steady growth in positions through 2028 since there’s always a need for organizations to address emergencies and continue to provide basic services even under dire circumstances. The top-paying employers for this field are businesses that offer professional and technical services and higher education institutions.
Earning a master’s in emergency management can help you start or advance a career in contending with serious threats. The online degree program from Adelphi University offers an interdisciplinary curriculum based on cutting-edge research from experts in science, technology, management and risk analysis. Opportunities for experiential learning and customization mean that students are ready to take on real problems and implement innovative solutions in a diverse range of emergency management roles.
About Adelphi’s Online Emergency Services Programs
Adelphi University’s online MS in Emergency Management and graduate certificate program are designed to provide you with skills that are immediately applicable to your career. Whether you’re an experienced emergency services professional or interested in entering the field, our comprehensive and practical programs can help you take the next step.
Our expert faculty includes leading researchers in emergency management and practitioners with real-world experience in emergency response. We’re proud to bring this expertise, personal attention and quality to the online classroom.
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Social workers and counselors provide their clients with more than basic support and guidance— for some, the social workers who helped them through challenging moments have become key sources of feeling safe, secure and happy.
People working in both social work and counseling are often motivated by a common goal: to help and empower their clients. In fact, while these fields offer somewhat different approaches to helping people, they often overlap and complement each other.
For example, the practice of social work is focused on helping individuals take charge of their lives and access the government and social services they need. For licensed social workers, this can involve counseling or referring clients to more specialized types of therapy as necessary. Similarly, a counselor’s work can involve making recommendations for seeking other services, such as a psychiatrist or social worker.
Choosing the Best Education Path for You
Due to the dynamic nature of social work and counseling, both fields offer a variety of challenges and opportunities to empower individuals. A good first step in deciding which career path is the best fit for you is to think specifically about what types of settings you want to work in and the types of clients you want to help.
Another strategy is to look at common job postings in your area in each field and explore their requirements and key responsibilities. Many of the advanced roles will require a license in either counseling or social work, and some will accept both. By mapping out requirements for some of your ideal jobs, you’ll be able to narrow down not only which areas you want to focus on but whether you need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree to achieve your goals.
To help you get started, we examined some of the key similarities and differences between these fields, and what typical master’s in counseling and social work programs cover. Read below to get a broad understanding of how these disciplines interact and where they differ.
Master’s in Counseling vs. Master’s in Social Work Programs
The main differences between the two types of master’s degree are in their scope and the methods they teach for dealing with specific issues. A traditional master’s in counseling program will include courses in psychotherapy, human development, mental health and explore different theories of counseling. Additional knowledge areas that counseling graduate programs often cover include research ethics, dealing with individuals experiencing trauma and strategies for clinical assessment.
Similarly, master’s in social work programs cover human development and mental health. However, social work courses examine these issues in a broader context that accounts for socioeconomic, personal identity and cultural factors. This approach helps social work graduates understand deeply personal issues as well as the role societal factors play in individuals’ lives.
Master’s in Counseling vs. Master’s in Social Work Careers
Both types of programs will explore how these professionals can utilize their knowledge in a variety of settings, such as within a private practice, in an agency or in specific sectors like healthcare. As a result, the common career opportunities for both master’s degree in counseling and social work have some overlap. For example, PayScale shows that individuals with both types of degrees often become mental health therapists.
However, many master’s in counseling graduates take on other roles beyond direct practice, ranging from working in more operational jobs like clinical supervisor to administrative roles like non-profit program coordinator.
On the other hand, many social work graduates focus on working with individuals, families, groups and at the macro level influencing policy. While many specific social work jobs may require some administrative work, the most common career paths for social work graduates all have social worker in their titles—the variety in roles comes from working in different settings or with specific types of clients.
Licensure can impact what social workers are able to do since they can only practice psychotherapy, such as private practice, with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) under supervision. Education also has a significant impact on the ability of social workers to find jobs— as the 2018 National Social Work Workforce Study shows, nearly 40% of those with a master’s in social work degree say there are many jobs available, compared to just under 22% of those with a bachelor’s.
In addition to working in a variety of organizations, some licensed social workers open their own practice. PayScale data shows that some of the most common master’s in social work career paths include:
In addition to becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers, individuals in the field can pursue specific certifications in areas of practice. The two most common focus areas for MSW graduates are working with children and families, and helping individuals with mental health issues.
Regardless of the setting, one of the common themes among most social work careers is a focus on helping their clients access the support they need. For example, some of the key responsibilities for a school social worker include:
Helping students build social skills
Assess behavioral issues and make recommendations for action
Refer students to more specialized support when necessary
However, many of the responsibilities for social workers can vary dramatically. If you’re considering a career move or looking to enter social work, we recommend first outlining some of the key things you want out of your job. For example, do you want to work with adults or children? Do you have a specific area you want to specialize in, like substance abuse issues or mental health? This will also help to inform the education and degree type you’ll need to get there.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Counseling?
Common career paths for master’s in counseling graduates are focused on providing therapy and supportive services as needed — for example, medical licensed counselors often assist in maintaining compliant patient charts.
Like those pursuing social work careers, master’s in counseling graduates can seek licensure to pursue more opportunities. Some specific titles within the counseling field are protected and are only available to those who have earned the Licensed Professional Counselor designation, including mental health counselor. Some of the most popular jobs for M.A. in Counseling graduates include:
Licensed professional counselor
Mental health counselor
School counselor
Clinical therapist
Clinical supervisor
Licensed counselors may be focused in a specific counseling methodology, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or solution-focused therapy. Many counseling positions also prefer or require a master’s in counseling, and a master’s degree is the minimum requirement for obtaining licensure.
About Adelphi’s Online MSW
The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s social work graduate program, available online or on campus, now ranks in the top 25% of the country, according to US News & World Report. Our faculty are expert practitioners and researchers, having published across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.
The Online Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. Because building relationships is essential to the social work field, we include two annual residency experiences, which can be completed online or on-campus. We are proud of our ability to deliver personalized attention in the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.
Demand for social workers is projected to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. If you’re interested in a career in social work, a Master of Social Work could expand your job opportunities and help you get into a specific field. With opportunities in so many different settings — schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, government agencies, and more — an MSW can expand your career horizons.
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About Adelphi’s Online MSW
The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s Social Work graduate program is now ranked in the top 25% of the country, according to US News & World Report. Additionally, our faculty are expert practitioners and researchers, having published across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.
Our Online Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. While the program is primarily delivered online, we include two annual on-campus experiences due to the importance of building relationships in the social work field. Many students tell us that the on-campus training is a highlight of their education.
We are incredibly proud of our ability to deliver the personalized attention of an in-person education to the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.
As most people are aware, many major health problems can be linked to poor nutrition, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, and osteoporosis. And, these problems aren’t limited to a small number of people: According to the CDC, about half of all American adults have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor eating habits.
Because of these health risks, it’s no surprise that individuals often turn to nutritionists and dietitians to help improve their nutrition and wellness. Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 15% by 2026, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations (7%).
If you’re currently employed in heathcare or a health-related field and are interested in careers in food and nutrition or nutrition and dietetics, you may consider earning a master’s degree in nutrition to better position yourself for a role in this rapidly growing field, and to gain a deeper knowledge of the complex relationship between nutrition, community, and health.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Nutrition?
A master’s in nutrition can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Below are examples of popular nutrition and wellness career paths and their associated salaries.
Dietitian Salary and Career Information
Dietitians offer health advice and develop personalized nutritional plans for anyone who may need guidance, including individuals with medical conditions that require a certain diet, people who want to lose weight, or those training for their career or a special event. It is important to note that these professionals may only refer to themselves as Registered Dietitians (RDs) once they have earned the RD credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which includes completing a dietetic internship and passing the dietetic registration exam. Even current RDs may strongly consider earning a master’s degree in nutrition, as the CDR will soon require a master’s degree to continue practicing.
Where they work: Hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, private practice, businesses, academia
Nutritionists often perform the same work as registered dieticians, but they are not registered with the CDR and in most cases may not work in hospitals or clinics. However, many states still have strict requirements for those offering nutrition counseling. Because many nutritionists are self-employed, they often have the freedom to choose their own clients and set their own work hours. Nutritionists may also be health consultants for businesses or work as sports nutritionists for collegiate or professional teams. Some nutritionists even supplement their income by writing for health publications or contributing to other media outlets.
Where they work: Private practice, corporate wellness organizations, fitness clubs, nutrition and wellness retail stores, community programs, sports teams
Given how much food and drugs impact our daily lives—and how strictly they must be regulated—there are myriad opportunities for nutrition professionals in business or industry roles including research, quality control, sales, marketing, and public relations. Researchers, for example, may conduct studies to ensure pharmaceuticals and foods are safe for consumers and meet regulations while quality control professionals may oversee the safety and quality of goods from production to distribution.
Where they work: Food and beverage companies, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, food service vendors, health product distributors
Nutrition Industry Salary: Varies depending on industry, location, and level of experience. Quality Assurance Managers in food manufacturing earn an average of $75,899. Pharmaceutical Project Managers earn an average of $88,150.
Public Health Jobs
While dietitians and nutritionists may work in the public health sector, there are many other opportunities available to nutrition professionals in hospitals, medical associations, and public health departments at the city, county, and state levels. Depending on the position, these professionals may conduct research to advance scientific knowledge of nutrition and dietetics, as well as promote good health and disease prevention.
Where they work: Hospitals, government and non-government organizations, public health organizations, medical associations, research laboratories
Many nutrition professionals have a passion for sharing their knowledge and expertise to make an impact on a wider number of people than they would as a private practitioner. These nutrition educators promote good health by creating and implementing nutrtition education services for hospital patients, home care patients, outpatients, and other groups of people in their community. Other nutrition educators may decide to teach the next generation of nutritionists and dietitians at the community college level. While most four-year universities require a Ph.D., many community colleges and junior colleges allow qualified individuals with a master’s degree to conduct research and develop and teach a range of nutrition courses.
Where they work: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, K-12 schools, community colleges, junior colleges
Nutritional Educator Salary: Varies depending on position, location, and level of experience. Postsecondary teachers, on average, earn $76,000 per year. Nutritional Educators in New York City earn an average of $54,871.
Adelphi University’s Online M.S. in Nutrition
No matter which nutritional career path interests you, the online M.S. in Nutrition can help you achieve your goals by providing a streamlined curriculum concentrating on the skills and knowledge that both reflect the latest nutrition science research and align with current career opportunities. The program is geared toward busy working professionals in health or health-related fields who want to expand their knowledge so that they can more effectively help others and/or earn a professional credential that is required for employment or career advancement.
Comments Off on A Social Worker’s Guide to Cyberbullying Awareness & Prevention
A decade ago, it was a simpler time for the average teenager. A decade ago, teens could go to school, interact with their friends, and come home without fear that bullies or harassment would follow them. They could go home, recharge and start fresh the next day.
That is no longer true. Thanks to the introduction of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch and TikTok as well as mobile devices and an “always-on” culture, it’s much more difficult for kids to get away from the social challenges they face throughout their day.
This problem is an even larger issue for people who deal with bullying because online platforms have led to cyberbullying.
Instead of only taking place in hallways and classrooms, cyberbullying can happen anywhere and on any device with an internet connection. According to a nationwide study done by Florida Atlantic University, 34% of young people have experienced cyberbullying firsthand and 87% have witnessed cyberbullying occur.
With how prevalent cyberbullying is in today’s world, it is important that social workers, teachers, parents and students understand its effects and how to prevent it.
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying can be defined as someone or a group of people intentionally targeting, harassing or threatening someone repeatedly through digital media and communication tools such as the internet, cell phones and/or social media.
While the components that make up cyberbullying may seem simple, it can take many different shapes and sizes, with different levels of severity and many negative effects.
Some common types of cyberbullying include:
Harassment through texts or direct messages
Text-based harassment can take a lot of different forms. Someone might take out their aggression on another person by sending them offensive and hurtful messages, but it could also include sending crude and unwanted jokes that make the recipient feel uncomfortable. If the messages are ongoing, unwanted and offensive, they likely fit into this category.
Cyberstalking/sexual harassment
Cyberstalking is the act of continuous, unwanted romantic advances online. It typically occurs after the victim rejects someone’s initial advances and may consist of threats, sexually explicit texts and pleas for attention.
Online sexual harassment can also fit into this category. A severe, yet common example consists of frequent threats of rape or sexual assault.
Other examples of online sexual harassment include sending repeated and unwanted pornographic images, recording and/or distributing images of sexual assault and non-consensually sharing sexually explicit images of someone. In a 2008 study, 15% of middle school students reported they had received unwanted sexual solicitation online.
Spreading rumors or lies about someone across social media
This category includes exaggerated or completely false stories that are spread about a person across social media. Not only can this type of cyberbullying affect someone’s sense of self, it may damage their reputation among their peers and potential employers.
Impersonation
This includes invading someone’s personal accounts and posting without the person’s permission. Often, posts are meant to hurt the person’s reputation or embarrass them.
Trolling
This involves commenting unrelated and cruel things on someone’s social media posts or attacking a person in their comments section repeatedly.
Trolling can also include behavior like constantly starting arguments in someone’s social media feed.
Threatening someone or telling them to harm themselves
One of the most extreme forms of cyberbullying is threatening harm or even death to the person. This can include physical and psychological threats, and they can also be highly specific and targeted—for example, some threats may include a person’s address or information about their family to create a greater feeling of fear.
A related type of cyberbullying involves telling a person to harm themselves, which can do severe damage to someone’s self-esteem, especially when done repeatedly over a long time.
Doxxing
Doxxing is the online publication of private information about someone, typically to encourage others to harass them. This not only includes hacking into personal accounts and posting personal information, but can also involve compiling publicly available information into one place to share with other people, making it easier for anyone to target the victim.
What Makes Cyberbulling So Severe?
As seen from the examples above, there is a new rulebook when it comes to bullying in the modern world. While the threat of physical contact is often absent, cyberbullying can still be extremely harmful due to its persistence and potential reach. Some instances of cyberbullying can result in mass harassment as more people start to target the individuals affected.
When bullying happens online, it can also be seen by friends, family members, classmates, teachers and even acquaintances, which can result in the sense of shame and embarrassment being heightened.
Here are a few key factors that make cyberbullying a significant problem:
Permanence
Everyone has heard the adage, “once it’s on the internet, it’s there forever.” Hurtful images and comments can be deleted by the victim, but in the world of cyberbullying, they never really go away.
Cyberbullies can take screenshots of hurtful comments and the victim’s reactions, ensuring that they can continue being shared. One of the common tactics related to this is provoking a cyberbullying victim to post something when they’re angry, which can then be shared out-of-context to damage someone’s reputation, chances of employment or college enrollment opportunities. According to a 2018 survey from CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen job candidates and 48% of employers use social media to check in on current employees.
Persistence
Another factor of cyberbullying is persistence. While there used to be a respite from bullying outside of school hours, it now follows victims home. Mobile devices, the ability to get WiFi practically anywhere and a hyper-connected culture have turned bullying into an inescapable, 24/7 problem that causes continued stress whenever plugged in.
This constant feeling of unease has been proven to cause a continued stress response, which leads to disruptions in early childhood brain development, an overly responsive stress system, conduct issues and antisocial behavior.
Popularity Factor
With the large number of people that have been exposed to the negative repercussions of cyberbullying, why is it still common? This leads to one of the biggest issues associated with the problem: the popularity factor.
According to a study published by The Journal of Early Adolescence, while people tend to look down on traditional bullying, cyberbullying can actually improve the perpetrator’s popularity.
Social media has introduced a culture where the ‘like’ is law. The more likes you get on something, the more likely you will be to post something similar in the future. Because of this, cyberbullies often feel validated, encouraging them to continue targeting their victims.
Impersonality
Because cyberbullying happens through a screen and not face-to-face, it’s much easier to attack someone without feeling ashamed or fearful of negative social responses. A screen can act as a buffer for the bully to be as mean as they want.
Anonymity only amplifies the negative effects of bullying. Cyberbullying victims with unknown perpetrators have reported a greater sense of weariness and suspicion when interacting with others. This can also make it difficult for social and law enforcement agencies to take action.
Effects of Cyberbullying
Mental health issues
One of the many negative effects of cyberbullying is the increased likelihood to experience mental health issues. Cyberbullying has a strong correlation with trauma, depression, anxiety and dissociation. A study on cyberbullying victims by Pennine, Bhagwanjee and Govender found that 22.4% of their participants could be clinically diagnosed with posttraumatic stress and 21% with dissociation.
Suicidal thoughts and actions
In extreme cases, cyberbullying can lead to death. Every year, new cases come to light of cyberbullying-related suicides. One reason for these occurrences is the brain’s physical response to trauma. Cyberbullying can cause a constant fear response, activating the emotional, visual and intuitive right side of the brain. It, in turn, deactivates the left side of the brain responsible for linguistic and analytical functions. The ability to think rationally decreases while emotional responses increase. Because of this, victims with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression have a higher likelihood of committing suicide.
Lack of focus at school
With the mental, emotional and physical issues listed above, cyberbullying can have direct consequences on someone’s education. A study conducted by Jackson and Cohen reported that third to sixth graders who were victims of cyberbullying were more likely to have lower levels of optimism, fewer friendships and a lower perceived social acceptance. These factors have shown a direct correlation to performance in school.
The effects on optimism and social acceptance, paired with the above information that stress responses paralyze the analytical parts of the brain, make it very difficult for a cyberbullying victim to maintain focus on schoolwork and other responsibilities.
Signs of Cyberbullying
Because cyberbullying often goes unreported, it can be tricky to see the signs. Here are some important things to look for when working with younger clients or in school settings:
Noticeable increase or decrease in phone use
Becoming upset or angry after phone use
Frequent, unexpected mood swings
Reluctance to go to school or uneasiness with attending certain classes
Unexplained decline in grades
Unwillingness to share information about their online accounts
Rapid weight gain or loss, trouble eating, stomachaches
Withdrawing from close friends and family
Signs of depression or anxiety
How to Stop and Prevent Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a pervasive issue in today’s culture, and it may become even more severe as technology continues to give us new ways to connect with each other. Because of this, it is important to understand how to stop and prevent cyberbullying from happening as soon as possible.
Many of your potential clients may struggle with cyberbullying, but you can play a significant role in helping them manage the problem or help to address the issue on a larger scale. Below are some tips for cyberbullying prevention:
Learn The Signs and the Tactics of Cyberbullying
Prevention starts with education. It’s hard to know how to help someone who is getting cyberbullied if you don’t fully understand it. Do your research into what cyberbullying is and its effects, turn to focused resources from experts and apply what you learn.
The more you understand the online universe and how to navigate it, the better you will be at helping to prevent online bullying.
Keep an Open Dialogue and Build Trust
A support system is crucial for anyone, but especially for someone experiencing cyberbullying. Helping the victim understand that they aren’t at fault, listening to what they have to say and helping them navigate the legal system and other resources can make a huge difference.
School social workers have opportunities to work with teachers, administration and family members to offer better support both at home and in school. For example, helping to teach a victim’s family how to mitigate the risks and damage caused by cyberbullying can lift some of the burden off the individual.
Develop Guidelines and Influence Policy
Having clear, concise policies in place about the usage of the online spectrum is a great preventative measure you can take to combat cyberbullying. For school social workers, this may mean helping schools develop formal policies related specifically to cyberbullying, in addition to educating teachers and administrators.
Focus on Restorative Consequences
Setting up a system of guidelines for cyberbullying is important, but it is even more important to make sure the discipline is effective. In many schools and homes, punitive consequences are given to combat unwanted behavior. For example, many schools give detentions or timeouts to children who act up.
Instead of showing the perpetrator the negative effects of their behavior on others, this only shows how they’re personally affected by their negative actions. By contrast, restorative consequences focus on teaching someone more socially acceptable behavior. In cases where the bully themselves has suffered trauma, this strategy can also involve teaching them healthier coping mechanisms and helping them find resources for dealing with those issues.
This strategy may involve giving a cyberbully tasks like writing an in-depth research paper on the negative effects of cyberbullying or asking them to explain how they think someone else was affected by their actions.
Teach Internet Safety
Educating students on common internet etiquette is vital to your school or community. Safety practices like keeping passwords private and updating social media privacy settings are key to keeping kids safe online. As a social worker, you can prepare your community by helping them build basic internet and account security skills and understand how to keep themselves safe when online.
Build Development Programs
Studies have found that the best way to prevent cyberbullying from occurring is to develop healthy interpersonal skills in teens and young adults. Social workers have started programs in their schools or communities to teach adolescents concepts like shame management, resilience and emotional intelligence.
These programs help students gain self-confidence and social awareness that can lower the likelihood that they’ll become bullies. It also gives them the resilience to understand that any bullying they receive isn’t deserved and shouldn’t be hidden. When students gain the self-confidence that these programs teach, the amount of cyberbullying in a community decreases drastically.
Document the Harassment
Cyberbullying is a repeated offense against a person and sometimes the aggression can cross the line into criminal. Keeping a record of the posts, comments, videos and anything else will make prosecution for these offenses easier.
Social workers can work with their clients to educate them regarding the type of information that is most useful to keep a record of as well as help in documenting instances of bullying. In addition to documenting the content of online harassment, for example, recording the dates and times of each incident can be helpful for proving that the behavior has been repeated.
Not only do today’s teens need to be equipped with preventative and coping strategies, but the professionals who work with them also need to understand their role in minimizing the damage caused by problems like cyberbullying.
Complex issues like these can involve many different areas of expertise, from knowledge of diversity and culture to psychology and human development. However, social workers with a well-rounded foundation of skills can be the driving force for positive change, both in their clients’ lives and in their communities.
About Adelphi’s Online MSW
The highly respected School of Social Work at Adelphi has a long history of producing leaders in social work and helping to shape social policies. Since 1951, we have continually been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and Adelphi’s Social Work graduate program is now ranked in the top 25% of the country, according to US News & World Report. Additionally, our faculty are expert practitioners and researchers, having published across the full range of topics within the field—including disparities in healthcare, child advocacy, the role of social workers in shaping policies and more.
Our Online Master of Social Work program brings the combined decades of expertise and legacy of Adelphi’s leading social work school to a flexible curriculum designed for working professionals. While the program is primarily delivered online, we include two annual on-campus experiences due to the importance of building relationships in the social work field. Many students tell us that the on-campus training is a highlight of their education.
We are incredibly proud of our ability to deliver the personalized attention of an in-person education to the online classroom. Our graduates complete the program prepared to become Licensed Master Social Workers and begin rewarding careers.
Comments Off on How to Become a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDCES)
According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 30.3 million people in the U.S.—over 9 percent of the total population—live with diabetes. Keeping their conditions under control requires careful monitoring, regularly taking any prescribed medication and making informed diet, fitness and other lifestyle choices.
A diabetes educator plays a vital part in supporting diabetics by offering guidance and encouragement. They help patients take charge of their lives and follow through with the necessary changes for managing the disease successfully.
When you explore how to become a certified diabetes educator (CDCES), you may find that there are several different educational paths that could lead you to success in this field. Earning an online Master of Social Work or a Master of Science in Nutrition degree might each help you to progress toward your professional goals. Here’s what you need to know about starting your career as a health educator for people with diabetes:
The Role of Diabetes Education
Doctors and nurses prescribe medications and give their diabetes patients directions for their care. However, managing a chronic disease and all the complications that go along with it requires a strong support system and input from many different perspectives.
For example, where a doctor may provide general guidelines and dietary restrictions, diabetes educators can translate this advice into concrete lifestyle changes. As a diabetes educator, you could expand on the advice that patients and their caregivers hear from other medical professionals, sharing a real-world perspective on how to follow through with large shifts in their daily routines.
Diabetes educators may teach groups of patients and caregivers in classes or meet with them one-on-one. If you pursue this career, you might be employed in variety of settings, including hospitals, public health departments, nonprofit organizations and colleges or universities.
Some of the key services that diabetes educators offer include:
Lessons in how to use devices like a glucometer and insulin pump
Explanations of how to recognize and address complications from the disease
Information about healthy lifestyle changes for patients and their families
Personalized suggestions for following a treatment plan
Advice for solving problems and coping with changes
Diabetes Educator: Education Requirements
Specialized education can build your skills in assisting people with diabetes and help you to qualify for certain jobs. Professionals with a master’s degree in social work may be prepared to counsel patients and their families so they can adapt to the changes in their lives. Healthcare social workers have the knowledge and experience to help people plan for the long term as they navigate their treatment.
Some positions require a master’s degree in nutrition, which helps educators understand the complex role that diet plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. The right nutritional choices can help diabetics control their blood sugar, respond better to insulin and lower their risk for cardiovascular disease. Several common eating patterns have been shown to help people with diabetes sustain a healthier lifestyle:
Vegetarian or vegan
Low fat
Low carbohydrate
Mediterranean, which focuses on plant-based foods with some dairy, fish and poultry
Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which is specifically designed to lower blood pressure
By becoming a diabetes educator, you’ll be able to advise patients on how to make changes in their own lives. Staying up-to-date with the latest thinking in social work and nutrition will allow you to guide people with diabetes as they set goals for their treatment plans and select foods that fit their personal tastes and budget.
How to Complete Your Diabetes Educator Certification
Certification as a diabetes educator is a practice-based credential that indicates experience and mastery in the field. The certification is not intended as a step toward first entering the specialty, but diabetes educators who complete the process may be able to pursue advanced career opportunities. CDCES holders may become leaders and mentors within the field, and they make an average salary of $62,605.
To become a CDCES, you must meet the eligibility requirements established by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (CBDCE) and pass the Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators. To be eligible for the exam, fulfill the following requirements:
The discipline requirement can be met by holding an active license to practice medicine or another of the registrations and certifications for healthcare professionals accepted by the CBDCE. These include being a registered dietician or completing a master’s degree in social work. Along with the standard pathway, there are also unique qualifications that can meet this requirement with preapproval from the CBDCE. Individuals who hold degrees in nutrition, exercise physiology or public health may qualify in this way.
The professional practice experience requirement calls for at least two years of professional experience, plus 1,000 hours of diabetes education over the previous four years
Complete at least 15 hours of continuing education from a provider recognized by the CBDCE within two years of applying for the exam
The exam itself consists of 200 multiple choice questions answered over four hours. If you pass the test, you’ll be awarded your certification.
About Adelphi’s Online Programs in Social Work and Nutrition
A career as a Certified Diabetes Educator is full of opportunities to provide patients with valuable information that helps them manage their condition and achieve improved health outcomes. If you’re interested in following this career path, completing an online master’s degree from Adelphi University can help you move forward.
An online Master of Social Work is designed with busy people in mind. It will help you expand your knowledge of theory and practice through coursework and professional development opportunities. Working with expert faculty, you’ll gain hands-on experience through field education and an intensive on-campus residency. This program will ready you to apply for licensure as master social workers in any state, and the degree can also fulfill the Discipline Requirement for a Certified Diabetes Educator.
The M.S. in Nutrition curriculum will give you an advanced understanding of nutrition science, including nutrition’s role in disease management and prevention. You’ll learn to communicate nutrition concepts to patients and other non-experts, leading the way in promoting healthier practices. The online program is offers plenty of flexibility for busy professionals and will help you develop the skills that will enable you to succeed in a variety of roles, including, potentially, as a diabetes educator.
Empowering people to manage their diabetes starts with teaching them to transform their lifestyle and stay on track with treatment. An advanced degree in social work or nutrition will help you make a lasting difference in the lives of patients.
The typical American diet exceeds the recommended limits on intake levels for refined grains, saturated fat, sodium and solid fats/added sugar.
The number of fast food restaurants in America has doubled since the 1970s.
Unhealthy diet contributes to approximately 678,000 deaths each year in the United States, due to obesity- and nutrition-related diseases.
Nutritionists and dietitians have a very important role in today’s society and in helping to reduce the impact of problems like those listed above. Not only do they help prevent and manage diseases often related to genetics or poor eating habits, they also improve people’s everyday quality of living. Dietitians and nutritionists are also interested in food sourcing, and educating others on the importance of real, quality food.
Both registered dietitians and nutritionists should see job growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionist and dietitian jobs are expected to grow 11% (much faster than average) between 2018 and 2028. The median pay for dietitians and nutritionists is $60,370 per year.
What is the difference between a master’s in nutrition and dietetics, and a master’s in nutrition?
Both a master’s in nutrition and dietetics and master’s in nutrition lead to careers in the nutrition and wellness fields. Some master’s programs are designed to be the first step to becoming a registered dietitian. These programs have specific requirements—like internships or field placements—and must be accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Other master’s programs have a stronger focus on nutritional health and wellness or community nutrition. For example, the courses in Adelphi’s nutrition master’s program are designed to help students build the skills they need to:
Increase public awareness for nutrition and dietary-related diseases
Create programs and influence policy to promote dietary health
Conduct nutrition research and communicate insights to colleagues and public constituents
In other words, the difference is not about the name of the program, it’s about the program’s learning objectives, the specific courses in the curriculum, and internships/field placements available to students. In many cases, both master’s in nutrition graduates and master’s in nutrition and dietetics graduates can pursue similar careers and credentials. For example, PayScale shows that job titles like clinical nutrition manager are common paths for professionals with either degree.
What is the difference: Dietitian vs. nutritionist?
In the simplest of terms, the role of a registered dietitian (RD) is more regulated than a nutritionist. Registered dietitians need to obtain specific certifications and licensures in order to practice. That said, nutritionists often have a wide range of career opportunities, and less hoops to jump through in order to practice. Nutritionists can also focus their careers in areas like community health, nutrition program and policy development, or in working with people who have diseases with dietary restrictions.
While some M.S. in Nutrition programs prepare graduates for becoming a registered dietitian, not all of them are designed with this credential in mind — in these cases, nutritionists will need additional education or supervised training if they decide to pursue a career as an RD.
This article will go more into detail about registered dietitian and nutritionist careers in terms of requirements to practice, specializations within the industry and roles within society.
What is a registered dietitian?
A registered dietitian is a licensed professional who offers health advice to patients, teaches individuals about nutrition, and develops, monitors and updates meal plans. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lists the following requirements needed to become a registered dietitian:
Complete a degree (must be at the graduate level, after January 1, 2024) in a program that was approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice/internship
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s dietetic registration exam
Gain licensure in your state of practice
Complete continuing education requirements in order to maintain your license
Registered Dietitian Career Paths
Dietitians often fall into one of the following three categories: management dietitian, clinical dietitian or community dietitian.
Role
Work Settings
Management Dietitians
Run overall kitchen operations, develop meal plans, in charge of kitchen staff/other dietitians
Corporations, hospitals, cafeterias
Clinical Dietitians
Provide medical nutrition to patients
Nursing homes, hospitals, long-term care facilities
Community Dietitians
Provide educational nutrition programs to individuals and groups
Non-profit organizations, government agencies, public health clinics
Source: PayScale
What is a nutritionist?
Nutritionist is another common career path for master’s in nutrition as well as for master’s in nutrition and dietetics graduates. A nutritionist provides diet recommendations and guidance to patients with chronic diseases, people trying to lose weight and athletes.
Nutritionists often perform similar work as dietitians, but not all states require licensure and they are not registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
It is important to note that some states do have restrictions on the type of nutrition counseling that individuals can perform without being licensed—in North Carolina, for example, a license is required for medical nutritional therapy but not for other nutritionist services such as individual nutrition assessment and counseling. State laws can also affect whether you can use specific titles without licensure, so it is important to research the specific laws for the state you want to work in, and plan your education and career path around those laws.
Individuals in the nutrition and dietetics fields must stay informed on food and nutrition trends. For example, some of the common trends in 2019 include personalization and overall health, like nutrigenomics (personalized nutrition based on your genetic makeup) and understanding the role of nutrition in reducing bone and muscle loss during aging.
Individuals with an advanced nutrition degree have more opportunities, and are better able to differentiate themselves in the field. One major benefit of being a nutritionist is the variety of jobs that are available. For example, nutritionists often work in the following places:
Professionals who are trained in holistic nutrition approach health and healing on the whole person, focusing on whole foods found in nature. Holistic nutrition professionals advise groups, families and individuals on ways to improve diet, promote good health and prevent disease. Holistic nutritionists may also work with a licensed healthcare provider on previously diagnosed illnesses. Some of the benefits of a whole food-focused diet include increased energy, disease prevention and better mental clarity.
Because the holistic nutritionist industry is still emerging, most states don’t have regulations for these professionals to follow. However, holistic nutritionists can voluntarily choose to become board certified in holistic nutrition. The Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB) and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) set the credentialing standards, which are based on educational requirements, scope of practice and a code of ethics.
Some larger companies employ nutritional consultants on either a full-time or contract basis in order to lead workshops on health strategies, create meal options for employee cafeterias and consult one-on-one with employees about their personal nutrition needs.
3. Community Health Nutritionist
One subset of the nutrition industry that’s becoming increasingly important is community nutrition and health —sometimes referred to as public health.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “public health nutrition is the application of nutrition and public health principles to design programs, systems, policies and environments that aims to improve or maintain the optimal health of populations and targeted groups.”
Community health nutritionists assist underserved populations, provide health education and counseling, and help find resources to manage diseases. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for health educators and community health professionals, which is much faster than average.
A study published by the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health details how the economy could be better served through better funding of social programs in the United States. Researchers analyzed 25 years of California public health and medical spending data, and they found that a significant percentage of current spending provides no medical or health benefit. Furthermore, their findings suggested that spending more on population and community health initiatives could prevent as many as 10,500 premature deaths. These public health interventions, which include health education, early childhood development and public health programs, can generate financial returns for governments by drastically reducing costs related to poor community health.
Studies like these show the potential impact that community health nutritionists could have on a larger scale. However, these professionals also face a dual challenge: not only must they be adept researchers, they need strong communication skills to share their insights on complex issues and influence public health policies. Professionals who are interested in community nutrition and health careers can pursue nutrition master’s programs with courses in core nutrition concepts as well as community health policy, communication and research to help build the skills they need to be successful.
Adelphi University’s Online M.S. in Nutrition
The online M.S. in Nutrition prepares students to become nutritionists, and to work within a variety of sectors in the health and wellness field. Our courses are designed to give students the comprehensive skills they need to be effective nutrition leaders and communicators.The program is geared toward busy working professionals in health or health-related fields who want to expand their knowledge so that they can more effectively help others, expand their career opportunities or advance in their current role. A graduate degree from Adelphi is an excellent way to advance your career. The average base salary of Adelphi graduate students is 10% higher than the national average—with 94% of grads working or continuing their education within six months.
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