Nutrition and Dietetics

Associate in Science (A.S.)

A nutrition and dietetics student talking to faculty after class.

Discover the relationship between nutrition and public health, disease, and society. Complete foundational courses in nutrition and prepare for a career promoting healthy lifestyles.

Career Outlook: Dietitians and Nutritionists

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

A.S. Program Overview

Help people and communities lead healthy and fulfilling lives with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. Gain a well-rounded education that explores the role that nutrition plays in preserving health, preventing disease, and enhancing wellness. Learn about proper nutritional practices for public wellness and the well-being of targeted populations. Our curriculum includes courses in biology, culinary arts, healthcare fundamentals, and interpersonal communication.

FLCC Nutrition and Dietetics student posing for a photo in front of a vineyard in midsummer.

"The nutrition classes taught by Professor Izy Grooms set the foundation for all other nutrition concepts to grow from throughout my college education into my supervised practice through my internship. She helped me through my FLCC experience from day one and solidified my love for nutrition."

— Michaela Sheedy '19

Food as Preventative Healthcare

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

Our Nutrition and Dietetics Program is Available 100% Online

In addition to completing this degree in-person, our entire Nutrition and Dietetics curriculum is available online, so you can study on your time and from a location that fits your busy schedule. Online learning provides a convenient and flexible way to earn an education. Learn more about FLCC online learning.


A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:

  • Assess macro and micro nutrient needs for individuals in order to improve health and prevent or delay disease.
  • Differentiate approaches to make recommendations to meet an individual's health and wellness goals.
  • Evaluate nutritional information for reliability and usefulness in analyzing claims.
  • Take actionable steps to improve nutritional well-being for themselves and those around them.

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

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

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

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

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

Four-Year Career Pathways

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

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

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

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Izy Grooms is the lead instructor and advisor for the A.S. Nutrition and Dietetics program. Izy has been teaching at FLCC since 2008. She has professional experience in a variety of nutrition careers, including home health care, diabetes education, pharmaceutical sales, consulting, nursing homes, and private practice. She has a B.S. from University at Buffalo in Communications and an M.A. in Nutrition Science from Syracuse University. Her passion for nutrition, physical fitness, and wellness is transparent in everything she does, which she shares with her students in the classroom.

Our adjunct faculty have master's degrees in nutrition and maintain professional careers in the nutrition field. As Registered Dietitians, our faculty are required to continue their education to strengthen their knowledge of new research and emerging practices.

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