Applied Nutrition vs Graduate Nursing

Are you considering a career in the healthcare field but can't decide between applied nutrition and graduate nursing? Both paths offer unique opportunities to make a difference in people's lives, but they have different focuses and requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between applied nutrition and graduate nursing, including their job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

Introduction

In today's society, there is a growing interest in health and wellness. As a result, careers in healthcare are in high demand. Applied nutrition and graduate nursing are two career paths that allow individuals to work in the healthcare field and make a positive impact on people's lives. While both fields share a common goal of improving health outcomes, they have distinct differences in terms of job roles, education and training requirements, and career outlooks.

What is Applied Nutrition?

Applied nutrition is a field that focuses on the science of nutrition and its practical application to promote health and prevent disease. Applied nutrition professionals work with individuals and communities to assess their nutritional needs, develop personalized dietary plans, and educate them on the importance of proper nutrition. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and research institutions.

What is Graduate Nursing?

Graduate nursing, on the other hand, is a field that prepares individuals to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). APRNs are highly trained healthcare professionals who provide specialized care to patients. They have the authority to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide primary and specialty care. Graduate nursing programs typically offer specialization options such as family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist.

Difference between Applied Nutrition and Graduate Nursing

While both applied nutrition and graduate nursing involve working in the healthcare field and promoting health, there are several key differences between the two fields:

• Focus: Applied nutrition focuses on the science of nutrition and its practical application, while graduate nursing focuses on providing advanced patient care.
• Scope of practice: Applied nutrition professionals primarily work in the field of nutrition and dietetics, while graduate nurses have a broader scope of practice and can provide comprehensive healthcare services.
• Licensure: Applied nutrition professionals may obtain certifications in specialized areas of nutrition, but they do not require a nursing license. Graduate nurses, on the other hand, must obtain a nursing license to practice as APRNs.
• Patient population: Applied nutrition professionals work with individuals and communities to improve their nutritional status, while graduate nurses provide care to a wide range of patients across the lifespan.
• Treatment approach: Applied nutrition professionals focus on preventive care and dietary interventions, while graduate nurses provide holistic care that includes physical, mental, and emotional support.

Applied Nutrition vs Graduate Nursing: Job Description

Applied Nutrition Job Description

Professionals in the field of applied nutrition have the following job responsibilities:

• Assessing individuals' nutritional needs and developing personalized dietary plans
• Providing nutrition education to individuals and communities
• Conducting research on the relationship between nutrition and health outcomes
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop nutrition-related treatment plans
• Monitoring individuals' progress and making adjustments to dietary plans as needed

Graduate Nursing Job Description

Graduate nurses, or APRNs, have a broader range of job responsibilities, including:

• Providing advanced patient care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses
• Prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests
• Providing primary and specialty care to patients across the lifespan
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans
• Educating patients on disease prevention and management

Applied Nutrition vs Graduate Nursing: Education and Training

Applied Nutrition Education and Training

To become a professional in the field of applied nutrition, individuals typically need to complete the following education and training:

• Bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field
• Completion of an accredited internship or supervised practice program
• Passing the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
• Continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with the latest research and practices in nutrition

Graduate Nursing Education and Training

To become an APRN, individuals must complete the following education and training:

• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)
• Licensure as a registered nurse (RN)
• Completion of a master's or doctoral program in nursing with a specialization in the desired area of practice
• Passing the national certification examination for the specific APRN role and population focus
• Continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with the latest advancements in healthcare

Applied Nutrition vs Graduate Nursing: Career Outlook and Salary

Applied Nutrition Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for professionals in applied nutrition is promising. As the importance of nutrition in overall health and wellness becomes more recognized, the demand for applied nutrition professionals is expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists was $66,450 in May 2020.

Graduate Nursing Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook for APRNs is also excellent. The demand for advanced practice nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to an increased emphasis on preventive care, an aging population, and a shortage of primary care physicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives was $81,220 in May 2022.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between applied nutrition and graduate nursing ultimately depends on your interests, career goals, and strengths. If you have a passion for nutrition and enjoy working with individuals and communities to improve their health through dietary interventions, applied nutrition may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you have a strong desire to provide advanced patient care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and have a broader scope of practice, graduate nursing may be the better fit. Consider your personal preferences, research the educational requirements, and weigh the career outlook and salary potential to make an informed decision about your future in the healthcare field.