How to Become a Nutritionist and Help Others

How to Become a Nutritionist – Overview

A nutritionist is an expert who understands the relationship between food and its nutrients. It helps people with several medical conditions to manage their diseases by following the proper meals.

If you are experiencing health difficulties, a nutritionist can help you manage them by switching to a new diet program. If you are interested in becoming a nutritionist and want to know how the answer lies below!

What Is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a health expert who helps patients change their eating habits and overall lifestyle. Due to their busy schedules, most people don’t take care of their health. Instead, they rely on fast foods and other unhealthy items, which can lead to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

The role of a nutritionist in daily life is crucial. They guide us about what to eat and when to eat. Our body relies on nutrients and micronutrients. Nutritionists first evaluate the value of nutrients in our bodies by conducting blood tests.

After getting the test results, a nutritionist will prepare a unique diet plan for each patient according to their nutrient requirements. A nutritionist is your friend, colleague, physician, and everything else; they help you live a nutritionally healthy life.

How to Become a Nutritionist?

3 Steps to Become a Nutritionist

To become a licensed nutritionist in the US, you must complete various stages. However, many people need clarification about whether this career is a good choice.

The need for nutritionists is increasing as people start worrying more about their health. This career is great for those who want to help others and society.

Unlike other career options, you will not earn more money here, but you will get enough peace of mind at the end of the day. Helping nature is all a society needs and you can become one by completing these four steps.

3 Steps to Become a Nutritionist

Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a licensed nutritionist is earning a bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, or any other related field. A bachelor’s degree requires four years of study. You will learn about food science, chemistry, biology, nutrition, and more in these four years. Since you have chosen a related field, many topics related to food and nutrients will be covered in these four years.

Moreover, the training period will cover the nutritional values of foods from different groups. You will also learn what foods contain what nutrients, the right time to eat meals, and other essential information about the elemental diets we all follow.

Accredited Nutrition Program is a must to become a licensed nutritionist. Ensure that the program or the school you are looking for meets ACEND’s requirements before admission.

Step 2: Complete an Internship Program

You must complete an internship program to gain work experience in the field. Search for the nutritionist or the organizations under whom you can practice. You must complete this program under the supervision of a licensed nutritionist. It will help you understand the basics of your field.

Moreover, you will meet new people daily with different types of issues. You will also learn how a licensed nutritionist understands patients’ requirements and guides them to follow a proper diet.

This step is crucial if you want to achieve more in your career, as you will gain enough knowledge about the field.

Step 3: Certifications

To become a licensed nutritionist, you must earn certifications after your degree and internship program. Although the requirements to become a licensed nutritionist may vary from state to state, you must check the requirements before searching for things on the web.

A registered dietitian is the most common credential. ACEND manages this credential. You can earn this certification after completing the bachelor’s degree and internship programs.

Moreover, you can study even further to earn more certifications to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. A Master’s or Doctoral Degree is required to achieve this goal. It takes two more years to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.

State registry issues a license to a Nutritionist. You must complete a Master’s or Doctoral Degree and pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam. You can apply for the license after completing the Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam.

5 Types of Nutritionist Certifications

If you choose the right type of nutritionist certification, the chances of getting employment are faster. Make sure you pursue the course under the correct type of program. A nationally-recognized organization provides licenses to a nutritionist. Let’s check out the different types of nutritionists, better to understand this field and career options for newcomers.

How to Become a Nutritionist – 5 Types of Nutritionist Certifications

1. Certified Nutrition Specialist

To become a Certified Nutrition Specialist, you need to have the following certifications:

A Master’s Degree in Nutrition or a related field

1000 hours of internship under a licensed nutritionist

Passing grade under the Nutrition Certification Board from CBNS

2. Certified Health Coach

To become a Certified Health Coach, you need to have the following certifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or a related field

A passing grade from the American Council on Exercise or the National Society of Health Coaches

3. Certified Sports Nutritionist

To become a Certified Sports Nutritionist, you need to have the following certifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition

A passing grade from the Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics

4. Certified Holistic Nutritionist

To become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, you need to have the following certifications:

A nutrition course from the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.

Minimum 500 hours of experience in the related field

A passing grade from the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board

5. Clinical Nutritionist

To become a clinical nutritionist, you need to have the following certifications:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition

An additional course in nutrition, herbology

An assessment from the Clinical Certification Board

The Bottom Line:

A registered or licensed nutritionist must maintain his certification by meeting the board’s requirements. Even if he has completed all the steps, a clinical nutritionist must complete 40 hours of education every two years.

Likewise, other nutritionists must also meet the criteria to maintain their licenses. This career is excellent if you care and want to help others improve their lives.