Dinah
How do you become a nutritionist? What do they do in a day? What are some ways I can prepare and what classes should I take in college?
I am interested in becoming a doctor but I do not feel like I could be a physician. I think a nutritionist is the right career for me but I want to know what their job is like. #medicine #doctor #hospital-and-health-care #nutrition #dietician #food #college
3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA College Advisor
Paul’s Answer
Hi Dinah:
The path to becoming a nutritionist is going to depend on your education, experience and your geographic location. Each state has varying degree, licensing and certification requirements in order to work in the field. So you will need to research your state's requirements as far as education and certification. But let's start with how to become a nutritionist and what they do.
Nutritionists are basically defined as experts who specialize in food and the nutritional needs of their clients, and advise them on the benefits of specific food groups. They also research and review the diet habits of their clients, educate them on their dietary needs and monitor their dietary progress. They work with a variety of patients, including ones who might be suffering from illnesses as diabetes, or going through cancer treatments or chemotherapy. They are also known to test for food allergies or other sensitivities to specific food groups. So they can be in a variety of locations. They can be in an office at a hospital consulting with a patient on their diet. They can be in a retirement home, educating the clients on proper nutrition and food selections. They can also in health related businesses, meeting with clients and educating the public on nutritional issues.
So what kind of education will you need? There are a variety of majors and emphasis areas which can be used to develop the pathway into nutrition. I have advised people who have majored in Health Education, and others who have majored in Health Leadership with an emphasis in Nutrition. Each college or university can have a different program, which can include an emphasis in food science, dietetics, clinical nutritional care, community health and nutrition, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and psychology. So these will be the classes you will be taking in order to progress towards a goal of becoming a nutritionist. Some of the programs also might require an internship before graduation, so I would research the university programs in your region to see which one has the program you need, and will help you to meet the certification requirements of your state.
Paul recommends the following next steps:
Jessica Huber
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Jessica, great way to kick off a response to Dinah. Any advice on how Dinah can become a nutritionist or what they do on the day to day? Would love more details here :)
Jordan Rivera, Admin
COACH
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Embarking on a Journey to Become a Nutritionist
If you're dreaming of becoming a nutritionist, you'll need to follow a few steps. These usually include earning a bachelor's degree in a related field, gaining hands-on experience through internships or practical training, and securing certification or licensure.
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. You'll want to spend four years at an accredited college or university, focusing on programs that delve into nutrition, dietetics, food science, or public health. These will give you a solid foundation in nutrition principles, human physiology, and biochemistry.
Next, gain some practical experience. Many bachelor's degree programs offer internships or supervised practice experiences that let you apply what you've learned in real-world situations. These experiences are key to developing the skills you'll need as a nutritionist, like assessing clients, providing nutrition counseling, and ensuring food safety.
Securing certification or licensure can really boost your credibility and job prospects. While it's not mandatory, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) offers the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential for registered dietitians who hold a master’s degree or higher. Some states also require nutritionists to be licensed, which usually involves passing a state-specific exam.
Continuing education is also important. To keep your certification or licensure, you'll need to regularly take professional development courses and stay up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines in the field.
A Peek into a Nutritionist's Day
A nutritionist's daily tasks can vary, depending on where they work and who their clients are. However, they often include:
- Evaluating clients’ nutritional needs by looking at their health, medical history, and dietary habits.
- Creating personalized nutrition plans to help clients meet their health goals.
- Educating clients on proper nutrition, food choices, portion sizes, and other healthy eating practices.
- Working with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and effective treatment.
- Tracking clients’ progress and adjusting their plans as needed.
- Staying current with the latest research and guidelines in the field to provide evidence-based recommendations.
Getting Ready for a Career in Nutrition
If you're preparing for a career in nutrition, consider these steps:
- Research different nutrition programs to find the best fit for you.
- Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in nutrition, like internships or volunteering.
- Network with professionals in the field by attending conferences, seminars, and other events.
- Stay informed about the latest nutrition trends and research.
- Pursue certification or licensure to enhance your credibility and job prospects.
College Courses for a Nutrition Career
If you're pursuing a degree in nutrition or a related field, these classes are especially relevant:
- Introductory nutrition courses
- Human physiology
- Biochemistry
- Food science
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Business and communications courses
- Research methods
Helpful Resources
Here are some authoritative references:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND)
- American Dietetic Association (ADA)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Don't forget to check out my autobiography for a list of brain-boosting foods that are great for academic work. Thanks!
May you be abundantly blessed!
James Constantine.