How to Become a Nutritionist: RD vs. CNS Pathway

Nutrition and health education have become a part of a large movement to encourage healthy eating and exercise habits. On the forefront of this movement are doctors, nurses, educators, dietitians, as well as nutritionists. Nutritionists fill positions in hospitals, schools, athletics, and offices.  These professionals provide clients and patients with practical knowledge and advice for eating well and taking care of themselves. A nutritionist or dietitian can be highly specialized, working with a certain group or set of patients. For example, one might choose to work exclusively with dialysis patients. But a nutritionist can also have a more broad career, working within a hospital setting to plan meals, or working within schools to teach children the importance of healthy habits.

So what is a nutritionist?  What kinds of choices does an aspiring nutritionist have when it comes to certification, education, and licensing?

In short, this career path is directly responsible for improving the health and wellness of patients. A nutritionist becomes familiar with their clients, their needs, and how to best assist them in their journey to become healthier people.  Check out the rest of this GetEducated article to find out how to pursue a career as a nutritionist today!

Article Navigation: Steps to Be a Nutritionist | CNS vs Dietetics | Online Nutrition Degrees | Majors | How Long Does It Take? | How Much Schooling? | Internships & Work Experience | Specializations | Certification vs. Licensing | Continuing Education | Nutritionist Career | Job Overview | Professional Organizations | Conclusion

The Steps to Become a Licensed Nutritionist

The path to becoming a nutritionist varies depending on which type of career path you’d like to follow. However, the following steps remain more or less the same.

1. Earn an accredited bachelor’s in dietetics or master’s degree in clinical nutrition;
2. Gain practical experience through internships and supervised work (at least 900 hours, depending on desired credential);
3. Pass RD (Registered Dietitian) or CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist) certification exams;
4. Find a job in a hospital, school, restaurant, or private practice;
5. Stay competitive and maintain certification by earning continuing education credits.

Education Requirements For Registered Dietitians

If you want tips on how to become a nutritionist, then you’ve come to the right place. Perhaps you are considering a career as a Certified Nutrition Specialist, CNS, vs Registered Dietitian, RD. First, get to know the education requirements.

Let’s start with Registered dietitians. These professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, or a related field. To become an RD, these programs must be programmatically accredited by The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND). This is the premier accreditation authority for educational programs in the field.

There are two kinds of ACEND-accredited programs: Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP) and Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD). A CP incorporates both coursework and supervised practice into a student’s degree and qualifies a student for the CDR exam. Conversely, a DPD focuses solely on classroom work. The courses in this program are similar to those in a CP. After completion of a DPD, graduates will need a Dietetic Internship (DI) in order to be eligible for the CDR exam. Internships are post-grad programs and their structure varies. For example, some may incorporate didactic instruction with supervised practice. A typical DI takes about 6 months to one year to complete. Each program will be a different length.

Changing RD Requirements in 2024

Presently, a bachelor’s degree with either a DPD or a CP is all that is required to become an RD. Be aware that these requirements will soon change. Effective January 1, 2024, eligible candidates for the RD Examination must have a minimum of a master’s degree from and ACEND-accredited program. This program needs to provide at least 1000 hours of experiential learning. Please note that this change will not affect applicants who qualified prior to the change date. It will affect only people who are seeking eligibility from January 1, 2024 onward.

When pursuing a master’s degree, future RD’s should hold a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics, Food and Nutrition, or a similar discipline. Students with geographical or schedule restrictions would benefit from a distance learning program. Depending on the program, classes may be synchronous or asynchronous.

Finding an undergrad or master’s degree online is highly accessible because ACEND has a database of accredited programs that are online.

Online Education for Certified Nutrition Specialists

We are going to continue with more tips on how to become a nutritionist. This section will dive into how to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). In order to pursue this career, you must graduate from regionally accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. Applicants can have a nutritionist degree online, in-person, or via a hybrid program. CNS vs RD education pathways share something in common. There are multiple educational pathways for someone to become eligible for their respective qualifying examination.

Online Degree Pathways to CNS

For aspiring CNS’s, the first option is to graduate from an ACNPE-accredited program. This is the Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education. A post-baccalaureate degree that has ACNPE accreditation meets the highest national educational standards. ACNPE only accredits graduate programs. A second pathway for a CNS credential is hold an master’s degree in Nutrition or a related field. Besides Nutrition, qualified candidates may hold a master’s degree in Public Health, Health Science, Biochemistry, Nursing, Dietetics, or Physician’s Assistant. Alternatively, applicants with a doctorate in the clinical healthcare field are also eligible for a nutrition specialist certification. Examples include DC (Doctor of Chiropractic), DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), (OD) Optometrist, and Doctor of Nursing.

Although ACNPE (undergrad) and ACEND (graduate) are the gold standard for accreditation, their degree recognition isn’t mandatory. An alternative to qualify for a nutrition specialist certification is 35 credit hours of relevant coursework. All coursework can be taken during a graduate or bachelor’s degree except any classes in Nutrition Sciences. This topic must be completed at the graduate-level. The institution must be regionally accredited. In other words, the US Department of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) needs to recognize the program.

Relevant post-secondary coursework includes 12 credits in Nutrition Sciences, 6 credits in Biochemistry, 3 credits of Anatomy/Physiology, 12 credits of Clinical or Life Sciences, plus 3 credits in Behavioral Science. Successful completion of these classes not only meets the requirement, but it also helps applicants prepare for the CNS Examination.

A Note on Program Format

There are online nutrition degree options for completing undergraduate and graduate programs in nutrition and health sciences. Because certification with ACEND requires completion of certain on-campus science labs, it is not possible to complete a degree exclusively online. Therefore, most programs are hybrid or blended degrees. It is possible, however, to earn a master’s in clinical nutrition degree online that will qualify you to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist exam.

Majors for Nutritionists & RDs

Choosing the correct major is a big first step when learning how to become a nutritionist or dietitian. Below are undergrad majors that are widely accepted for careers in nutrition. Degrees or majors with an emphasis on the natural sciences, research, and critical thinking are strongly encouraged. Consider these the building block to a career in the field.

• Nutrition
• Dietetics
• Food Science
• Food and Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition
• Nutritional Science
• Applied Nutrition

These degrees are valid for students who wish to become registered dietitians, certified nutrition specialists, or other related roles. When considering a degree program, it’s important to know if it’s accredited. Although ACEND is the most widely recognized accreditation body for nutrition/dietetics degrees, HLC and SACSCOC are also common.

Full-time students can complete an undergrad degree in four years. Most programs are approximately 120 credit hours in length. During their undergrad program, students can expect coursework such as Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and Sociology.

Students can expect an introduction to the world of nutrition and dietetics. During their studies, students will gain a stronger understanding of how humans relate to the food they eat.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nutritionist?

At minimum, certified nutritionists possess a bachelor’s degree. If they study full-time, this can be completed in four years. Upon graduation, they typically gain field experience through an internship but this depends on the program format of one’s undergrad degree. Internships are approximately 6 to 12 months in length. If they pursue a master’s degree, then this will be a one or two year process. In addition, preparation for a certification exam may require months of studying. All in all, prospective nutritionists can expect at least four years of studying. This can increase by up to another approximately one or three years if they do an internship, study a master’s, and get licensed in their state.

How Much Schooling to Be a Nutritionist?

Becoming a board certified nutritionist is a multilayered process. Firstly, you must receive a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited university. After that, supervised field experience is necessary. Hence, graduates often pursue an internship. Furthermore, certain positions like Certified Nutrition Specialists require an advanced degree like a master’s or doctorate. Additionally, certified nutritionists must maintain their credential with continuing education courses every five years.

Internships & Work Experience

Certification with either BCNS or ACEND provides increased earning and advancement opportunities. Becoming certified requires completing a supervised internship or work experience.

To be certified with BCNS, applicants must meet certain requirements. First, candidates need a master’s or doctoral degree in Nutrition from an accredited school. This certification also accepts degrees in related fields in clinical health. Next, they complete at least 1000 hours of work experience supervision by a BCNS specialist. Finally, participants must pass the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam.

In order to be certified with ACEND, applicants must complete an ACEND-approved internship. It normally takes between 6 and 12 months to complete. Participants receive approximately 900 to 1200 hours of specialized work, depending on the state. Internships provide extensive supervised practice in settings like healthcare facilities, community agencies or foodservice corporations. Once an internship finishes, the next step to certification is to pass the CDR exam.

When you become licensed and certified as a nutritionist or dietitian, you’ll gain first-hand experience through supervised work requirements and internships. If possible, then gain experience in the specialization to the one you’d like to pursue.

Specializing Your Career as a Nutritionist

Nutritionist specializations open the door to many career opportunities. No matter which aspects of health and wellness are of interest, there’s a specialization ready and waiting. The following nutritionist specializations are high in patient interaction and require certification with ACEND:

• Pediatric

  Pediatric nutritionists are one of many different types of nutritionists. They assist children in many ways such as developing meal plans, weight management, and better eating habits.

• Gerontological

  Gerontological Nutritionists specialize in supporting older adults in nutrition strategies, and overall promotion of their well being.

• Renal

  Renal nutritionists or dietitians are specialists who support the kidney health of their patients.

• Oncological

  An oncology nutritionist work with cancer patients. They build nutritional plans that support cancer treatments like radiation.

• Sports

  Sports nutritionists work with athletes. They customize meal regimens for each client in accordance to their fitness goals.

• Research

  Nutrition researchers play an integral role in how we consume food. They study the relationship between humans, nutrients, and disease.

• Education

  A Nutrition Education Specialist (NES) coordinates nutrition education programs for different groups of people. They may teach in different settings like schools, community programs, or healthcare facilities.

• Food Service

  Food service nutritionists or dietitians collaborate with groups who provide food to the public. This may be in settings like nursing homes, hospitals, schools, or at corporations.

• Community Health

  Community nutritionist’s work relates to public health. They develop programs and educate the public to improve the well being of groups of people. They address needs like food scarcity and food safety.

Certification vs. Licensing for Nutritionists

Although similar and often used interchangeably, licensing and certification are different. Certification is official documentation verifying that someone has industry-approved skills in a certain field. For instance, the “certified” designation for a certified nutrition specialist (CNS) means this person reached a high level of achievement from a specialized training program. Certificates prove that someone studied, practiced, and demonstrated advanced knowledge in the field of nutrition.

Licensure, on the other hand, is legal permission from a state allowing someone to perform the duties of a certain profession. Someone who without proof of their expertise (certification) can’t apply for a license. People who want to know how to become a licensed nutritionist must understand the requirements for the state where they want to work. This is because licensing conditions vary in each state. In Mississippi, for instance, an applicant must pass the CDR exam or any other exam approved by the state’s Department of Health. They must be in good standing with the CDR, good stand with any other state where they are licensed, and be of good moral character to qualify for a provisional license.

Certification

The following accrediting organizations cover nutritionist certification:

• Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS)
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND)
• Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education (ACNPE)

Certification requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field. Requirements for these titles will differ depending on the issuing authority. Generally, only students who meet the precise educational standards with proof of sufficient relevant coursework are invited to take a certification exam. Furthermore, certifications must be renewed every five years.

The exams are multiple-choice and timed with a pass/fail scoring system. Both exams require prior registration. They ask for an application, a resume, two letters of recommendation, plus a one-time fee. While CDR administers its exam throughout the whole year, participates can only take the CNS exam twice a year.

• Certification for RDN

  To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you must pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s exam, an exam administered by ACEND. This is the most important step towards becoming an RDN in your respective state. Eligibility for the CDR exam depends on the following criteria. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or a related field, completed an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) plus a Dietetic Internship (DI). Another option is completion of a bachelor’s degree with a Coordinated Program (CP). Applicants must also be graduates from an ACEND-accredited masters program with 1000 hours of supervised field learning. An alternative route is completion of an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways (ISPP) which would take the place of an internship.

• Certification for CNS

  Here is some information on how to become a certified nutritionist. You must pass an exam to become a Certified Nutritionist Specialist (CNS). This is the Certification Examination of Nutrition Specialists, administered by the BCNS. Afterward, those who pass the exam will receive a CNS credential, which is the most advanced among nutrition practitioners. Besides a master’s degree from an ACNPE-accredited program, Eligible CNS nutrition candidates can have the following: An accredited master’s or doctorate in Nutrition or a related field plus 35 credit hours of coursework that meet CNS examination standards.

Licensing

Licensing is not necessarily required to work as a nutritionist. However, whether you have to be licensed or not depends largely on what state and what type of practice you’ll be working in. To have the most opportunity in earning power, upward mobility, and advancement, licensing and certification are strongly encouraged.

Licensing and continued education for certified nutrition specialists are regulated by BCNS.

Licensing with ACEND requires a bachelor’s degree, though the accrediting board communicates that by 2024, the minimum degree requirement will be a graduate degree. For more information, visit the ACEND website or contact your state regulatory board.

Continuing Education

For registered dietitians and certified nutritionists, continuing education credits are required as part of certification. These credits are also necessary for recertification. Each certification issuing authority approves of a multitude of educational activities for those seeking credits. The activities available will vary depending on the certification you possess.

To maintain your certification with ACEND, you must earn continuing education credits (CEU) which are regulated state-by-state. Take the following states for example:

• Maryland: you can expect to complete 30 continuing education credits biennially, or every two years.
• Arkansas: you can expect to complete 12 continuing education credits annually, or every year.
• Puerto Rico: you can expect to complete 42 continuing education credits every three years.

ACEND provides an abundance of continuing education resources via the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Members can access webinars, face-to-face events, online trainings, and self-study programs. Participants sharpen their skills while also meeting continuing education requirements.

Continuing Education for RDs

The number of hours necessary for RD’s differs depending on the state in which they practice. For most states, a registered dietitian will complete around 75 continuing education credits every 5 years. However, each state differs in renewal cycle and hours required within that renewal cycle. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) partners with many accredited providers like the American Heart Association, that offer credit opportunities for RD’s. Each provides different ways to earn credits like certificate courses, training programs, and self-study materials.

Continuing Education for CNSs

As a certified nutrition specialist, you must complete continuing education credits at the rate of 75 credits per 5-year period in order to maintain your certification. The American Nutrition Association (ANA) allows nutritionists to earn credits via speciality training courses, webinars, courses from an accredited university where at least half the content is in nutrition. Additionally, credits are available to nutritionists who publish content (article or book) relating to the field, edit a professional nutrition journal, or present at a scientific conference which offers Continuing Medical Education or Continuing Education.

Nutritionist Career

What is a Nutritionist?

The term ‘nutritionist’ is broad, encompassing diverse jobs and certifications. It is an unregulated title held by those with variations in experience, education, and credentials. This can be particularly confusing for prospective clients, let alone aspiring professionals. Simply put, a nutritionist is a dietary expert who evaluates and advises clients on how to meet specific dietary needs. A nutritionist, in its broadest terms, does not need to be certified with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) or the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND).

However, in today’s competitive marketplace where health and nutrition are a growing societal trend, it can pay to become registered, certified, and licensed to be a better candidate for the job you want.

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

Whether you’re seeking a healthy lifestyle or need to change your diet because of food allergies, a nutritionist has you covered. These are health experts. They empower people to make smarter decisions with the food they consume.

Furthermore, their service to clients has many layers. First, they typically assess the health and nutritional needs of an individual. They teach them of the health consequences related to their nutritional choices. Most importantly, they offer advice and help people make positive changes to their diet. Nutritionists can develop specialized meal plans for any budget or health need.

Through evaluation and tracked progress, a nutritionist determines which diet plan is right for their client. Their recommendations are personalized and their work supports the patient’s wellness goals.

The tasks of a nutritionist will also determine the industry where they work or their specialization. For instance, an oncological nutritionist will have different duties than a nutrition researcher. Perhaps you work with athletes or teach students proper eating habits. Part of the beauty of this profession is that the sky’s the limit for employment pathways.

Types of Licensed Nutritionists

A career in nutrition is full of opportunities, and the first step in becoming a nutritionist is deciding which type of nutritionist you would like to become.

No matter which type of nutritionist you choose to become, each offers unique and satisfying career options. Becoming a Registered Dietitian or a Certified Nutritionist requires more effort, but the titles offer higher earning potential and advancement opportunities in the long run. Any nutrition credential that is not recognized by the state government in which you reside is risky as eventually, it may become illegal for you to practice without proper accredited education and licensure.

• Registered Dietitian (RD)

  A Registered Dietitian is a dietary specialist who is certified with The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Education (ACEND). Starting in 2024, RD’s must have an ACNPE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree. Currently, a bachelor’s degree is an accepted minimum requirement. RD’s must also complete an ACEND-accredited internship, pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s exam, gain state licensure, and keep up to date with any evolving education. Again, being certified and licensed provides higher-paying positions and greater opportunities for advancement and upward mobility.

• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

  A Certified Nutritionist Specialist is certified with the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Depending on the state, the Certified Nutrition Specialist credential offers an alternative route to licensure than the RD. In some states, nutritionists with the CNS credential can accept insurance and work in a hospital setting. The steps to becoming a CNS include earning an ACNPE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree, completing a BCNS-accredited internship, passing the Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists, and applying for recertification when necessary.

• Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)

  A Certified Clinical Nutritionist assesses the nutrition of a patient so they reach their physiological needs. The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) is the organization that certifies these healthcare professionals. The CNCB also highlights the steps needed for people who want to learn how to become a clinical nutritionist.

  Qualified candidates must hold a bachelor’s of science degree from an accredited university. They must have core Science and Nutrition coursework. Alternatively, they may hold a master’s or doctoral degree in Human Nutrition. They may also be licensed healthcare professionals. Students participate in an online Post Graduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition (PGSCN) program that is four sessions long. Students have 90 days to complete all required coursework. Unlike someone with an emphasis in CNS nutrition, no internship or supervised experience is required.

• Public Health Nutritionist

  A Public Health Nutritionist works with groups of people or populations to promote healthy eating behaviors. They implement strategies for the public to improve their nutrition. These individuals are excellent public speakers. During a typical day one may give a presentation, participate in seminars, or work in a community setting. Their work is similar to that of a CCN or CNS except it serves a larger group of people instead of individuals. Typically one must hold a bachelor’s of science in food and nutrition. Additionally, a public health nutritionist needs to be a registered dietician in order to practice.

• Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist

  A licensed dietitian nutritionist is one of many different types of nutritionists. At their root they are a food expert. They hold at minimum an ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree and finished an internship. Candidates must also pass the CDR examination. Most importantly, having a license means that they meet the legal requirements to perform their duties in their state. It’s possible for licensed dietitian nutritionists to receive more certifications based on their area of practice. Examples include certifications nutrition support, diabetes education, and sports nutrition.

• Holistic Nutritionist

  A ‘holistic nutritionist’ is similar to a classic nutritionist, but with a fine-tuned focus on how to use food and diet to both heal and maintain a healthy body. Holistic nutritionists work with patients, considering the person as a whole when evaluating their dietary needs. When creating a dietary plan, these professionals would use that evaluation to build appropriate goals and expectations for clients. It should be noted that finding an accredited holistic nutritionist program is challenging. This terminology is not regulated by the government and is therefore not eligible for taking insurance.

Undeniably, what makes this nutritionist career exciting is that you can work in a wide array of settings. There are opportunities to work in healthcare, corporate settings, public health, and government agencies. Not only can they work in many industries, but also they can consider starting their own private practice.

Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist vs. Registered Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian (RD) and Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) are two professions dedicated to improving the wellness of others. They help people make better decisions regarding food choices and educate the public on proper nutrition. Additionally, these are experts who help people manage diseases using nutrition.

Frequently these two professions get confused. This is partially due in part because nowadays a registered dietitian is also sometimes called a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). Adding the term “nutrition” to the designation allows a professional to work in a more broad scope of wellness. So, when someone sees the title RDN and LDN they may think it’s the same thing.

Both LDN’s and RD’s have similar education requirements:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an ACEND accreditation. Coursework should be in nutrition or a related field.
• Completion of ACEND-accredited supervised field practice. This is in the form of an Dietetic Internship (DI) with at least 900 hours of practicum.
• Pass the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

The biggest difference is that an LDN is licensed, whereas an RD may just have the credential. An RD, upon completion of a CDR exam, is certified to practice. Depending on the state, this may not be enough to actually work. Certain states like Alabama have the term “registered dietitian” protected by licensure. If that’s the case, then a RD must apply for a license to practice if they meet the qualifications. An LDN is a professional who is certified, meets the standards of their state to legally work, and who already has been granted permission by the state.

Nutritionist Job Overview

How Much Does a Nutritionist Make?

Nutritionists can enjoy a respectable annual salary. In 2021, the median annual nutritionist salary was $61,650. When learning how to become a licensed nutritionist, it’s good be aware that there is a large gap between the lowest and highest earners. The same year, The lowest 10% earned less than $42,530 and the highest 10% earned above $93,640. Nutritionist salary depends on various factors. It can depend on experience and the state where you work. For example, in Florida the mean annual salary for nutritionists was $62,320 in 2021. On the other hand, in New Jersey the mean was $74,480. Also, salaries will depend on whether a professional has a nutritionist certification. At the beginning of this article there is detailed information for those who want to learn how to become a certified nutrition specialist.

Is Nutrition and Dietetics a Good Career?

In short, yes! Those who become a certified nutritionist or dietitian can have a good career. From 2021 to 2031, the number of jobs available for dietitians and nutritionists are expected to grow by7% or around 5,600 positions (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This growth is faster than average, which is likely the result of an aging population and an increasing interest in nutrition as a preventative healthcare measure. With a renewed emphasis on healthy habits, this career is growing fast. Jobs for nutritionists exist in hospitals, schools, restaurants, wellness programs, public outreach programs, and research labs, just to name a few. Both public and private sector jobs exist.

What to Expect in the Nutritionist Job Environment

Due to the wide range of career paths available to nutritionists and dietitians, your opportunities are limitless. It’s likely that you will work in an office setting unless you’re a traveling consultant. There isn’t much opportunity to work from home or work remotely. However, that’s not to say those opportunities can’t be found or created.

In this career, you’ll be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Evaluating patient/client diet and dietary needs
• Monitoring clients
• Remaining current on dietary science and research
• Case management
• Writing evaluations and reports

Overall, nutritionists enjoy a low-stress office atmosphere. Dietitians and nutritionists are not typically on call and are not expected to respond to patient emergencies. This career is also very flexible, making it possible to find an ideal work-life balance.

Continued education is required to be licensed as a certified nutritionist or as a registered dietitian. If you’re not licensed or certified, then it’s still a good idea to gather CEU’s. Nutrition is an ever-changing field; new dietary research is released every day. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make a habit of reading respected dietary magazines and newsletters in addition to attending seminars, continued education classes, and conferences.

Is This Career Path Right for Me?

To succeed as a nutritionist, the following traits and skills are highly regarded:

• Reading comprehension – Between reading new research and patient charts, nutritionists need to be able to quickly understand and synthesize new information.
• Active listening – When meeting with patients, the ability to listen, ask questions, and work together is a must.
• Critical thinking – Though the same basic dietary requirements need to be met by most people, nutritionists will need to think critically about their patients to find solutions that best fit their dietary needs and lifestyles.
• Analysis and evaluation – While working with patients, nutritionists monitor and evaluate progress and diet.
• Communication – Nutritionists most likely need to interface with several patients a day or a week. They often need to work closely with doctors and nurses, so having strong written and oral communication skills is a must.

Professional Nutritionist Organizations

• American Nutrition Association (ANA)

  The ANA, an international non-profit organization, started in 1959. Its core values are Nutrition is Science, Medicine, Personal, Healthcare, an Ecosystem and for Everyone. Members gain access to a worldwide community, job boards, educational webinars, nutrition practice resources, access to the ANA Peer-Reviewed Journal, and discounts on training programs. Additionally, members can mentor or be mentored by experienced professionals. Whether you want to learn how to become a clinical nutritionist or are already an industry professional, this organization is excellent.

• American Society for Nutrition (ASN)

  The ASN’s vision is a Healthier World through Evidence-Based Nutrition. Their members are 7000 strong from 100 different countries. An influential advocate for nutrition science policy as well as better public health, this organization specializes in broadening the knowledge of professionals in the field. They offer members educational programs on many subjects like how to become a certified nutritionist, webinars, workshops, conferences, and countless resources to succeed.

• American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)

  This organization’s members include students, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, as well as many other healthcare professionals. Its strategic plan involves advocacy, clinical practice, education, and membership, in addition to research. It’s mission is to better patient care through improvements in clinical nutrition and metabolism. In short, members receive support from the ASPEN community, professional resources, and many educational tools.

Your Nutrition Career Begins Today!

Once you’ve got clarification on your state’s requirements for licensing, you’re ready to begin researching degree programs. GetEducated is here to provide nutrition degree online programs holding proper accreditation for you to search!