Nutritionists are concerned with food consumption and the diets of individuals. Nutritionists can work in a number of different capacities, but their primary function to is to use their expert knowledge and make recommendations regarding the nutrition and diet of individuals and groups. They often work for gyms, public health organizations, government entities, or businesses concerned with food nutrition. If you’re thinking about becoming a nutritionist, follow these steps.
- Learn About Degree Options and State Requirements
Unlike dieticians, the professional title “nutritionist” is not legally protected. This means that in some cases, people can call themselves nutritionists without having specific certifications or educational backgrounds. Many states have certification requirements for becoming a nutritionist, but other states do not. If you want to have better business success and be an actual educated professional, learn about your state requirements and find out about certification and education requirements. Even if your state doesn’t have requirements, you should consider your education for your own future success.
- Enroll in a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree Nutrition Program
Once you’ve learned about state requirements, you should enroll in a degree program related to nutrition or food science. Some states may allow people to just have an associate’s degree, but many require bachelor’s degrees before becoming a nutritionist. Earning your degree will help you gain information to help you and your future, and it will also ensure that you have reputability and the credentials to do a job well.
- Decide Between Being a Nutritionist or a Dietician
Not all nutritionists are dieticians, but all dieticians are nutritionists. The main difference is that becoming a dietician typically requires more education. If you want to avoid longer education requirements, you can just get a nutritionist certification, but if you’re already planning to get a master’s, you should consider being a dietician, a great alternative to becoming a nutritionist.
- Work Toward Nutrition Certification
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) offers certification for nutritionists. If you don’t want to become a dietician, this is the most reputable way to prove that you have expert nutritional health knowledge. The BCNS requires certain core courses through your degree program, so make sure that you take the right classes while you’re earning your degree.
- Take the BCNS Certification Test
Upon completion of your course material, you will take a test called the CNS examination. This will test you on your nutrition health knowledge and determine if becoming a nutritionist is the best career choice for you. If you pass, you will be a certified nutritionist. This is key to showing your reputability when applying for jobs.
- Get Relevant Nutritionist Experience
Whether it’s through internships while you’re in school or an entry-level position while you’re working on certification, getting experience is essential. Like any person working on their education, it is vital to not only show that you have knowledge but that you also have hands-on skills.
