What Schooling Does a Nutritionist Need?
The title of nutritionist describes a person who holds a nutrition-related degree and works in the health field. To become a nutritionist, you must take courses in subjects such as science, physiology and human nutrition. There is little regulation for nutritionists, but some states have designed certifications that set standards for earning the title.
History
In the past, the title of nutritionist was used by anyone who had knowledge in the area of food and nutrition. Now there is more emphasis on the need for a master's degree in the field to claim the title. Many states are taking control of the title to regulate who is qualified to give nutrition advice. For example, Kentucky allows those who have a master's degree in a nutrition-related field and keep up with continuing education to use the title Certified Nutritionist.
Features
To become a nutritionist, choose a nutrition-related field to study in college. These degrees are often found within consumer and family science or food science programs. Classes include biology, basic and advanced chemistry and physiology and evolve into more subjects such as human nutrition, food science and health promotion. An ideal program involves courses that allow students to put their nutrition knowledge into practice by working one-on-one with clients.
Function
Many people seek a degree in nutrition and the title of nutritionist to provide nutritional counseling to individuals for health and weight loss. A nutritionist can also use her knowledge to reach people and improve health through media and journalism. Others may seek a nutrition degree to complement another field of interest such as exercise science or food science or as a basis for getting into dental school.
Considerations
To become a state-certified nutritionist, you should be prepared to complete a master's degree in the field. If you have a degree in a nonscience field and have decided you would like to attend graduate school and study nutritional sciences, you may need additional schooling. Be aware that you will most likely have to take several science prerequisites to be accepted into a graduate program and prepare for a career in the field.
Expert Insight
A nutritionist is not the same as a Registered Dietitian (RD). An RD is a nutritionist, but a nutritionist is not an RD. Becoming an RD takes schooling in a specific university program certified to offer the degree. Some of the courses are the same as those needed to become a nutritionist, but others are more medically focused including food service focus. After earning a 4-year degree, the completion of an internship is required to earn the RD title.
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