Nutritionist (Dietitian)

The classic adage “you are what you eat” is easy to understand, yet the state of nutritional health in the United States indicates that the message has not gotten through to the majority of the population. The most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of 2022 shows that 42.4 percent are obese and lack adequate sources of healthy nutrition in their diets (CDC).

Fewer than one in ten children and adults consume the recommended daily amount of vegetables, and poor nutrition is a leading cause of two of the deadliest and most preventable diseases in adults: obesity and heart disease (CDC 2021).

In an attempt to be proactive about their health, the Boston Medical Center estimates that 45 million Americans annually turn to diets, of which over 50 percent are fad diets that promise dramatic results in weight loss but are statistically shown to be ineffective in sustaining long-term healthy habits. With the weight loss industry netting a record profit of around $71 billion dollars per year (CNBC 2021), it is clear that many people struggle to understand what kind of food to eat to reach their optimum level of health. 

Oversaturated with so much conflicting information about how to live a healthy lifestyle, who can people trust to learn how to eat well and live healthier, happier, and longer lives? The answer is nutritionists and dietitians. 

While medical science provides information on what nutrients are needed for general health, nutritionists decipher and tailor this information for an individual’s unique health needs. Nutritionists teach people how to care for their health by empowering them with diagnostic health assessments, individualized meal plans, and dietary counseling.

Considering the stats on U.S. obesity rates, it’s not surprising that nutrition is one of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand for this profession to increase 11 percent nationally, leading to the creation of approximately 7,800 new positions between 2020 and 2030 (BLS 2021). 

Requiring a bachelor’s degree, supervised training, and licensure in most states, a career as a nutritionist can be rewarding for those with an interest in the concept of “food as medicine” and who enjoy helping people live healthier lives. 

Read on to learn more about how to become a nutritionist.

A licensed nutritionist typically holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics (the study of the practical applications of nutrition) or a field such as nutritional science. Related disciplines include clinical nutrition, foods and nutrition, and public health nutrition. These involve studies in biology, chemistry, nutrition, and psychology. Clinical internships are frequently part of nutrition program curriculums and require several hours of supervised training. 

Nutritionists with advanced degrees or specializations can position themselves to work in a specific area of the field, be an integral part of dietetic academic research, hold more leadership roles in healthcare, and possibly earn higher salaries. 

The following is a list of specializations offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, a leading credentialing organization in the field of dietetics: 

• Gerontological nutrition
• Oncology nutrition
• Obesity and weight management
• Pediatric nutrition
• Pediatric critical care nutrition
• Renal nutrition
• Sports dietetics

To learn more about licensing and the certifications available for nutritionists, please see the section on “Nutritionist Certifications and Licensure” below.

Admissions requirements for nutritional science programs at colleges and universities degrees vary for each institution. A list of general admissions requirements for students applying to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in nutritional science or dietetics is as follows:

• Official high school diploma or GED (for bachelor’s degree programs)
• Official bachelor’s degree transcript (for master’s degree programs) from a regional or nationally accredited college or university (Note: for courses taken outside the United States, official transcripts must be evaluated and translated into English)
• Prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry (for master’s degree programs) 
• Completed application
• Application fee
• Grade point average (GPA) minimum scores (typically ranging from 2.5 to 3.0)
• Personal essay or statement
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources (typically one to three sources required depending on the school)
• Resume
• Interview with an admissions committee
• Campus visit
• Official SAT, ACT, or other standardized test scores (for bachelor’s degree programs)
• Official GRE scores (for master’s degree programs) 
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for international students

A list of featured bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in nutrition is included below in addition to institutional and programmatic accreditation information.

Accreditation organizations measure and verify the educational quality of academic programs. An accredited institution has proven itself to meet high academic standards for educational rigor and quality. Without accreditation, students, staff, faculty, and employers seeking to employ nutritionists cannot be certain of the level of academic rigor and professionalism a program offers. Students applying for federal aid in the United States can only attend colleges or universities with regional or national accreditation.

Specific programs or entire institutions can be accredited by programmatic, regional, or national accreditation organizations. Programmatic accreditation in the field of dietetics is given by four organizations: the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which is part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and overseen by the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA). 

Public health degree programs may hold programmatic accreditation through the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). As previously mentioned, the Commission on Dietetic Registration is a leading credentialing organization for the field of dietetics and verifies specialization certifications for nutritionists. 

There are several reputable regional accreditation agencies that are all approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Auburn University

Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences specializes in nutritional studies related to diabetes and obesity and offers a complete selection of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nutrition and dietetics. Students in these programs study the intake of food through biochemistry, physiology, social science, and public health and are encouraged to study the relationship between these disciplines and health, diet, and well-being. Through its extension programs, Auburn University aims to improve the health and well-being of residents of Alabama and of people all over the world. 

Students in the bachelor of science (BS) program have specialization options to focus their careers in dietetics, nutrition science, and wellness. The master of science (MS) program allows students to choose elective courses in nutrition science, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition or community nutrition. 

• Location: Auburn, AL
• Duration: Two to seven years depending on degree program
• Accreditation: Programmatic – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); regional – Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Tuition: $54,081 for the entire program

University of North Dakota 

The University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines offers unique degree programs in dietetics and nutrition. The bachelor of science in human nutrition gives a foundational knowledge of nutrition science and requires students to demonstrate their knowledge through 50 hours of service-learning to enhance their professional and academic knowledge. The minor in nutrition offers a complement to other bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, exercise science, public health education, athletic fields, and other allied health and fitness degrees. 

The graduate-level programs in dietetics prepare students for careers as nutrition counselors. The coordinated program in dietetics prepares students for careers by requiring 1,200 hours of supervised practice hours to earn a master of science in nutrition and dietetics. The master of science in nutrition allows students to choose a specialization in nutritional education or counseling and prepares them to think critically by asking questions and creating solutions for nutritional deficiency problems in underserved populations. 

• Location: Grand Forks, ND
• Duration: Two to five years depending on the degree program
• Accreditation: Programmatic – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); regional – Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $563.56 per credit 

University of Vermont – College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The four-year bachelor’s of science in dietetics, nutrition, and food sciences at the University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a flexible degree program. While students must complete a required set of core courses, they also have the opportunity to take elective classes that align with their unique interests. To gain hands-on skills all students are required to complete one to three credits of practicum coursework where they work in the local community. 

Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) exam. Students can enroll in this program by declaring their major after admission to the University of Vermont. 

• Location: Burlington, VT
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Tuition: $41,280 per year for tuition

University of Missouri – College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

The University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources offers a five-year coordinated program in dietetics through which students will earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Combined, the program takes a total of five years to complete. The master’s is not a stand-alone program and can only be completed in conjunction with the bachelor’s degree. Presently, this program boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) exam within a year of graduation. 

For admission to this program, students must complete prerequisite coursework in biology, math, and psychology. As this is a professional program, admissions are competitive and students are required to have a 3.2 GPA or higher. Once admitted, students must complete a background check in order to complete practicums. 

• Location: Columbia, MO
• Duration: Five years 
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Tuition: $966.40 per credit for undergraduate courses and $1,135.20 per credit for graduate courses

University of Washington – School of Public Health 

The Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) can be completed in conjunction with any graduate degree at the University of Washington School of Public Health. This includes a master’s of public health or a master’s of science or PhD in nutritional sciences. Many of the classes for the degrees and the GCDP program overlap, so students shouldn’t have to complete much additional coursework. One major addition, however, are required practicum hours in order to gain hands-on experience as a nutritionist. 

Each degree has its own admission requirements, so prospective students should contact their desired program to learn what qualifications are necessary. The most popular degree for the GCPD program is the master’s of science in nutritional science. 

• Location: Seattle, WA
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Tuition: Between $34,434 and $40,254 per year, depending on the degree pursued

Purdue Global 

The online bachelor’s of science in nutrition at Purdue Global can be completed without ever having to set foot on campus. The emphasis of this program is on building content knowledge and skill in nutrition. There is an optional internship course students can complete if they want to gain hands-on skills.

In addition, there is an accelerated online master’s in either health care administration, health informatics, health information management, public health, or health education that can be completed in conjunction with this program. 

To earn this degree, students must complete a total of 180 credit hours, of which 45 are core credits, 60 are major credits, and the remaining 75 are elective credits. In order to be certified as a nutritionist, students will need to complete an additional master’s degree. 

• Location: West Lafayette, IN
• Duration: Four years 
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $371 per credit 

University of North Carolina – Gillings School of Global Public Health

The online masters of public health at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health offer a combined master’s and registered dietitian program. This program allows students two not only complete their master’s of public health but also complete the necessary coursework and practicum to become an RDN. As part of the program, students will work under supervision to care for clients and prescribe nutrition programs to meet desired goals. 

Because this program includes public health studies, graduates will also have an understanding of how to advocate for affordable and healthy food options within communities. This program features a cohort model, so students complete their studies with the same peers for the entire degree allowing them to develop strong relationships, even through distance learning.  

• Location: Chapel Hill, NC
• Duration: 16 to 20 months
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Tuition: $1,997.40 per credit 

Eastern Michigan University 

Eastern Michigan University’s College of Health and Human Services offers a fully online master’s of human nutrition degree program and a coordinated bachelor’s degree program in dietetics. While this program will prepare students to treat and prevent dietary and nutritional problems, it does not allow students to seek a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential. The school does, however, offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in dietetics. 

The coordinated bachelor of science program in dietetics is accredited by ACEND. It is offered both on-campus and online and prepares students who are seeking RD credentials. Eastern Michigan University offers out-of-state students a fully online education at in-state tuition rates. 

• Location: Ypsilanti, MI
• Duration: Two to five years depending on the degree program
• Accreditation: Programmatic – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); regional – Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Tuition: $11,209 per year in-state; $27,702 per year out-of-state

University of Southern California

The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers a fully online master of science (MS) in nutrition, healthspan, and longevity and a coordinated program degree in nutrition and dietetics. Students can qualify to complete this degree program online if they reside more than 100 miles outside of Los Angeles. 

Students in this program learn about the ins and outs of nutrition through didactic coursework and 1,200 supervised practice hours. Upon completion, students can earn an RDN credential. Accredited by ACEND, graduates from this program go on to work in hospitals and healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, school food programs, or private practices. 

• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Duration: Two years (full-time), three years (part-time) 
• Accreditation: Programmatic – Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); regional – Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Tuition: $28,628 per semester for undergraduate and graduate students

University of Arizona – College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Students can earn an online bachelor’s of science in nutritional science through the University of Arizona College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Through this degree, students will gain an in-depth understanding of dietetics and nutrition. Since this program is ACEND accredited, graduates are eligible to sit for the RDN credential exam. Skills students gain in this program include the ability to explain nutritional concepts, apply scientific evidence and best practices to nutrition-related problems, and understand how cooking affects food’s nutritional status. 

This program consists of major and pre-major phases. During the pre-major phase, students complete prerequisite classes and general education courses. Then, students must apply for the major. Once admitted to the major program, students will complete their upper division classes that are nutrition and dietetics specific. 

• Location: Tucson, AZ
• Duration: Four years 
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
• Tuition: $525 per credit

Education and experience are major factors to consider when calculating the time to become a nutritionist. Pursuing qualifications at a full- or part-time pace is another factor that can affect the time it takes to become a nutritionist. 

Nutritionist positions require a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science or a related field which can take four to five years and 1,200 hours of supervised practice (approximately 30 weeks). Coordinated bachelor’s degree programs in nutrition shorten the completion timelines by allowing students to earn credit and supervised hours concurrently.

A would-be nutritionist with a high school diploma needs four to five years to earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science or dietetics and gain the required 1,200 supervised hours of experience through an internship for RDN certification. A person with an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s in a non-science-related field may require two to three years to complete the coursework and internship experience to become qualified as a certified RDN.

Pursuing advanced degrees in nutrition can take anywhere from two to three years for a master’s degree and up to seven years for a doctoral degree for bachelor’s degree holders.

Step 1: Graduate from High School or Earn a GED

Earning a high school diploma is a basic requirement for many rewarding careers and is an admissions requirement for two- and four-year degree programs at colleges and universities. Taking courses in anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry can help high school students prepare for college-level work in nutrition science.  

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition or a Related Field (Four Years)

Entry-level positions in nutrition require bachelor’s degrees in nutrition science, dietetics, or a related field of science. Coordinated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to double-dip by participating in internships that earn them college credit and hours that count towards the 1,200 hours of supervised experience for the RDN credential. 

Step 3: Gain Work Experience in the Field (One Year or More)

Depending on state licensure requirements, professionals can begin their careers through unpaid or paid, supervised experience with entry-level positions in nutrition.

Step 4: Pursue Certification or Specialization (Less Than One Year)

If not already completed, the next logical step is to apply and take the exams to become an RDN. Other specializations and licensure certifications are available for those already in possession of an RDN such as licensed dietitian nutritionist (LDN), and certified diabetes educator (CDE).

Step 5: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree (Optional, Two to Five Years)

Advanced levels of education allow nutrition professionals to immerse themselves in specialized knowledge and gain experience and notoriety as leading experts in the field. Starting January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be required in order to earn an RDN credential.

Nutritionists require specific skills and qualifications to help people eat healthfully, prevent disease, and manage medical conditions. Job responsibilities and skills include: 

• Identifying nutritional risk factors
• Designing tailored plans for individual health goals including weight loss, weight gain, and blood sugar management
• Staying informed of state, federal, and tribal regulations and health initiatives
• Helping patients set and maintain short- and long-term health goals and form healthy habits
• Informing nutrition policy-making for public institutions (e.g. schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities) and businesses 
• Developing educational materials for at-risk populations
• Demonstrating cultural competence for persons of all socioeconomic backgrounds
• Working with patients in a variety of healthcare settings: hospitals, schools, long-term care facilities, and private practices

Certification and licensure requirements for nutritionists vary by state and several states require a license in order to practice. Many nutritionists opt to pursue the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential since the qualifications required for state licensure are often the same. 

RDN is a nationally-recognized credential that is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). RDNs are required to complete a bachelor’s degree and a dietetic internship of 1,200 hours of supervised experience. Coordinated programs accredited by ACEND offer both a bachelor’s degree and supervised experience through internships. Graduates of these programs can streamline the process by earning RDN certification. 

It should be noted that starting on January 1, 2024, candidates for an RDN credential will need to have a master’s degree. 

Licensed nutritionists are also distinguished by the following certification credentials: 

• RDN: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
• LDN: Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
• CDE: Certified Diabetes Educator

Certified RDN credential holders must recertify every five years by earning 75 continuing education credits. 

Master’s or doctoral degree-holders in nutrition or dietetics with 1,000 hours of supervised experience can apply to take the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam in order to distinguish their advanced levels of expertise. This credential is given by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. CNS holders have advanced degrees and must be able to prove 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Bachelor’s degree holders in nutritional science or dietetics holding RDN certification are qualified for entry-level positions in nutrition or dietetics. Aspiring nutritionists must complete 1,200 hours of supervisory experience if a state requires RDN or similar proof of professional competence requirements for state licensure. 

The average annual salary for the 66,330 dietitians and nutritionists in the US is $64,150 per year (BLS May 2020). The percentiles for wages are:

• 10th percentile: $39,840
• 25th percentile: $51,700
• 50th percentile (median): $63,090
• 75th percentile: $77,180
• 90th percentile: $90,000

Here are a few alternatives to a career as a nutritionist. 

Become a Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors have a combination of counseling and science training that makes them uniquely suited to support and advise patients through the genetic testing process. In addition to explaining complicated testing to clients in layman’s terms, they must also help clients navigate the results and determine the next steps required. 

• Typical Education: Master’s degree 
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABCG)

Become an Athletic Trainer

Athletic trainers can evaluate athletic injuries, apply supportive devices or tape, provide emergency care during a sports event, and write and implement rehabilitation plans. They work for sports teams, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or anywhere you would find athletes. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree (required for certification)
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC)

Become a Health Educator

Health educators implement comprehensive education plans within targeted communities with the objective of improving health outcomes. These plans can be on a variety of topics including obesity, nutrition, vaccines, and fitness. In order to craft these plans, health educators survey communities through interviews or questionnaires. Upon completion of the program, participants are surveyed again to measure outcomes. 

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)

Rachel Drummond, MEd

Writer

Rachel Drummond has written about integrating contemplative movement practices such as yoga into healthcare professions since 2019, promoting the idea that mental and physical well-being are critical components of effective patient care and self-care in the high-stress world of healthcare.

Rachel is a writer, educator, and coach from Oregon. She has a master’s degree in education (MEd) and has over 15 years of experience teaching English, public speaking, and mindfulness to international audiences in the United States, Japan, and Spain. She writes about the mind-body benefits of contemplative movement practices like yoga on her blog, inviting people to prioritize their unique version of well-being and empowering everyone to live healthier and more balanced lives.