“[The] earlier on we can help, the more we can help with preventing future problems. Many people think they need to have a long list of issues that need solving when thinking about meeting with a nutritionist or dietitian. We can help so much with prevention, and I think that gets missed often.”
Alexis Law, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
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 most of the population. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that in “2023, all US states and territories had an obesity prevalence higher than 20 percent (more than 1 in 5 adults).” 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.
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 $90 billion dollars per year (MarketResearch.com), 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.
A career as a nutritionist requires a bachelor’s degree, supervised training, and licensure in most states. It can be rewarding for those interested in food as medicine and who enjoy helping people live healthier lives.
Read on to learn more about how to become a nutritionist.
Meet the Expert: Alexis Law, RDN
Alexis Law is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in pre-diabetes, diabetes management, and gut health. Her practice focuses on improving overall wellness and relationships with food, including support for clients with ADHD.
Emphasizing intuitive eating and practical solutions, Law takes a gradual, stress-free approach to nutrition, helping clients make sustainable dietary improvements. She holds a master’s in community nutrition and a bachelor’s in dietetics, both from West Chester University (WCU).
HealthcareDegree.com: What is something you wish the public understood about nutritionists?
Law: Something that I wish more people knew about nutritionists is that the earlier we can help, the more we can help with preventing future problems. Many people think they need to have a long list of issues that need solving when thinking about meeting with a nutritionist or dietitian.
We can help so much with prevention, and I think that gets missed often. Even if you have no diagnosed health issues, we can help improve your diet and help make that as easy as possible, leading to great outcomes. So many people struggle with feeling like they are never eating the right thing, and we can help build confidence in food choices and eating patterns to help people feel their best.
HealthcareDegree.com: What advice would you give to aspiring nutrition students?
Law: Shadow dietitians in different areas of the profession. There is a difference between being interested in nutrition as a topic and being a dietitian as a profession. I found that the classes I took in college prepared me well for the information I needed, but seeing the different jobs I could have after finishing my degree and internship would have been great to see in the beginning. Many people also do not talk about all the different areas of nutrition you can work in, from general outpatient to pediatric inpatient to running your own private practice. It is good to explore it all.
Even if it isn’t directly related to nutrition, working in a hospital can be very helpful. Most of my classmates who worked in a hospital were already slightly familiar with hospital lingo, which made the learning curve less steep in our clinical classes. I will never forget that in my clinical classes, they already knew all the medical abbreviations and what they meant while I was trying not to mix them up.
Other jobs that may be helpful include volunteering at food banks to understand the food system we live in. Gaining even a little experience before starting helps the knowledge you are learning to be applicable, and it helps even more if you are hands-on. While in classes, it is important to make connections with your peers and stay in contact. They will help you along the way long in your career. I still talk to many of my college classmates to see what they are still working on and learn more about the profession. I wouldn’t be a dietitian today if it wasn’t for all of my fellow dietitian friends who helped me get here.
Nutritionist Specializations & Degree Types
A licensed nutritionist typically must hold a master’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 integral to 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
Please see the section on “Nutritionist Certifications and Licensure” below to learn more about licensing and the certifications available for nutritionists.
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Admissions Requirements for Nutritionist Programs
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 master’s degree programs in nutritional science or dietetics is as follows:
- 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 GRE scores
- Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for international students
Below is a list of featured degree programs in nutrition and institutional and programmatic accreditation information.
Nutritionist Program Accreditation
Accreditation organizations measure and verify the educational quality of academic programs. An accredited institution has proven to meet high academic standards for educational rigor and quality. Without accreditation, students, staff, faculty, and employers seeking to employ nutritionists cannot be sure 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 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 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).
On-Campus Nutritionist Degree Programs
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 food intake through biochemistry, physiology, social science, and public health. They 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 people all over the world.
Students in the bachelor’s of science (BS) program have specialization options to focus their careers in dietetics, nutrition science, and wellness. The master’s 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)
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 provides 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 complements 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)
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 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 not 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)
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. The combined program takes 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 biology, math, and psychology coursework. 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 before completing practicums.
- Location: Columbia, MO
- Duration: Five years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
University of Washington – School of Public Health
The Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) can be completed with any graduate degree at the University of Washington School of Public Health. This includes a master’s of public health, a master’s of science, or PhD in nutritional sciences. Many of the degrees and GCDP program classes overlap, so students shouldn’t have to complete much additional coursework. One major addition, however, are required practicum hours 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 the necessary qualifications. 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)
Online or Hybrid Nutritionist Degree Programs
The online bachelor’s of science in nutrition at Purdue Global can be completed without setting foot on campus. This program emphasizes building content knowledge and skills in nutrition. Students can complete an optional internship course to gain hands-on skills.
In addition, an accelerated online master’s in health care administration, health informatics, health information management, public health, or health education can be completed in conjunction with this program.
To earn this degree, students must complete 180 credit hours, of which 45 are core credits, 60 are major credits, and 75 are elective credits. To be certified as a nutritionist, students must complete an additional master’s degree.
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of North Carolina – Gillings School of Global Public Health
The online master’s of public health at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health offers a combined master’s and registered dietitian program. This program allows students to 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 understand 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)
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. However, the school offers 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 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: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
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 who reside more than 100 miles outside of Los Angeles can qualify to complete this degree program online.
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 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)
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. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of dietetics and nutrition through this degree. 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, they must apply for the major. Once admitted to the major program, students will complete their upper-division classes that are specific to nutrition and dietetics.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Nutritionist?
Education and experience are major factors to consider when calculating the time it takes to become a nutritionist. Pursuing qualifications at a full—or part-time pace is another factor that can affect the time it takes.
Nutritionist positions require a master’s degree in nutrition science or a related field, which can take two to three years and 1,200 hours of supervised practice (approximately 30 weeks). Coordinated degree programs in nutrition take approximately five years and allow students to complete their bachelor’s, master’s, and supervised hours concurrently.
A would-be nutritionist with a high school diploma needs five to six years to earn a master’s degree in nutrition science or dietetics and gain the required 1,200 supervised hours of experience through an internship for RDN certification.
How To Become a Nutritionist – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Earn a GED
Earning a high school diploma is a basic requirement for many rewarding careers and an admissions requirement for two—and four-year degree programs at colleges and universities. Taking anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry courses 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 complete their bachelor’s, master’s, and 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: Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree (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.
Step 5: Pursue Certification or Specialization (Less Than One Year)
After earning a master’s degree, graduates must apply and take the exams to become an RDN. Other specializations and licensure certifications are available for those already possessing an RDN, such as licensed dietitian nutritionist (LDN) and certified diabetes educator (CDE).
What Do Nutritionists Do?
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
Nutritionist Certifications & Licensure
Certification and licensure requirements for nutritionists vary by state and several states require a license 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 administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). There are three pathways to earn an RDN credential. They are:
- Complete an accredited graduate degree, an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), and an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI)
- Complete an accredited graduate degree and an ACEND Coordinated Program (CP)
- Complete an ACEND-accredited graduate-level, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that integrates coursework and at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning.
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.
How Much Do Nutritionists Make?
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 73,860 dietitians and nutritionists in the US is $71,280 per year (BLS May 2023). The percentiles for wages are:
- 10th percentile: $44,910
- 25th percentile: $58,290
- 50th percentile (median): $69,680
- 75th percentile: $81,860
- 90th percentile: $98,830
Nutritionists Career Alternatives
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 to improve health outcomes. These plans can be on various topics, including obesity, nutrition, vaccines, and fitness. 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
WriterRachel 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.