If you’re curious, the 4 states that currently do not have any licensure requirements are Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and New Jersey. [2] X Research source

You’ll also benefit from business, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and economics courses. Odds are, if your program is a good one, it will touch on all these bases. And if your state is one that requires a license with experience, it’s best to pick a program that has a built in internship.

If you do complete an advanced degree, you are that much closer to getting certified through the CBNS (Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists). If you take and pass the exam, you will become a Certified Nutrition Specialist. However, this article will outline becoming a Certified Clinical Nutritionist – a process that doesn’t need an advanced degree.

You can also choose 5 of 8 electives; they are: Introduction to Nutrition, Nutrition and Disease, Nutrition Assessment, Nutrition Counseling Strategies, Nutrition II, Nutrition and Supplementation, Herbology and Nutrition and Aging.

If you do not have a sufficient amount of applicable coursework to your name, you can still get a Certificate of Completion by taking the 56-hour PGSCN. This, though similarly named, holds less weight than getting certified and does not qualify you to take the CCN – you need the coursework to do that.

The CCN is $450 currently, but the study guide is available online for free! Quite clearly, these are tests you don’t want to have to take twice. [7] X Research source You’re done – once you’ve passed the CCN exam, you’re good to go!

If you are ever thinking about moving (or practicing with a long commute), consider getting licensed in another state as well. Unfortunately, just because you’re licensed in one does not mean you’re licensed in another.

Nutritionists aren’t just advice givers. Though plenty work with patients much like doctors do, they’re also government employees and researchers, too. However, the more “scientific” your position, the more education you’ll need.

Working with patients, looking at a their blood chemistry, neurochemistry and other indicators to assess how they are metabolizing food. You will also identify imbalances caused by poor or inadequate nutrition that contribute to disease. Some nutritionists work for government regulatory agencies, ensuring that the manufacturer’s nutritional claims about the amount of calories, sodium and vitamins in processed foods correct. Research! The realm of research when it comes to food and nutrition is still growing and will continue to do so. Working at an educational institution will put you on this path, improving how the world views food.

After this experience and if you’ve completed the CCN, you may qualify as an RD – a registered dietician. The qualifications are parallel to those states that require licensure. [10] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source

Part of a nutritionist’s job is to assess a patient’s energy level through personal interviews and tests, and give the patient nutritional advice. As such, you will be spending a lot of face-to-face time with your patients. An in-depth assessment using a holistic approach will mean you’ll have to know more about your patient than his or her eating habits; you’ll need to learn about your patient’s lifestyle and goals, their personal problems and fears, their childhood eating habits, and their cultural and taste preferences.

There are new research studies every week about the effects, good and bad, of various foods. These studies are often contradictory. As a trained nutritionist, you will be expected to interpret conflicting health research studies to develop a healthy, sound plan of action for your patients.

Even though this job is very science-oriented, it’s very people oriented, too. In order to keep your clients on, they’ll need to feel as if they are your only client. If you can’t remember them from Joe, you’re outta luck (and money!). If you are self-employed, this goes double. You’ll be handling your own taxes, licenses, and be working as a “company. " When April 15th rolls around, you’ll be glad you’re as organized as you are.

Think of yourself as the bridge between science and your patients – you need to be able to people-speak and science-speak! After all, the Internet can tell them what to eat and not eat, what to do and what to avoid – it’s you who has to put the personal, doable twist on what can be a very daunting subject.