High School
If you want to be a nutritionist, take as many courses as possible in health, biology, chemistry, family and consumer science, and mathematics. If you are not sufficiently prepared in high school, you are likely to struggle with such college courses as mathematics and biochemistry. Communication skills are also important, since nutritionists must interact effectively with clients, employers, and colleagues. Even researchers who spend most of their time in the lab must cooperate with colleagues and write clear, accurate reports on the results of their work. For this reason, nutritionists must be well versed in spoken and written English. Psychology, which generally is taught in college nutrition programs, is an important aspect of the work of many nutritionists. Since nutritionists use computers to conduct research, store information, and perform other tasks, it is a good idea to take as many computer science classes as possible.
Postsecondary Training
Nutritionists complete the same type of undergraduate education as dietitians, including fulfilling the required 900 hours of a supervised internship. They must also complete at minimum a certain number of courses at the master's degree level to be eligible to sit for the clinical nutritionist certification exam. Many actually complete a master's or Ph.D. in nutrition science.
There are a couple of different educational routes you can choose from to become a nutritionist. The first is to complete a bachelor's or master's level Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited coordinated program that combines classroom work with at least 1,200 hours of supervised internship experience or experiential practice. Completion of these programs generally takes four to five years. Once you have graduated, you are eligible to take the registration exam. Another option is to get at least your bachelor's degree from an ACEND-accredited program that provides only classroom instruction. After receiving your degree, you then need to get 900 hours of hands-on experience through an ACEND-accredited practice program or internship. These programs take eight to 24 months to complete (depending on whether you are on a full- or part-time schedule). Once you have completed both of these steps, you are eligible to take the registration exam. Those who enter this field typically get degrees in food and nutrition science, dietetics, food service, or other related areas. Course work may include classes in economics, business management, culinary arts, biochemistry, physiology, and food science. If you want to teach, do research, or work in public health, you should get a bachelor's degree and one or more advanced degrees.
Certification
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers online certificates of training in prevention strategies for childhood, adolescent, and adult obesity; food allergies; restaurant menu labeling; leadership development; and other topics. Contact the academy to learn more.
Other Education or Training
Several profession associations provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides workshops, symposia, teleseminars, and online classes on general practice issues, nutrition and disease, and career trends. The American Society for Nutrition offers continuing education opportunities via conference seminars. The International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists and the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management also provide continuing education opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
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