To become a nutritionist in Alabama, you need a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related field, complete 900 hours of supervised experience, pass the CDR examination, and obtain licensure from the Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists. The process takes 4-6 years and leads to careers earning an average of $67,720 annually.
Alabama has one of the most structured pathways for becoming a licensed nutritionist in the United States. The Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists ensures that all practicing nutritionists meet rigorous educational and professional standards, making Alabama an excellent state for nutrition professionals seeking credible career opportunities.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring nutrition as a career path or a healthcare professional looking to specialize, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step required to become a licensed nutritionist in Alabama. From education requirements to salary expectations, you’ll find everything you need to start your nutrition career in the Heart of Dixie. View how to become a registered dietitian in Alabama for the RD pathway.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose the situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Alabama
- Gain Required Supervised Experience
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Submit Your License Application to Alabama State Board
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain License and Continuing Education Requirements
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Alabama
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Alabama
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below. Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities. Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want. The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Alabama requires all licensed nutritionists to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree must be in one of the following approved fields with a major focus on nutrition science:
| Approved Degree Programs | Minimum Credits Required | Key Coursework Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Human Nutrition | 120 credit hours | Biochemistry, Physiology, Food Science |
| Food & Nutrition | 120 credit hours | Nutrition Science, Food Systems, Chemistry |
| Dietetics | 120 credit hours | Clinical Nutrition, Food Service Management |
| Food Systems Management | 120 credit hours | Food Science, Business, Nutrition |
The institution must be accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges or another regional accreditation agency. Alabama recognizes both traditional on-campus programs and accredited online degree programs that meet the same academic standards. Find ACEND-accredited programs that meet Alabama’s educational requirements.
Core coursework must include foundational sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Students also complete specialized nutrition courses that cover macro- and micronutrients, life cycle nutrition, food science, and nutrition assessment methods.
Gain Required Supervised Experience
Alabama requires candidates to complete a minimum of 900 hours of planned and continuous pre-professional experience in nutrition practices. This supervised experience must be completed under the direct supervision of either a registered dietitian or a practitioner licensed by the Alabama State Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists.
The supervised experience can be completed through various pathways:
- Dietetic Internships: ACEND-accredited programs offering comprehensive clinical, community, and food service rotations
- Coordinated Programs: Integrated degree programs that combine academic coursework with supervised practice
- Individual Supervision: Arranged independently with qualified supervising practitioners in approved settings
Approved practice settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, public health departments, schools, and private practice clinics. The experience must cover diverse areas of nutrition practice, including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
Upon completing the education and supervised experience requirements, candidates must take and pass the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This computer-based examination is the standardized test used across the United States to assess entry-level competency for nutrition professionals.
The CDR examination covers four major content areas:
| Examination Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Dietetics | 15% | Professional standards, ethics, and research methods |
| Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups | 40% | Assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring |
| Management of Food and Nutrition Programs | 25% | Program planning, implementation, and evaluation |
| Foodservice Systems | 20% | Food production, safety, and quality management |
The exam includes 125 questions, of which 100–110 are scored. The remaining questions are unscored pretest items. Candidates must complete the exam within 2 hours and 30 minutes. Candidates receive their results immediately upon completion, with a passing score required to proceed to state licensure.
Submit Your License Application to the Alabama State Board
After successfully passing the CDR examination, candidates must apply for licensure with the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists. The application process requires several documents and fees to be submitted together.
Required Application Materials:
- Completed Application for Licensure form
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Documentation of completed supervised experience hours
- Verification of the CDR examination passage
- Two personal references from nutrition professionals
- Current photo identification (driver’s license or state ID)
- Application fee: $100
- Initial license fee: $150
All materials and fees ($250 total, made payable to Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists) must be sent to:
Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetics and Nutritionists
Post Office Box 300500
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Applicants must be at least 19 years old and demonstrate evidence of good moral character and professional responsibility. The board reviews complete applications within four to six weeks of receipt.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Licensed nutritionists in Alabama work in diverse settings and can specialize in various areas. The Alabama licensure allows professionals to use the protected titles “dietitian/nutritionist,” “nutritionist,” or “LN” and provides them with the legal authority to practice nutrition services throughout the state.
Career Settings for Alabama Nutritionists:
- Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities
- Community Health: Public health departments, community health centers, WIC programs
- Schools and Universities: K-12 school districts, college dining services, nutrition education programs
- Private Practice: Individual counseling, corporate wellness, telehealth nutrition services
- Food Industry: Food manufacturers, restaurant chains, nutrition product companies
- Sports and Fitness: Athletic teams, fitness centers, sports medicine clinics
Common Nutrition Services Provided:
- Assessing the nutritional needs of individuals and groups
- Developing and implementing nutrition care plans
- Providing nutrition counseling in health and disease management
- Establishing priorities and goals for nutritional wellness
- Evaluating and improving food and nutrition service quality
- Managing nutrition care systems and programs
Maintain License and Continuing Education Requirements
Alabama nutritionist licenses must be renewed every 2 years to maintain an active legal practice status. The renewal process ensures licensed professionals stay current with advancing nutrition science and maintain professional competency standards.
License Renewal Requirements:
- Complete 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 2 years
- Submit the completed license renewal form
- Provide copies of CPE attendance certificates
- Submit a current driver’s license copy
- Pay the renewal fee of $150
Continuing education must be recognized through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or approved by the Alabama State Board. Acceptable CPE activities include professional conferences, workshops, online courses, graduate coursework, and professional development seminars related to nutrition and dietetics.
The Alabama Board provides detailed guidelines for acceptable professional education activities, ensuring that continuing education contributes meaningfully to professional development and the quality of patient care.
Becoming a Health Coach in Alabama
Alabama’s growing focus on combating obesity and promoting wellness has created significant opportunities for health coaches throughout the state. With Alabama having an adult obesity rate of 30%-35% according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local organizations are implementing innovative health promotion programs.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has published comprehensive strategies for preventing and controlling obesity, emphasizing community-based approaches to health improvement. This creates a supportive environment for health coaches who want to work with individuals, families, and communities to promote healthier lifestyles.
Health Coach Education and Certification Requirements
Health coaching is a relatively new field that lacks specific degree requirements, offering flexibility in educational pathways. However, employers typically look for relevant education combined with professional certification.
Suitable Degree Options:
Associate’s Degree Programs:
- Healthcare Administration
- Social Work
- Business Administration (Health Club Operations focus)
- Applied Science in Health and Wellness
Bachelor’s Degree Programs:
- Health Science
- Behavioral Science
- Social Work
- Healthcare Management
- Health Services Administration
- Health and Wellness
- Nutrition/Dietetics
Master’s Degree Programs (Advanced Qualification):
- Nursing
- Healthcare Administration
- Psychology (Sports and Performance or Health and Wellness specialization)
- Health and Wellness
Professional Certification
Most health coaching positions require certification from a recognized organization. ACE is one of the most widely recognized certifications, alongside others like NBHWC (National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching).
ACE certification features self-study packages and a comprehensive examination covering behavior change principles, motivational interviewing, program design, and professional practice standards. Certification must be renewed every 2 years through continuing education.
Career Opportunities in Alabama
Health coaches in Alabama work in a variety of settings, ranging from corporate wellness programs to community health initiatives. The state’s emphasis on childhood obesity prevention and adult health promotion creates opportunities in schools, healthcare systems, and public health organizations.
Alabama Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
According to May 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians in Alabama earned an average nutritionist salary of $67,720. The employment outlook for nutrition professionals in Alabama is positive, with the BLS projecting an 8% increase in nutritionist positions through 2032.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $43,200 | $20.77 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,800 | $25.38 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $67,720 | $32.56 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,500 | $39.18 |
| 90th Percentile | $96,400 | $46.35 |
Alabama’s ten-year employment projection indicates approximately 60 annual job openings for nutritionists, driven by new job creation, retirements, and natural job turnover. This steady demand reflects the growing recognition of the role of nutrition in healthcare and disease prevention.
Factors influencing salary levels include years of experience, work setting, specialization areas, and geographic location within Alabama. Urban areas, such as Birmingham and Mobile, typically offer higher salaries than rural locations, while specialized positions in clinical settings often command premium compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed nutritionist in Alabama?
The typical timeline is 4-6 years, encompassing a 4-year bachelor’s degree, 900 hours of supervised experience (typically 6-12 months), exam preparation and testing (2-3 months), and licensure application processing (4-6 weeks).
Can I practice as a nutritionist in Alabama without a license?
To provide medical nutrition therapy or use titles like “Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN)”, Alabama law requires licensure. Using the general term “nutritionist” without claiming licensure may be allowed, but does not permit clinical practice.
Are online nutrition degrees accepted in Alabama?
Yes, Alabama accepts online degrees from regionally accredited institutions that meet the same academic standards as traditional programs. The degree must be in an approved field that includes required coursework in nutrition science.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in Alabama?
Alabama licenses both nutritionists and registered dietitians under the same regulatory framework. Both require similar education, supervised experience, and the CDR examination. The main difference is that registered dietitians also complete ACEND-accredited programs.
Can I transfer my nutritionist license from another state to Alabama?
Alabama may recognize licenses from other states through reciprocity agreements, but requirements vary by state. Contact the Alabama State Board of Examiners to discuss your specific situation and any additional requirements.
How much does it cost to become licensed in Alabama?
Initial costs include education (which varies by program), CDR examination fees ($200), and Alabama licensure fees ($250 for the application and initial license). Ongoing costs include license renewal ($150 every 2 years) and continuing education.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a licensed nutritionist in Alabama requires dedication and meeting strict professional standards, but the career offers rewarding opportunities to improve public health and individual wellness. The structured pathway ensures graduates are well-prepared for diverse practice settings and specialization options.
Alabama’s comprehensive licensing requirements create a strong professional foundation, while the state’s focus on health promotion and obesity prevention generates consistent demand for qualified nutrition professionals. With competitive salaries and positive job growth projections, Alabama provides an excellent environment for career development in nutrition.
The most important factors for success include selecting an appropriate degree program, securing quality supervised experience, thorough preparation for the CDR examination, and maintaining ongoing professional development through continuing education.
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Alabama?
Alabama’s structured pathway to licensure as a nutritionist provides the foundation for a rewarding healthcare career. With growing demand for nutrition professionals and competitive compensation, now is an excellent time to begin your journey in Alabama’s nutrition field.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below. Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities. Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want. The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
