Careers in Nutrition and Dietetics
Knowing what foods you should and should not eat, and the importance of nutrition and of nutritional values, can be confusing concepts for many. Fortunately, there are trained, qualified professionals working in the field of nutrition and dietetics who can help. Registered Dietitians (also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists); Dietetic Technicians, Registered (also called Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered); Licensed Nutritionists; and Non-Licensed Nutritionists are all educated, experienced health care professionals who work in a variety of settings to advise, educate and instruct clients in what foods they should and should not eat, as well as the nutritional values of all foods.
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Dietetics and nutrition is a burgeoning field full of possibilities and one that is expected to increase over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in dietetics and nutrition are projected to increase by eleven percent from 2020 to 2030.* This exciting field can be entered into with as little as an associate’s degree.
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association, or ADA), as of April 2022, there are more than 116,000 members of the academy. Ninety-three percent of these members are Registered Dietitians (RD), while about 3.5 percent are Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR). The remaining members consist of licensed and non-licensed nutritionists, educators, students and researchers.
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.
Liberty University offers Online Nutrition Degrees. with a M.S. in Nutrition and a Nutrition Certificate.
George Washington University's Online Master's in Integrative Medicine with a Concentration in Nutrition specialize in promoting health and wellness through nutrition.
American University offers two different programs focused on Nutrition and Health. Their Online Master of Science in Nutrition Education will prepare you to become an influential leader in nutrition education and advocacy while promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices in your community and beyond. Or Earn your Master of Science in Health Promotion Management from AU’s award-winning program in just 20 months with $10K available in scholarships upon enrollment (qualifier is a 3.0 GPA).
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.
Arizona State University offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Science - Dietetics. Along with an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
Bay Path University's health and wellness certificates build the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to upskill your abilities in your profession or to provide a robust concentration to your degree program for a specific role. Learn more about the Certificate in Food Science and Safety certificate.
If you want to work in fitness and nutrition, take the first step toward a new career with one of Penn Foster's accredited, online fitness and training programs. These affordable programs are all offered online, and can be taken at your own pace.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the regulating organization for registered dietitians (RD), registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), dietetic technicians (DTR), and nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTR), as of April 2022, registered dietetic professionals in the United States include:
- 108,348 RDs and RDNs
- 4,269 DTRs and NDTRs
- 927 Board Certified Specialists in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
- 877 Board Certified Specialists in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
- 830 Board Certified Specialists in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
- 533 Board Certified Specialists in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
- 553 Board Certified Specialists in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
- 498 Board Certified Specialists in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)
- 89 Advanced Practice Certification in Clinical Nutrition (RDN-AP or RD-AP)
- 102 Board Certified in Pediatric Critical Care (CSPCC)
Although the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is based in the United States, the organization prides itself on diversity, offering opportunities to individuals with various cultures, educational backgrounds, ethnicities, geographic locations, races, and more. Food and nutrition information and values are provided in a variety of languages and formats to appeal to everyone.
Nutrition Career Requirement Laws By State
![]() | Although there is no legal opposition to individuals performing nutrition counseling on their own, insurance limitations regarding reimbursement eligibility may apply. |
![]() | The answer to whether anyone can perform nutrition counseling on their own remains yes, however only an RD (Registered Dietitian) is accredited and authorized to be recognized by the US Government as performing services that are eligible for reimbursement under the current health care laws. |
![]() | Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. Additional licenses are available for nutritionists not interested in becoming an RD. |
![]() | Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. The fact remains that unless one becomes licensed as an RD, they would remain ineligible. |
Although there is no legal opposition to individuals performing nutrition counseling on their own, insurance limitations regarding reimbursement eligibility may apply.
The answer to whether anyone can perform nutrition counseling on their own remains yes, however only an RD (Registered Dietitian) is accredited and authorized to be recognized by the US Government as performing services that are eligible for reimbursement under the current health care laws.
Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. Additional licenses are available for nutritionists not interested in becoming an RD.
Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. The fact remains that unless one becomes licensed as an RD, they would remain ineligible.
How to Become a Nutritionist / Dietitian
Becoming a registered dietitian is a challenging process that involves obtaining the proper education and experience through approved, accredited programs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) regulates the Registered Dietitian and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practice nationwide. Each state may also have its own requirements for certification and licensure, in addition to those required to obtain RD credentials.
Many states require that nutritionists and dietitians hold licensure in order to be legally able to practice within that state. Others require licensure for dietitians but not nutritionists, and some require no licensure at all. As of 2022, state requirements for nutrition and dietetics careers, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, are:
- Dietitians must be licensed or certified in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
- Nutritionists must be licensed or certified in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington
- Title protection is offered for dietitians in: California, Montana, Texas, Virginia
- Title protection is offered for nutritionists in: Mississippi, Virginia
- Nebraska offers licensure for medical nutrition therapists
- No statutes regulating dietitians or nutritionists exist in these states: Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey
Things to remember when considering state licensure and certification requirements:
- Although there is no legal opposition to individuals performing nutrition counseling on their own, insurance limitations regarding reimbursement eligibility may apply.
- Only a RD or RDN is accredited and authorized to be recognized by the US Government as performing services that are eligible for reimbursement under current health care laws.
- Unless an individual is licensed or exempt, they cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling in states in which licensure or certification is required.
- In many states, the only professionals who are legally eligible for performing nutrition counseling and getting insurance reimbursement for it are RDs or RDNs.
Registered Dietitian Requirements By State
Becoming a registered dietitian is a challenging process that involves obtaining the proper education and experience through approved, accredited programs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) regulates the Registered Dietitian practice nationwide. Each state may also have its own requirements for certification and licensure, in addition to those required to obtain RD credentials.
*2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists reflect national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2022.