How to Become a Sports Nutritionist: Complete Guide 2025

Professional and collegiate sports organizations are increasingly recognizing that nutrition plays a critical role in athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has partnered with the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitians Association (CPSDA) and Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition (SCAN) to promote evidence-based nutrition practices among athletes at all levels.

This growing emphasis on sports nutrition has created strong career opportunities for qualified professionals. If you’re passionate about both nutrition science and athletics, becoming a sports nutritionist or sports dietitian can be a rewarding career path. This comprehensive guide explains the education requirements, certification process, salary expectations, and career opportunities in this dynamic field.

What is a Sports Nutritionist?

A sports nutritionist is a nutrition professional who specializes in optimizing athletic performance through evidence-based dietary strategies. These professionals work with athletes at all levels, from youth sports to professional teams, developing individualized nutrition plans that support training, competition, and recovery.

It’s important to understand the distinction between a sports nutritionist and a sports dietitian. While both work in the field of sports nutrition, their credentials and scope of practice differ significantly.

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.

Sports Nutritionist vs. Sports Dietitian

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences. A sports dietitian is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who has completed additional specialized training and earned the CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) credential. This credential is recognized as the gold standard in sports nutrition and is often required for positions with professional sports teams and major college athletics programs.

A sports nutritionist without the RD credential may have completed various nutrition certifications, but hasn’t met the rigorous education, supervised practice, and examination requirements for registered dietitian status. To learn more about the differences, read our guide on what a nutritionist is. State laws vary on who can use the title “nutritionist” and provide nutrition services.

The career settings for sports nutritionists and dietitians encompass a diverse range of environments. They work with professional sports teams, college athletics departments, Olympic training centers, fitness facilities, private practice, and increasingly in emerging areas like esports nutrition and tactical athlete programs for military and first responders.

How to Become a Sports Nutritionist: Step-by-Step Guide

The pathway to becoming a credentialed sports nutritionist with the CSSD certification requires several years of education and practical experience. Here’s the complete step-by-step process:

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree from an ACEND-Accredited Program

Your first step is earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). These accredited programs ensure you receive the comprehensive education needed to sit for the CDR examination. Learn more about the education requirements for registered dietitians.

The coursework typically includes nutrition science, biochemistry, physiology, food service management, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition. Many programs also offer elective courses in sports nutrition and exercise physiology, providing valuable foundational knowledge for this specialization.

Plan for four years to complete your undergraduate degree. Your program will include both classroom learning and supervised practice hours integrated into the curriculum.

Step 2: Gain 1,200 Hours of Supervised Practice Through a Dietetic Internship

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete a dietetic internship (DI) to gain hands-on experience. As of 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires 1,200 supervised practice hours, an increase from the previous 1,000-hour requirement.

Dietetic internships typically last 6-12 months and rotate through various settings, including hospitals, community nutrition programs, food service operations, and specialty areas. Some internships offer sports nutrition rotations, which provide valuable experience working with athletes.

Dietetic internships are highly competitive. According to recent data, the match rate hovers around 50-60%. Strengthen your application by gaining relevant experience through volunteer work, research projects, or employment in nutrition-related settings.

Step 3: Pass the CDR Registration Examination

Once you’ve completed your supervised practice hours, you’re eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge across all areas of nutrition and dietetics practice.

The exam includes 125 scored questions plus 20 pretest questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to complete it. The test covers four domains: principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs, and foodservice systems.

The current pass rate is approximately 80% for first-time test takers. Thorough preparation using CDR-approved study materials is important for success. After passing the exam, you can use the RD (Registered Dietitian) or RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) credential.

Step 4: Earn the CSSD Certification

The Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) certification is the premier credential for sports nutrition professionals. To be eligible, you must be a registered dietitian with at least 2,000 hours (approximately 1 year) of sports dietetics practice experience within the past 5 years.

The CSSD exam covers sports nutrition assessment, exercise physiology, sports nutrition for training and competition, weight management, supplements and ergogenic aids, disordered eating in athletes, and professional practice in sports dietetics.

This certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and experience in sports nutrition, making you more competitive for positions with elite athletes and professional organizations. The CSSD credential must be renewed every 5 years by completing 75 CPEUs, including at least 50 CPEUs related to sports dietetics.

Step 5: Maintain Your Credentials and Pursue Specializations

Maintaining your RD and CSSD credentials requires ongoing professional development. RDNs must complete 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every 5 years. CSSD credential holders need 75 CPEUs in sports dietetics specifically.

As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize further in areas like endurance sports nutrition, strength and power sports, team sports nutrition, eating disorders in athletes, or emerging fields like esports nutrition and performance psychology.

Education Requirements for Sports Nutritionists

The educational foundation for a career in sports nutrition has undergone significant evolution, with new requirements set to take effect in 2024.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Your undergraduate education must come from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). These programs integrate nutrition science with practical application and prepare you for both the dietetic internship and the CDR exam.

Common majors that fulfill these requirements include nutrition and dietetics, food science and human nutrition, clinical nutrition, and nutritional sciences. Some programs offer a coordinated program in dietetics (CP) that combines the academic coursework with supervised practice, eliminating the need for a separate internship.

Key courses you’ll complete include:

• Nutrition science – macronutrients, micronutrients, digestion, metabolism
• Medical nutrition therapy – nutrition interventions for various health conditions
• Food service systems management – large-scale food production and safety
• Community nutrition – public health nutrition programs and policies
• Biochemistry and physiology – biological basis of nutrition
• Research methods – evaluating nutrition science and evidence
• Counseling and communication – behavior change and client education

Master’s Degree Requirement (Effective 2024)

Starting January 1, 2024, a master’s degree will be required to become a registered dietitian. This change affects anyone who plans to take the CDR exam after this date. You have two main pathways to meet this requirement:

Option 1: Complete a bachelor’s degree in any field, then enter a combined master’s degree and dietetic internship program (often called a “Future Education Model” program). These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, fulfilling both the graduate degree and supervised practice requirements simultaneously.

Option 2: Complete a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited DPD, then apply to a graduate program and dietetic internship separately. This pathway may take longer but offers more flexibility in choosing your graduate focus and internship location.

The master’s degree requirement strengthens the dietetics profession and aligns it with other healthcare fields. While it extends the educational timeline, it also enhances career opportunities and earning potential.

Finding ACEND-Accredited Programs

Not all nutrition programs meet the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian. You must graduate from an ACEND-accredited program to be eligible for the dietetic internship and CDR exam. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics maintains a searchable database of all accredited programs on its website at eatrightpro.org/acend.

When evaluating programs, consider factors like program format (on-campus vs. online options), curriculum emphasis (does it include sports nutrition courses?), dietetic internship match rates, first-time CDR exam pass rates, and opportunities for research or practical experience in sports settings.

Sports Nutrition Certifications and Licensing

The credential landscape in sports nutrition encompasses several certifications, but they vary significantly in terms of rigor, recognition, and professional value.

Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)

The CSSD credential is the premier certification for sports nutrition and is only available to registered dietitians. It’s administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and represents the highest standard of competency in the field.

Eligibility requirements:

• Current RD or RDN credential
• At least 2,000 hours of sports dietetics practice within the past 5 years
• Documentation of work experience

The CSSD certification exam covers advanced topics including sports nutrition assessment and evaluation, exercise physiology and sports performance, nutrition strategies for training and competition, body composition and weight management, dietary supplements and ergogenic aids, special considerations for different sports and athlete populations, and disordered eating and eating disorders in athletes.

Many elite sports organizations, professional teams, and Division I college athletics programs specifically require or strongly prefer the CSSD credential for their sports dietitian positions.

Other Sports Nutrition Certifications

Several other organizations offer sports nutrition certifications, though these don’t carry the same professional recognition as the CSSD:

• Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) – Offered by the International Society of Sports Nutrition, this certification is available to those with a bachelor’s degree but doesn’t require RD status
• Sports Nutrition Specialist (SNS) – Available through various fitness and nutrition organizations
• NASM Nutrition Certification – Focused on fitness professionals rather than clinical nutritionists

While these certifications can provide valuable knowledge, they don’t replace the comprehensive education and credentialing required for RD status. If you plan to work in clinical settings, with individuals who have medical conditions, or with elite athletes, the RD credential with a CSSD specialization is typically necessary.

State Licensing Requirements

Nutrition practice is regulated at the state level, and requirements vary significantly across the United States. Some states require licensure for anyone providing nutrition services, while others have minimal regulation in place. Check state-specific nutrition licensing requirements for detailed information about your location.

States with the most stringent requirements typically mandate that anyone using titles like “nutritionist” or “dietitian” must hold the RD credential and obtain a state license. Other states allow various nutrition certifications or don’t regulate the practice at all.

Check with your state’s department of health or board of nutrition to understand the specific requirements where you plan to practice. Some states also have reciprocity agreements that recognize licenses from other states.

Essential Skills for Sports Nutritionists

Success in sports nutrition requires a combination of technical knowledge, interpersonal abilities, and business acumen.

Technical and Clinical Skills

Sports nutritionists require a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition impacts athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. Key technical competencies include:

• Nutrition assessment – Evaluating dietary intake, body composition, hydration status, and nutrient needs for different sports and training phases
• Meal planning and timing – Creating nutrition strategies that optimize performance before, during, and after training and competition
• Supplement evaluation – Understanding the science, safety, and legality of sports supplements and ergogenic aids
• Medical nutrition therapy – Managing nutrition for injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions in athletes
• Exercise physiology – Understanding energy systems, training adaptations, and recovery processes
• Food safety and sanitation – Ensuring safe food handling in team dining facilities and travel situations

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Working effectively with athletes requires excellent people skills. You’ll need to build trust with athletes who may be resistant to dietary changes, communicate complex scientific concepts in accessible language, and motivate behavior change without being overly prescriptive.

Sports nutritionists work with diverse populations, from teenage athletes to professional veterans, and must adapt their communication style accordingly. You’ll also collaborate with coaches, athletic trainers, team physicians, strength coaches, and sports psychologists, requiring strong teamwork and interdisciplinary communication.

Business and Entrepreneurial Skills

Many sports nutritionists operate in private practice or consulting roles, making business skills valuable. These include marketing your services, managing finances and billing, building professional networks, staying current with research and trends, and potentially managing staff if your practice expands.

Even those working in organizational settings benefit from understanding the business side of sports nutrition, including budget management, program development, and demonstrating the value and return on investment of nutrition services.

Sports Nutritionist Salary and Job Outlook

Career earnings in sports nutrition vary based on your credentials, experience, employment setting, and geographic location. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides insight into compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, including those specializing in sports nutrition.

National Salary Data

According to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median annual salary of $66,450. The middle 50% earn between $52,160 and $82,360 annually. Entry-level professionals in the 10th percentile earn approximately $44,140, while experienced practitioners in the 90th percentile earn $96,470 or more.

Sports dietitians with the CSSD credential typically earn on the higher end of this range, particularly those working with professional sports teams or in private practice serving elite athletes.

Highest-Paying States for Dietitians and Nutritionists

Factors Affecting Sports Nutritionist Salary

Several factors influence earning potential in sports nutrition:

Credentials and specialization – RDNs with the CSSD credential earn significantly more than those without registered dietitian status. Advanced certifications and specialized training in areas such as eating disorders or performance psychology can also lead to increased compensation.

Experience level – Entry-level sports nutritionists typically start at lower salaries, with significant increases as they gain experience and build their reputation. Those with 10 or more years of experience and proven results with athletes command premium rates.

Employment setting – Professional sports teams and major collegiate programs often offer the highest salaries, particularly in high-revenue sports. Private practice can be lucrative once established, though income may be variable. University positions offer stability and benefits, but may pay less than private sector roles.

Geographic location – Cost of living significantly impacts salaries. Urban areas and states with higher living costs typically offer higher compensation. Areas with professional sports teams or major college athletics programs may have more opportunities.

Client base – Those working with professional athletes, Olympic competitors, or high-net-worth individuals in private practice can charge premium rates. Team contracts or retainer agreements provide stable, often substantial income.

Employment Outlook and Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of dietitians and nutritionists to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased emphasis on disease prevention, aging populations, and growing interest in nutrition and wellness.

Sports nutrition specifically is experiencing strong growth as more organizations recognize the competitive advantage of optimal nutrition. College athletics programs are adding sports dietitian positions, while professional sports teams are expanding their nutrition staff. Emerging areas, such as esports and tactical athlete programs, are also creating new opportunities.

The demand for CSSD-credentialed professionals exceeds supply in many markets, creating favorable job prospects for qualified sports dietitians. Private practice opportunities are also expanding as recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts seek personalized nutrition guidance.

Career Settings and Specializations

Sports nutritionists work in diverse environments, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.

Professional Sports Teams

Working with professional teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, and other leagues represents the pinnacle of careers in sports nutrition. These positions typically require the CSSD credential, along with several years of experience. Responsibilities include developing individualized nutrition plans for athletes, overseeing team dining facilities, managing nutrition during travel, coordinating with medical and performance staff, and educating athletes on performance nutrition.

Competition for these roles is intense, and many sports dietitians gain entry through internships or part-time consulting before securing full-time positions. Salaries vary widely based on the sport, team budget, and market size.

College and University Athletics

Collegiate athletics programs, particularly at the Division I level, increasingly employ full-time sports dietitians. These positions offer more stability than professional sports and provide opportunities to work with multiple teams across different sports. You’ll work with student-athletes at various developmental stages, implement nutrition education programs, and collaborate with campus dining services to optimize fueling stations.

Many collegiate positions are based in university athletics departments, though some are housed in campus health services or dining operations. These roles often include opportunities for teaching, research, and professional development.

Olympic and National Team Programs

Olympic training centers and national team programs employ sports dietitians to support athletes preparing for international competition. These roles may involve intense training camps, international travel, and working with athletes in multiple sports or specializing in specific Olympic disciplines.

Positions with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee or individual sport national governing bodies are highly competitive and typically require extensive experience. They offer the opportunity to work with the world’s elite athletes at the highest level of competition.

Private Practice and Consulting

Many sports nutritionists build successful private practices serving individual athletes, teams, or organizations. This path offers flexibility, variety, and potentially higher earnings, though it requires entrepreneurial skills and business acumen. You’ll market your services, manage your schedule, handle billing and insurance, and continuously network to build your client base.

Private practice sports nutritionists may specialize in particular sports, work with recreational athletes and fitness enthusiasts, or consult with multiple teams or organizations. Success depends on building a strong reputation and delivering measurable results.

Corporate Wellness and Fitness Facilities

Sports clubs, fitness centers, and corporate wellness programs employ nutritionists to provide services to members and employees. These roles may include individual counseling, group education, program development, and wellness assessments. While less focused on elite performance, these positions offer stable employment and the opportunity to impact a broad population.

Emerging Specializations

New opportunities are developing in areas like:

• Esports nutrition – Supporting competitive video game players with nutrition for cognitive performance, eye health, and managing sedentary lifestyles
• Tactical athlete programs – Working with military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who require peak physical performance
• Endurance sports – Specializing in ultra-distance events, triathlons, and marathon training
• Strength and power sports – Focusing on weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and CrossFit
• Youth sports nutrition – Addressing the unique needs of developing athletes and preventing unhealthy practices
• Eating disorder treatment – Specializing in disordered eating and eating disorders in athletic populations

Job Responsibilities of Sports Nutritionists

Day-to-day responsibilities vary by setting, but sports nutritionists typically handle these core functions:

Individual Nutrition Counseling

You’ll conduct one-on-one consultations with athletes to assess their current nutrition practices, identify areas for improvement, develop personalized meal plans, address specific concerns or goals, and provide ongoing support and monitoring. These sessions may focus on body composition goals, injury recovery, supplement decisions, gastrointestinal issues during competition, or optimizing training adaptations.

Team Education Programs

Group education is a core responsibility in team settings. You’ll deliver presentations on nutrition fundamentals, fueling strategies for different training phases, recovery nutrition, hydration protocols, travel nutrition, and supplement safety. Effective sports nutritionists make complex science accessible and actionable for athletes with varying levels of nutrition knowledge.

Menu Development and Food Service

In organizational settings, you’ll work with food service teams to design training tables, team meals, and fueling stations. This includes developing menus that meet athletes’ nutritional needs, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring food safety and quality, managing budgets, and coordinating nutrition for away competitions and travel.

Performance Nutrition Planning

You’ll create sport-specific nutrition strategies for training and competition. This involves timing carbohydrate intake to maximize glycogen stores, planning pre-competition meals that support performance without causing gastrointestinal distress, developing in-competition fueling strategies for endurance events, optimizing post-exercise recovery nutrition, and adjusting nutrition for different training phases and periodization.

Body Composition Management

Many athletes require support with maintaining a healthy weight. Sports nutritionists help athletes achieve optimal body composition through science-based nutrition strategies, monitor progress using appropriate assessment methods, and prevent unhealthy weight control practices. This requires sensitivity and awareness of risk factors for eating disorders.

Supplement Guidance

Athletes frequently ask about dietary supplements. You’ll evaluate the evidence for various supplements, assess potential benefits and risks, ensure supplements are safe and legal for competition, recommend third-party tested products when appropriate, and discourage use of ineffective or dangerous supplements. Staying current on anti-doping regulations and banned substances is important.

Collaboration with Sports Medicine Team

Sports nutritionists work closely with athletic trainers, team physicians, physical therapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and sports psychologists. You’ll participate in integrated care planning, share relevant information while maintaining confidentiality, contribute to return-to-play protocols, and support overall athlete health and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a sports nutritionist?

The complete pathway takes approximately 4-6 years. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree, 6-12 months for a dietetic internship, time to study for and pass the CDR exam (typically 1-3 months), and at least one year of practice experience before becoming eligible for the CSSD exam. With the new master’s degree requirement effective in 2024, the timeline may extend to 6-7 years total for those entering the field now.

What’s the difference between a sports nutritionist and a sports dietitian?

A sports dietitian is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) who has completed an ACEND-accredited degree program, supervised practice hours, and passed the CDR exam. Many sports dietitians also hold the CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics) credential. A sports nutritionist may have various certifications, but hasn’t completed the rigorous requirements for RD status. Professional sports teams and major collegiate programs typically require the RD credential, as well as the CSSD certification.

Can you become a sports nutritionist without being a registered dietitian?

It depends on your career goals and location. Some fitness centers, private training facilities, and wellness companies hire sports nutritionists with bachelor’s degrees and various certifications but without RD credentials. State laws vary on who is authorized to provide nutrition services. If you want to work in clinical settings, with patients who have medical conditions, for professional teams, or at major collegiate programs, the RD credential is typically required. The CSSD certification, considered the gold standard in sports nutrition, is only available to registered dietitians.

What’s the best undergraduate degree for sports nutrition?

The best degree is one from an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), regardless of its specific name. Common program titles include nutrition and dietetics, nutritional sciences, food science and nutrition, or clinical nutrition. The key is ACEND accreditation, which ensures the program meets all requirements for the dietetic internship and CDR exam. Look for programs that offer sports nutrition coursework or the opportunity to complete rotations in athletic settings during your supervised practice.

How much does the CSSD certification cost?

The CSSD exam application fee is currently $200 for Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members and $450 for non-members. Preparation materials and study courses cost additional amounts, typically ranging from $100-$500, depending on the resources you choose. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of recertification, which occurs every five years and requires completing continuing education and paying renewal fees.

Do sports nutritionists make good money?

Earnings vary widely based on credentials, experience, and employment setting. According to May 2023 BLS data, dietitians and nutritionists earn a median salary of $66,450, with the top 10% earning over $96,470. Sports dietitians with the CSSD credential working for professional teams or in established private practices often earn above the median. Entry-level positions may start around $44,000-$52,000. Geographic location has a significant impact on salary, with higher compensation in areas with higher costs of living and greater professional sports opportunities.

Is sports nutrition a growing field?

Yes, sports nutrition is experiencing strong growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% employment growth for dietitians and nutritionists from 2022-2032. Sports nutrition is specifically expanding as more organizations recognize the impact of nutrition on performance. College athletics programs are adding sports dietitian positions, professional teams are expanding nutrition departments, and new areas like esports nutrition and tactical athlete programs are creating opportunities. The demand for CSSD-credentialed professionals exceeds supply in many markets.

What qualities make a successful sports nutritionist?

Successful sports nutritionists combine strong scientific knowledge with excellent interpersonal skills. You need a deep understanding of nutrition science and exercise physiology, the ability to translate complex concepts into practical advice, communication skills that build trust with athletes, flexibility to work irregular hours around training and competition schedules, cultural competency to work with diverse athlete populations, and a passion for both nutrition and sports. Patience is important because behavior change takes time, and not all athletes are immediately receptive to nutrition guidance.

Do I need to be an athlete to become a sports nutritionist?

No, personal athletic experience isn’t required, though it can be helpful. What matters most is your education, credentials, and ability to understand the needs of athletes. Many successful sports nutritionists weren’t competitive athletes themselves. That said, participating in sports or fitness activities helps you relate to athletes, understand the physical demands of training and competition, and speak credibly about performance nutrition. If you lack personal athletic experience, seek opportunities to observe practices, attend competitions, and immerse yourself in sports culture.

Can sports nutritionists work remotely?

Remote work opportunities in sports nutrition have expanded, particularly for private practice consultants and those offering virtual coaching services. Telehealth platforms allow nutritionists to conduct video consultations, review food logs and training data remotely, and provide ongoing support through apps and messaging. Some positions with teams or organizations now include remote or hybrid options. That said, many sports nutrition roles require in-person presence for team meals, travel with athletes, and hands-on work in training facilities. The feasibility of remote work depends on your specific role and the requirements of your employer.

Key Takeaways

• Sports nutritionists optimize athletic performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies and work with athletes at all levels, from youth sports to professional teams
• The most recognized credential is the CSSD (Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics), which requires RD status plus specialized experience and examination
• The pathway includes a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, 1,200 hours of supervised practice, passing the CDR exam, and earning the CSSD certification
• As of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree became required to become a registered dietitian, extending the educational timeline to 6-7 years
• Sports dietitians earn a median salary of $66,450, with top earners making over $96,470, and specialized professionals with CSSD credentials typically earn above the median
• Career settings include professional sports teams, college athletics, Olympic programs, private practice, fitness facilities, and emerging areas like esports and tactical athlete programs
• State licensing requirements vary significantly, with some states mandating RD credentials and licensure, while others have minimal regulation
• The field is growing approximately 7% from 2022-2032, with strong demand exceeding supply for CSSD-credentialed professionals in many markets
• Success requires a combination of deep scientific knowledge, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build trust with diverse athlete populations
• Key responsibilities include individual counseling, team education, menu development, performance nutrition planning, body composition management, and supplement guidance

Ready to Start Your Sports Nutrition Career?

If you’re passionate about helping athletes achieve peak performance through nutrition, now is an excellent time to enter this growing field. The first step is finding an ACEND-accredited program that aligns with your career goals and provides the foundation you need to become a registered dietitian and sports nutrition specialist.

Explore accredited nutrition degree programs to begin your journey toward becoming a sports nutritionist.

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.

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.

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritional Epidemiologist with over 18 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition. Holding a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, she specializes in dietary interventions for metabolic health and sustainable eating. Dr. Voss has published in leading journals like The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and contributed to global wellness programs

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