Virginia has no mandatory licensing for nutritionists, but you must meet specific title protection requirements including a bachelor’s degree in nutrition-related fields and supervised experience through CDR or alternative pathways like the CNS credential.
Virginia offers excellent opportunities for nutrition professionals, with 1,440 registered nutritionists and dietitians earning an average annual salary of $75,440 as of May 2024. Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, or community wellness, Virginia’s diverse healthcare landscape provides numerous career pathways. Learn how to become a nutritionist and discover the specific requirements for practicing in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Virginia
- Gain Required Supervised Experience
- Pass Required Examination
- Submit Your Certification/License Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Virginia
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Virginia
Virginia law protects the titles “nutritionist” and “dietician,” meaning you must meet specific educational requirements to practice under these titles. The state requires individuals advertising as nutritionists to possess at least one of the following qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
You must possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in one of these approved majors:
- Nutritional sciences
- Community nutrition
- Public health nutrition
- Food and nutrition
- Dietetics
- Human nutrition
Virginia Nutrition Degree Programs
Virginia universities offer comprehensive nutrition programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels:
| Degree Level | Program Examples | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | BS in Dietetics, BS in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise | Virginia Tech (Blacksburg), VCU (Richmond) |
| Master’s Degree | MS in Health Science, MS in Health and Movement Science | George Mason (Arlington), VCU (Richmond) |
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.
Gain Required Supervised Experience
Virginia requires completion of supervised clinical experience to practice as a nutritionist. You have several pathways to fulfill this requirement:
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Pathway
Complete a program of supervised clinical experience approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This typically involves:
- Minimum 900 hours of supervised practice
- Clinical rotations in healthcare facilities
- Community nutrition experience
- Food service management training
Alternative Experience Requirements
For those employed by or under contract with governmental agencies, Virginia accepts:
- Bachelor’s degree with coursework in food and nutrition
- Two years of work experience in nutrition or dietetics
- Employment with a governmental agency
Pass the Required Examination
Virginia recognizes several examination pathways for nutritionist qualification:
Registered Dietitian (RD) Examination
The CDR registration examination is the most common pathway, requiring:
- Completion of an accredited dietetic internship
- Passing score on the national registration examination
- Maintenance of continuing education requirements
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Examination
The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists examination offers an alternative pathway, requiring:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition
- 1,000 hours of supervised professional experience
- Passing score on the CNS examination
- 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years
Submit Your Certification/License Application
While Virginia doesn’t require state licensing, you must obtain national certification to legally use protected titles.
CDR Registration Process
To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN):
- Submit the application through the CDR online portal
- Pay registration fees (approximately $200)
- Provide official transcripts
- Submit verification of internship completion
- Pass background check requirements
Maryland License Option
Due to Virginia’s lack of mandatory licensing, many Virginia nutritionists obtain licensure through the Maryland Department of Health, which recognizes:
- Bachelor’s degree in dietetics or master’s degree in an approved nutrition field
- 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Passing the CDR or CNS examination
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Virginia’s diverse healthcare landscape offers numerous opportunities for nutrition professionals across clinical, community, and private practice settings.
Major Healthcare Employers
Virginia’s largest hospital systems actively recruit nutrition professionals:
| Healthcare System | Locations | Specializations |
|---|---|---|
| University of Virginia Medical Center | Charlottesville | Clinical nutrition, pediatric nutrition |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center | Richmond | Critical care, oncology nutrition |
| Sentara Norfolk General Hospital | Norfolk | Cardiac rehabilitation, diabetes education |
| Inova Fairfax Hospital | Fairfax | Sports nutrition, weight management |
Specialization Areas
Virginia nutritionists can specialize in various areas:
- Clinical nutrition: Hospital and medical facility settings
- Sports nutrition: Working with athletic programs and fitness centers
- Community nutrition: Public health programs and education
- Pediatric nutrition: Specialized care for children and adolescents
- Geriatric nutrition: Nutrition care for older adults
- Private practice: Independent counseling and consultation
Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
Maintaining your nutrition credentials requires ongoing professional development and continuing education.
RDN Maintenance Requirements
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists must complete:
- 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every 5 years
- Annual registration renewal with CDR
- Payment of annual renewal fees
- Compliance with CDR’s professional standards
CNS Maintenance Requirements
Certified Nutrition Specialists must complete:
- 75 hours of approved continuing education every 5 years
- Documentation of professional development activities
- Renewal application and fee payment
Professional Organizations in Virginia
Connect with fellow nutrition professionals through:
- Virginia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Virginia Public Health Association (VAPHA)
- Virginia Center for Health Innovation
- Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group
Virginia Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Virginia employed 1,440 nutritionists and dietitians as of May 2024, with strong earning potential across the state.
Average Salaries by City
| City/Region | Average Annual Salary | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Statewide | $75,440 | 1,440 professionals |
| Richmond | $75,370 | High demand |
| Virginia Beach | $72,100 | Moderate demand |
| Charlottesville | $69,280 | Hospital-focused |
| Lynchburg | $67,790 | Growing market |
| Roanoke | $67,090 | Regional opportunities |
The growing awareness of nutrition’s role in preventive healthcare continues to drive demand for qualified professionals. Virginia’s diverse population and expanding healthcare infrastructure create excellent opportunities for career growth and specialization.
Becoming a Health Coach in Virginia
Health coaching represents a rapidly growing field in Virginia, with significant opportunities for nutrition professionals to expand their practice and serve diverse populations.
Virginia Health Coaching Market Growth
A study featured in Virginia Business highlighted one Richmond-based wellness company that expanded from 11 employees to nearly 700 staff members over four years, primarily hiring health coaches. This growth reflects the proven effectiveness of health coaching in reducing healthcare expenditures and improving patient outcomes.
Research published in the US National Library of Medicine demonstrated that health coaching led to significant reductions in outpatient and total healthcare expenditures for high-risk patients, making it an attractive investment for employers and insurance companies.
Virginia Health Statistics Driving Demand
Virginia’s health challenges create opportunities for health coaches to make meaningful impacts:
- Nearly 25% of Virginians are not physically active
- Nearly 10% of Virginians have diabetes
- Less than 10% consume the daily recommended vegetables
- More than 25% of Virginians are obese
- Almost 20% of Virginians currently smoke
Health Coach Education and Certification
Currently, Virginia has no standardized credential requirements for health coaches, providing flexibility in educational pathways. Recommended preparation includes:
| Degree Level | Program Options | Career Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Health Science, Exercise Science, Kinesiology | Fitness and wellness coaching |
| Master’s | Health Promotion, Clinical Physiology | Clinical and corporate wellness |
| Certification | ACE Health Coach, ICF Certification | Specialized coaching approaches |
Health Coach Career Opportunities
Virginia health coaches find employment through various channels:
- Independent practice: Building private client bases
- Corporate wellness: Companies like Premise Health and Provant
- Healthcare systems: Integrated wellness programs
- Government programs: Virginia Department of Health initiatives
- Insurance companies: Risk reduction and prevention programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to practice as a nutritionist in Virginia?
Virginia does not require state licensing for nutritionists, but you must meet specific educational and experience requirements to legally use the title “nutritionist” or “dietician.” National certification through CDR or CNS is strongly recommended.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in Virginia?
Both titles are protected in Virginia, but registered dietitians must complete specific CDR-approved education, internship, and examination requirements.
How much do nutritionists make in Virginia?
According to 2024 BLS data, Virginia nutritionists earn an average annual salary of $75,440, with variations by city and specialization. Richmond and Virginia Beach typically offer the highest compensation levels.
Can I practice in Virginia with a nutrition degree from another state?
Yes, Virginia recognizes nutrition degrees from regionally accredited institutions nationwide. You must still meet Virginia’s specific educational and experience requirements to use protected titles.
What jobs can I get with a nutrition degree in Virginia?
Virginia offers diverse career paths, including clinical nutrition in hospitals, community nutrition programs, sports nutrition with athletic programs, corporate wellness positions, and private practice opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia protects nutritionist and dietician titles but doesn’t require state licensing
- You need a bachelor’s degree in nutrition-related field,s plus supervised experience
- National certification through CDR (RD/RDN) or CNS provides the strongest credentials
- Virginia offers excellent salary potential with an average of $75,440 annually
- Major healthcare systems and corporate wellness programs actively hire nutrition professionals
- Health coaching presents growing opportunities with minimal certification requirements
- Continuing education is required to maintain professional credentials
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Virginia?
Take the first step toward becoming a qualified nutritionist in Virginia. Research accredited nutrition programs, connect with Virginia nutrition professionals, and explore the diverse career opportunities available in the Commonwealth’s growing healthcare market.
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 and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
