Eating disorder nutritionists require RD/RDN credentials plus specialized CEDS certification, involving 2,500 supervised hours and specialized coursework. Median salaries start at $74,770 with top earners reaching $101,760+ annually, plus 7.4% job growth projected from 2023-2033.
Eating disorders affect millions of Americans, with 4.4% of children ages 5-17 worldwide experiencing these serious mental health conditions. For nutrition professionals passionate about mental health and recovery, specializing as an eating disorder nutritionist offers a deeply rewarding career path that combines clinical expertise with compassionate care.
Eating disorder nutritionists work with clients experiencing anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders, helping them rebuild healthy relationships with food. This specialized field requires advanced training beyond standard registered dietitian credentials, including specific certification in eating disorder treatment.
Table of Contents
What Is an Eating Disorder Nutritionist?
An eating disorder nutritionist is a specialized healthcare professional who provides nutritional counseling and meal planning for individuals with eating disorders. These professionals must understand both the psychological and physiological aspects of eating disorders to provide comprehensive care.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics distinguishes between disordered eating behaviors and clinical eating disorders. While disordered eating refers to irregular eating patterns that may not meet diagnostic criteria, eating disorders include specific conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder that require specialized treatment.
These specialists work as part of multidisciplinary treatment teams alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, and therapists to provide comprehensive care for eating disorder recovery.
Education Requirements for Eating Disorder Nutritionists
Becoming an eating disorder nutritionist requires extensive education, starting with the same foundational requirements as any registered dietitian nutritionist.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
All eating disorder nutritionists must first complete a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited nutrition or dietetics program. This education covers:
- Nutrition science fundamentals – Biochemistry, metabolism, and nutrient functions
- Food systems management – Food safety, preparation, and service
- Medical nutrition therapy – Clinical applications of nutrition
- Research methods – Evidence-based practice foundations
Specialized Education Programs
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
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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.
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Eating disorder nutritionists must obtain both standard registered dietitian credentials and specialized eating disorder certification.
Step 1: Become a Registered Dietitian
The foundation requires completing:
- ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree
- Dietetic internship (900+ supervised hours)
- Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam
Step 2: Obtain CEDS Certification
The most recognized certification is CEDS (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) with RD designation from the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP).
| CEDS Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in nutrition/dietetics + completed dietetic internship |
| RD Credentials | Must have passed the CDR exam and hold a current RD/RDN status |
| Clinical Hours | 2,500 supervised patient care hours in the eating disorder field |
| Core Coursework | 4 required courses: Introduction, Treatment Modalities, Medical Aspects, Nutritional Guidelines |
| Continuing Education | 18 hours total: 6 hrs body image, 6 hrs abnormal psychology, 6 hrs counseling |
| Case Study | 1,500-word case study of actual patient treatment |
| Application Fee | $150 plus supporting documentation |
Alternative Certifications
Other specialized certifications include:
- Family-Based Treatment (FBT) – From Training Institute for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders
- Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor – From Intuitive Eating Pros
Job Responsibilities and Work Settings
Eating disorder nutritionists work in various settings, each requiring different skills and approaches.
Primary Responsibilities
- Nutritional assessment – Evaluating medical history, eating patterns, supplement use, and weight history
- Meal planning – Designing individualized nutrition plans for recovery
- Team collaboration – Working with psychiatrists, therapists, and physicians
- Recovery support – Providing meal support, grocery shopping assistance, and cooking lessons
- Family education – Teaching family members about nutrition and recovery
- Group facilitation – Leading nutrition support groups and educational sessions
Work Settings
Eating disorder nutritionists work in:
- Residential treatment facilities
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospital-based programs
- Private practice
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
Salary and Employment Outlook
Eating disorder nutritionists typically earn higher salaries than general dietitians due to their specialized expertise and the complexity of their caseloads.
National Salary Data
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $74,770 | $35.95 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,200 | $40.96 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,760 | $48.92 |
Specialized eating disorder nutritionists often earn 10-20% more than these baseline figures due to their advanced training and the emotional demands of the work.
Employment Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7.4% growth for dietitians and nutritionists between 2023 and 2033, faster than the 4% average for all occupations during the same period. This growth is driven by:
- Increasing awareness of eating disorders
- Growing emphasis on mental health treatment
- Expansion of insurance coverage for eating disorder treatment
- Rising demand for specialized healthcare services
How to Become an Eating Disorder Nutritionist
Follow this step-by-step pathway to become an eating disorder nutritionist:
Step 1: Complete Your Education (4+ years)
Earn a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited nutrition or dietetics program. Consider programs with psychology or mental health electives.
Step 2: Complete Dietetic Internship (6-24 months)
Apply for and complete a dietetic internship, ideally with rotations in behavioral health or eating disorder facilities.
Step 3: Pass the CDR Exam
Take and pass the national registration examination to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Step 4: Gain Clinical Experience (2-4 years)
Work in clinical settings to build foundational skills. Seek positions in:
- Hospital clinical nutrition
- Behavioral health facilities
- Outpatient clinics with mental health components
Step 5: Pursue CEDS Certification (6 months – 2 years)
Complete the 2,500 supervised hours in eating disorder treatment while taking required coursework and preparing your case study.
Step 6: Maintain Certification
Complete continuing education requirements:
- 20 hours of eating disorder CE every 2 years
- Attend the IAEDP Symposium every 4 years
- Maintain RD/RDN credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an eating disorder nutritionist?
The complete pathway typically takes 6-8 years total, including 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 6-24 months for a dietetic internship, plus 2-4 years gaining clinical experience and completing CEDS requirements.
Do I need therapy experience to work with eating disorders?
While therapy experience is not required, an understanding of counseling techniques is highly beneficial. Many eating disorder nutritionists pursue additional training in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy principles, and family therapy approaches to enhance their effectiveness.
What’s the difference between CEDS and other certifications?
CEDS is considered the gold standard, requiring extensive supervised hours specifically in eating disorder treatment settings. Other certifications may focus on specific approaches like family-based treatment or intuitive eating, but don’t require the same depth of clinical hours in eating disorder care.
Can I work with eating disorders without CEDS certification?
Some employers will accept RD/RDN credentials with relevant experience, but most specialized eating disorder facilities prefer or require CEDS certification for roles specifically focused on eating disorder nutrition therapy.
What’s the most challenging part of this career?
Working with eating disorders requires emotional resilience, as clients may struggle with relapse, and recovery can be non-linear. Self-care and regular supervision are essential for professional sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Specialized career path – Eating disorder nutritionists require RD/RDN credentials plus additional CEDS specialized certification
- Strong earning potential – Median salary of $74,770 with top earners reaching $101,760+ annually
- Growing field – 7.4% job growth projected from 2023-2033, driven by increased mental health awareness
- Comprehensive training required – CEDS certification demands 2,500 supervised clinical hours and specialized coursework
- Multidisciplinary collaboration – Work involves close teamwork with mental health professionals, physicians, and therapists
- Emotionally rewarding – Opportunity to make a significant impact on clients’ recovery and relationship with food
Ready to Start Your Journey in Eating Disorder Nutrition?
Take the first step toward this rewarding specialty by exploring accredited nutrition programs that can provide the foundation for your career as an eating disorder 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.
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
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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.
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.
