Career Path on How to Become a Holistic Nutritionist
Holistic nutritionists are helping to quell preventive health problems, such as obesity, that continue to negatively affect American adolescents. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of youth people throughout the nation:
- Do not eat the daily recommended 2.5 to 6.5 cups of fruits and vegetables
- Do not eat the daily recommended 2 to 3 ounces of whole grains
- Eat more than the daily recommended 1,500 to 2,300 mg of sodium
Since “holistic nutritionist” is still an emerging profession, many states do not regulate health care providers that use this title. However, many holistic nutritionists successful careers completing the following steps:
- Complete an educational program in holistic nutrition that is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
- Acquire at least 500 hours of work experience in holistic nutrition
- Pass examination by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board to become board certified in holistic nutrition
Job Description for Holistic Nutritionists
Holistic nutritionists are specialized nutritionists that heal patients using natural foods and products instead of conventional medical treatments. They also seek to remedy the entire or “whole” person (mind, body, and soul) as opposed to curing isolated symptoms. Holistic nutritionists typically perform the following services:
- Evaluating a patient’s lifestyle
- Introducing healthy eating habits
- Creating customized meal plans
- Developing stress management skills
- Educating the public on holistic wellness
Education for Holistic Nutritionists
Purdue University 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's Nutrition Bachelors and Masters level programs online prepare students for careers in Health Education, Community Health, Food Analysis and more.
UNC's Online MPH With Nutrition Concentration. UNC's top-ranked public health school offers an online MPH with Nutrition concentration. Complete in 20 months. Bachelor's degree required. No GRE required. Enroll in our January or May 2022 cohort and receive a $12,000 scholarship..
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’s 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.
Liberty University's Master of Science in Human Performance - Nutrition combines two areas that are a natural fit in the field of health and wellness to give you a deep understanding of the role nutrition plays in optimizing athletic performance.
Students that are looking for a career-related education are advised to complete a NANP-approved holistic nutrition education program. These programs are offered by colleges, universities, health institutes, and professional associations nationwide and instruct in field-related subjects including:
- Nutrition & Pathophysiology
- Introductory Herbology
- Nutritional Counseling
- Comparative Dietary Systems
- Nutrition Supplementation
Students that complete a NANP-approved educational program in holistic nutrition could earn one of the following undergraduate or graduate degrees:
- Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine
- Associate of Applied Science in Health & Wellness
- Bachelor of Science in Health Science
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health
- Doctor of Philosophy in Holistic Nutrition
Holistic Nutritionist Certification
Many holistic nutritionists opt to become certified to stay current with professional standards in the industry, demonstrate credibility to future patients, and generate trust within the medical and business communities. The premier certification agency for holistic nutritionists is the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB). Individuals that successfully pass examination by the HNCB are granted the distinction of “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition.”
Employment for Holistic Nutritionists
Holistic nutritionist can anticipate a positive occupational outlook. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of dietitians and nutritionists employed throughout the country to jump from 67,400 in 2012 to 81,600 by 2022. This 21% employment growth change indicates that these occupations are expanding faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Currently, the top five industries employing dietitians and nutritionists are:
- State, local, and private hospitals
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Offices of health practitioners
- Outpatient care centers
- Government sectors
Salary Expectations for Holistic Nutritionists
As of May 2012, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found that dietitians and nutritionists were earning a median annual wage of $55,240. The salary earning potential for nutritionists are heavily influenced by a professional’s level of education, experience, training, and certification status. Nutritionists that fall into the lowest 10% of the salary scale typically earn less than $34,500 annually, while those landing in the highest 10% can receive over $77,590 annually. Currently, the highest paying industries for nutritionists are:
- Home health care services
- Insurance carriers
- Grantmaking and giving services
- Federal executive government
- Office administrative services