To become a licensed nutritionist in Minnesota, you need a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition-related fields, complete 900 hours of supervised practice, and apply through the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice. Alternatively, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification fulfills this requirement with its own 1,000-hour supervised practice component. The total application fee is $325.
Minnesota regulates the nutrition profession to protect public health and ensure the delivery of quality services. The Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice oversees licensing for both registered dietitians and nutritionists in the state. If you’re interested in helping Minnesotans achieve better health through evidence-based nutrition guidance, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step of becoming a licensed nutritionist in Minnesota.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Minnesota
- Gain Required Supervised Experience (900 Hours)
- Pass Certification Examination (CNS)
- Submit Your License Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain Licensure and Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Minnesota
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota requires nutritionists to hold advanced degrees from accredited institutions. Your educational foundation determines your eligibility for licensure and sets the stage for your professional practice.
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.
Required Degree Level
You must earn a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education. The degree must have a major in one of the following nutrition-related fields:
| Acceptable Major Fields | Typical Program Length | Career Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Public Health Nutrition | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Community health programs, policy development |
| Human Nutrition | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Clinical practice, research |
| Clinical Nutrition | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Medical nutrition therapy, patient care |
| Nutrition Education | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Teaching, outreach programs |
| Community Nutrition | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Public health initiatives, wellness programs |
| Food and Nutrition | 2-3 years (Master’s) | Food science, nutrition science |
Choosing the Right Program
When selecting a graduate program, verify that the institution holds regional accreditation. Programs accredited by bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ensure your degree will be accepted by the Minnesota Board. Consider programs that offer supervised practice opportunities, as you’ll need to complete 900 hours of experience (covered in Step 2).
The following programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field:
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Gain Required Supervised Experience (900 Hours)
After completing your degree, you’ll need documented supervised practice experience. This pre-professional practice ensures you’re prepared to work independently with clients and understand real-world nutrition counseling.
Experience Requirements
Minnesota requires a minimum of 900 hours of supervised practice. This experience must be completed under the direct supervision of qualified professionals in nutrition and dietetics.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Hours | 900 hours of documented supervised practice |
| Location | Must be completed in the United States or U.S. territories |
| Qualified Supervisors | Registered Dietitian, Minnesota Licensed Nutritionist, or doctoral degree holder in nutrition-related fields |
| Documentation | Detailed log of hours, activities, and supervisor verification required |
Qualified Supervisors
Your supervised experience must be completed under one of the following qualified professionals:
- Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN) – Holds CDR credentials
- State Licensed Nutritionist – Currently licensed in Minnesota
- Doctoral Degree Professional – PhD or equivalent in human nutrition, nutrition education, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management
Where to Complete Supervised Practice
Common settings for supervised practice include hospitals, community health organizations, wellness centers, private practices, public health departments, and university research programs. Many Minnesota health systems offer structured practicum opportunities for graduate students.
Pass Certification Examination (CNS)
Minnesota offers an alternative pathway for meeting the supervised experience requirement. If you obtain certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists, your CNS-required supervised practice hours fulfill Minnesota’s requirement.
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Pathway
The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists administers the CNS credential, which is recognized by the state of Minnesota as meeting its competency standards. This pathway replaces Minnesota’s specific 900-hour supervised experience requirement with the CNS’s own 1,000-hour requirement.
CNS eligibility requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field, plus at least 1,000 hours of supervised experience in nutrition practice. Once you pass the CNS exam, Minnesota accepts this certification as fulfilling the state’s supervised practice requirement. You’ll submit your CNS certificate with your licensure application instead of documenting 900 hours separately.
Choosing Your Path
You have two options for obtaining a Minnesota license. Complete 900 hours of supervised practice through Step 2 as a Minnesota-specific requirement, or pursue CNS certification, which requires 1,000 hours but provides a nationally recognized credential. The CNS route requires 100 additional hours but offers greater career mobility across states that recognize the CNS credential.
Submit Your License Application
Once you’ve completed your education and either your supervised experience or CNS certification, you’re ready to apply for licensure through the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice.
Application Process
The Board currently accepts paper applications by mail only. You can download the Application for Nutritionist Licensing from the Board’s website. Complete all sections and mail it with the required documents and fees.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $175 | Non-refundable processing fee |
| Initial License Fee | $150 | First-year license |
| Total Initial Cost | $325 | Combined application and license fee |
| Annual Renewal | $45 | Due every November 30 |
Required Documentation
Your application must include the following materials:
- Completed application form – All sections must be filled out accurately
- Application and license fees – Total of $325 for initial licensure
- Official transcripts – Sent directly from your graduate institution showing your master’s or doctoral degree
- Proof of supervised experience – Documented 900-hour log with supervisor verification, OR a copy of your CNS certification
Where to Submit Your Application
Mail all application materials to:
State of Minnesota
Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice
2829 University Avenue SE, Suite 402
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Processing times vary, but most applications are reviewed within 4 to 6 weeks. The Board will contact you if additional documentation is needed.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
As a licensed nutritionist in Minnesota, you can work in diverse settings across clinical care, public health, corporate wellness, private practice, and research. The nutrition field offers flexibility to specialize in areas that match your interests and expertise.
Career Settings
Minnesota’s healthcare landscape comprises major systems, including the Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, HealthPartners, and Fairview Health Services. These organizations employ nutritionists for clinical programs, wellness initiatives, and community outreach.
Common career paths include:
- Clinical Nutritionist – Work in hospitals, clinics, or medical centers providing medical nutrition therapy
- Community Nutritionist – Develop and implement public health nutrition programs through county health departments or non-profit organizations
- Corporate Wellness Nutritionist – Partner with businesses to create employee wellness programs and worksite health initiatives
- Private Practice – Establish your own nutrition counseling practice serving individual clients
- Research Nutritionist – Conduct studies at universities or research institutions like the University of Minnesota
- Sports Nutritionist – Work with athletes, fitness centers, or sports teams to optimize performance through nutrition
Specialization Areas
After gaining experience, many nutritionists pursue additional certifications in specialized areas like pediatric nutrition, gerontological nutrition, sports nutrition, weight management, diabetes education, or plant-based nutrition counseling.
Maintain Licensure and Continuing Education
Minnesota nutritionist licenses must be renewed annually, and continuing education ensures you stay current with evolving nutrition science and practice standards.
License Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal Date | November 30 annually |
| Renewal Fee | $45 per year |
| CE Cycle | Three-year cycle |
| Total CE Credits | 45 continuing education credits over three years |
| Annual CE Credits | Approximately 15 credits per year |
Continuing Education Requirements
Minnesota uses a three-year continuing education cycle. The specific number of credits you need depends on when you first obtained your license; however, the total number of credits over three years is always 45. This breaks down to approximately 15 continuing education credits per year.
You can earn continuing education credits through professional conferences, workshops, online courses, academic coursework, and activities approved by the Board. Keep detailed records of all CE activities, including certificates of completion, as you may be audited.
Professional Development Resources
Consider joining professional organizations that offer continuing education opportunities, networking, and career advancement resources:
- Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – State affiliate offering local conferences and networking events
- Minnesota School Nutrition Association – Focused on school-based nutrition programs and child nutrition
- National Association of Nutrition Professionals – National organization supporting holistic nutrition practitioners
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Minnesota
If the nutritionist licensure pathway seems too restrictive, or if you want to work in a broader wellness capacity, health coaching offers an alternative career path in Minnesota’s growing health education field.
Why Health Coaching in Minnesota?
Minnesota faces significant public health challenges that health coaches are uniquely positioned to address. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 35% of insured Minnesotans have at least one chronic condition, and the average healthcare cost for these individuals is $12,800 per person compared to $1,600 for healthier residents.
Obesity rates in Minnesota have risen by double digits, and over 50% of deaths are directly connected to obesity-related chronic diseases. The Minnesota Department of Health emphasizes that many of these conditions can be “delayed or prevented through early identification, clinical treatments, and lifestyle changes.”
Health coaches bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life behavior change, helping clients prevent chronic illness through sustainable lifestyle modifications.
Health Coach Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota doesn’t require state licensing for health coaches. There’s no single regulatory body overseeing the profession, which means you have flexibility in how you enter the field. That said, many employers and clients expect formal education or professional certification.
Job aggregation sites indicate that Minnesota’s certified health coaches earn 40% more on average than their non-certified counterparts. The higher your level of formal education or certification, the more you can typically charge for services.
Educational Pathways
You can prepare for a health coaching career through several educational tracks:
Undergraduate degrees in Health Education, Nursing (RN or BSN), Holistic Nursing, Dietetics, Nutrition Science, Exercise Physiology, or Community Health Worker programs provide a strong foundation.
Graduate Degrees: Career changers with existing undergraduate degrees can pursue master’s programs or graduate certificates in Holistic Health Studies, Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching, or Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices.
Professional Certification Options
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers the only health coach certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. ACE provides three specialized tracks:
- Health Coach for Fitness Professionals – Integrates coaching with exercise programming
- Health Coach for Health Care Providers – Designed for nurses, therapists, and clinical professionals
- Health Coach for Workplace Wellness – Focuses on corporate wellness programs
These certification programs can typically be completed through online self-study courses followed by an examination. The ACE Certification Candidate Handbook provides complete details on exam requirements and credential maintenance.
Career Opportunities for Health Coaches
The Minnesota Department of Health reports that 55% of Minnesota employers with more than 100 employees offer health promotion programs. Even more promising, 87% of all surveyed companies expressed interest in workplace wellness initiatives. This trend creates strong demand for health coaches.
Minnesota companies known to hire health coaches include Medtronic, 3M, Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, local YMCAs, and various health and fitness clubs throughout the state.
Health coaches work in several capacities. Some employees join corporate wellness programs, helping companies improve worker health and productivity. Others establish independent coaching practices, working directly with individuals who need support, accountability, and guidance in achieving health goals. Many health coaches combine both models, maintaining part-time corporate contracts while building private client rosters.
Starting Your Health Coaching Business
If you plan to work independently, you’ll need to register for a Tax ID through the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Before launching your practice, consider purchasing professional liability insurance and familiarizing yourself with the legal aspects of health coaching to protect yourself and your clients.
Minnesota Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
Understanding the financial landscape helps you make informed career decisions. Minnesota offers competitive nutritionist salaries, with variations across different metropolitan areas and practice settings.
Statewide Salary Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians in Minnesota earned an average salary of $74,420 as of May 2023. This places Minnesota above the national average, reflecting the state’s strong healthcare sector and higher cost of living in metropolitan areas.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (Statewide) | $74,420 | May 2023 BLS data |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington Metro | $74,700 | May 2023 BLS data |
| Entry-Level Positions | $50,000-$60,000 | First 1-2 years of practice |
| Experienced Practitioners | $70,000-$85,000 | 5+ years with specialization |
| Private Practice/Consultants | $60,000-$100,000+ | Highly variable based on client base |
Factors Affecting Earnings
Your earning potential depends on several factors, including your practice setting, years of experience, specialized certifications, geographic location, and whether you work in clinical care, community health, corporate wellness, or private practice. Nutritionists with CNS credentials or additional specialty certifications often command higher salaries.
Job Outlook
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, there were over 1,500 registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists in Minnesota as of recent counts. The nutrition profession continues to grow as healthcare systems recognize the value of preventive nutrition services and medical nutrition therapy in managing chronic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice as a nutritionist in Minnesota without a license?
Minnesota law requires a license to use the title “nutritionist” or provide individualized nutrition counseling and medical nutrition therapy. General wellness information and non-individualized nutrition education may fall outside this restriction, but the legal boundaries are strict. If you plan to work with clients on nutrition matters, contact the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice to confirm whether your activities require licensure.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in Minnesota?
Both are licensed professionals, but registered dietitians must complete ACEND-accredited programs, supervised practice hours through a dietetic internship, and pass the CDR examination. Nutritionists follow the pathway outlined in this guide, which requires a master’s degree in nutrition-related fields plus either 900 hours of supervised practice or CNS certification. Both can provide nutrition counseling, but RDs have broader recognition for medical nutrition therapy.
How long does it take to become a licensed nutritionist in Minnesota?
The timeline varies based on your starting point. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, expect 2-3 years for a master’s degree, plus 6-12 months to complete 900 hours of supervised practice, plus application processing time. The CNS pathway may take longer due to the 1,000-hour requirement and the need for exam preparation. Total time typically ranges from 3-4 years after earning your bachelor’s degree.
Does Minnesota accept nutritionist licenses from other states?
Minnesota evaluates out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis. If you hold a nutritionist license from another state, contact the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice to determine if your credentials meet Minnesota’s requirements. You may need to provide additional documentation or complete specific requirements before receiving Minnesota licensure.
Can I provide telehealth nutrition services in Minnesota?
Yes. Licensed nutritionists in Minnesota can provide services via telehealth to residents of the state. If you want to serve clients in other states, you must hold appropriate credentials in those states as well. Telehealth regulations continue to evolve; therefore, please check with the Board for current guidance on virtual service delivery.
Is CNS certification worth pursuing for Minnesota licensure?
The CNS pathway offers advantages if you value national recognition and the potential to practice in multiple states. While CNS certification requires 1,000 hours of supervised experience (100 more than Minnesota’s requirement), the credential is recognized across many states and demonstrates advanced competency. If you plan to stay exclusively in Minnesota, the 900-hour pathway may be more efficient.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition-related fields to become a licensed nutritionist
- You must complete either 900 hours of supervised practice OR obtain CNS certification (which requires 1,000 hours) to qualify for licensure
- Total initial licensure costs $325, with annual renewals at $45 each on November 30
- Continuing education requirements total 45 credits over a three-year cycle
- The average salary for nutritionists in Minnesota is $74,420 annually, with Minneapolis-St. Paul is slightly higher at $74,700
- Health coaching offers an alternative pathway for those interested in wellness without state licensure requirements
- Professional development through organizations like the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics enhances career opportunities
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Minnesota?
Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey or ready to apply for licensure, Minnesota’s nutrition profession offers rewarding opportunities to improve public health. Review the state-specific requirements for nutritionists and dietitians across the country to explore all your options.
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, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
