To become a licensed nutritionist in North Dakota, complete a bachelor’s degree in dietetics/nutrition, a master’s in a related field, or maintain membership in approved professional organizations. No exam or experience requirements. Average salary: $67,840 (May 2024).
North Dakota offers one of the most accessible paths to becoming a licensed nutritionist in the United States. The North Dakota Board of Dietetics Practice (NDBODP) regulates and licenses both dietitians and nutritionists, with unique requirements that don’t include examination or supervised experience components found in other states.
If you’re interested in pursuing a holistic approach to nutrition counseling, North Dakota’s flexible licensing structure provides multiple educational pathways to meet your career goals.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in North Dakota
- Submit Your Nutritionist License Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- North Dakota Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
- Maintain License and Continuing Education Requirements
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in North Dakota
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota provides multiple educational pathways to qualify for nutritionist licensure. Unlike many states, you don’t need to complete a specific degree program in nutrition to qualify. The NDBODP accepts several different educational backgrounds:
| Educational Path | Specific Requirements | Accreditation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Dietetics or food and nutrition from an accredited college/university | Must meet the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics didactic requirements |
| Master’s/Doctoral Degree | Human nutrition, nutrition education, foods and nutrition, or public health nutrition | From an accredited college/university |
| Related Master’s/Doctoral | Related field meeting CDR eligibility requirements | Must qualify for the Commission on Dietetic Registration |
| Professional Membership | Current membership in approved organizations | American Institute of Nutrition, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, or American Board of Nutrition |
Special Consideration for Older Degrees
If your bachelor’s degree is more than 10 years old, you must submit evidence of completing 75 hours of continuing education within the last 5 years. This ensures your knowledge stays current with evolving nutrition science.
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.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Submit Your Nutritionist License Application
North Dakota’s application process is straightforward compared to other states. Since no examination or supervised experience is required, you can apply immediately after meeting educational requirements.
Required Application Materials
- Completed License Application Form – Must be signed and notarized (all three pages)
- Official transcripts – Direct from your degree-granting institution
- Current membership card – If qualifying through professional organization membership
- Application fee – $60 made payable to the North Dakota Board of Dietetics Practice
- Continuing education documentation – Only if the degree is over 10 years old
Submission Process
Mail the complete application package to:
Pat Anderson, NDBODP
2304 Jackson Avenue
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
Processing time typically ranges from 4-6 weeks once all materials are received. The Board meets regularly to review applications, and you’ll receive written notification of your license approval.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Licensed nutritionists in North Dakota work in diverse settings, from healthcare facilities to private practice. The state’s unique licensing structure allows nutritionists to provide general nutrition services, giving you flexibility in your career path.
Common Employment Settings
- Healthcare facilities – Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities
- Educational institutions – Schools, universities, and community colleges
- Government agencies – State health departments and WIC programs
- Private practice – Individual or group nutrition counseling
- Corporate wellness – Employee health and wellness programs
- Sports and fitness – Athletic programs and fitness centers
Many nutritionists also pursue additional certifications to specialize in areas like sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, or eating disorder treatment.
Scope of Practice
As a licensed nutritionist in North Dakota, you can:
- Assess nutritional status and dietary needs
- Develop personalized nutrition plans
- Provide nutrition education and counseling
- Conduct community nutrition programs
- Collaborate with healthcare teams
North Dakota Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
Nutritionists in North Dakota enjoy competitive salaries and growing job opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession shows strong growth potential nationwide.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $44,200 | $21.25 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $67,840 | $32.62 |
| 90th Percentile | $95,100 | $45.72 |
Job Market Outlook
The demand for nutrition professionals continues to grow as North Dakota addresses public health challenges:
- Obesity rates – Over 32% of adults are considered obese
- Chronic disease management – Increasing diabetes and hypertension cases
- Aging population – Greater need for specialized nutrition services
- Workplace wellness – Employers investing in employee health programs
For comprehensive salary data across different nutrition careers, visit our nutritionist salary guide.
Maintain License and Continuing Education Requirements
North Dakota requires license renewal every 5 years, making it one of the longest renewal periods in the country. This extended timeframe provides flexibility while ensuring practitioners stay current with nutrition science.
Renewal Requirements
- Complete 75 hours of continuing education during the 5-year licensure period
- Submit the completed Renewal Form before the expiration date
- Pay the renewal fee of $45.00
Approved Continuing Education Sources
The NDBODP recommends utilizing professional development resources from:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – National organization for professional development
- North Dakota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – State-specific programming
- Accredited universities – Formal coursework in nutrition-related fields
- Professional conferences – National and regional nutrition meetings
The Board encourages licensees to maintain active involvement in professional organizations to stay current with emerging research and best practices.
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in North Dakota
For those interested in wellness coaching without pursuing full nutritionist licensure, health coaching offers an accessible alternative career path in North Dakota.
Health Coach Opportunities in North Dakota
Health coaches address critical wellness challenges throughout the state:
- Adult physical inactivity rate – 21.3% of residents are physically inactive
- Tobacco use – Nearly 20% of residents smoke or use tobacco products
- Inadequate nutrition – Only 11.4% eat the recommended daily fruit intake
- Chronic conditions – High rates of diabetes and hypertension
Certification Options
Unlike licensed nutritionists, health coaches aren’t regulated by state licensing boards. However, employers often prefer or require professional certification:
| Certification | Organization | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Health Coach Certification | American Council on Exercise (ACE) | Fitness professionals, healthcare professionals, and workplace wellness |
| Associated Certified Coach (ACC) | International Coach Federation (ICF) | General coaching with a health focus |
| Professional Certified Coach (PCC) | International Coach Federation (ICF) | Advanced coaching certification |
Major Employers
Health coaches find employment opportunities with:
- Sanford Health
- North Dakota State University
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
- Fargo Public Schools
- Innovis Health
Key Takeaways
- Multiple pathways: Bachelor’s in dietetics/nutrition, master’s/doctoral in related fields, or professional organization membership
- No exam required: Unlike most states, North Dakota doesn’t require examination or supervised experience
- Competitive salary: Median salary of $67,840 with strong job market growth
- Long renewal period: 5-year license renewal with 75 hours of continuing education
- Low costs: $60 initial fee, $45 renewal fee
- Alternative options: Health coaching provides entry into the wellness field without full licensure
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in North Dakota?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed nutritionist by exploring accredited nutrition programs that meet North Dakota’s requirements. Our education specialists can help you find the right program for your career goals.
Find Accredited Nutrition 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
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.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures 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.
