South Carolina has no licensing requirements for nutritionists. While no license is required, many nutritionists hold at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, with most employers preferring a bachelor’s degree. Nutritionists earn an average salary of $67,590 as of May 2023.
South Carolina offers excellent opportunities for aspiring nutritionists with its flexible regulatory environment and growing healthcare sector. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report documenting South Carolina’s nutrition, physical activity, and obesity profile, revealing that 66.9% of adults are overweight and 31.5% are obese. This creates significant demand for qualified nutritionists to help residents develop healthier lifestyle changes.
Unlike registered dietitians, South Carolina has no licensing requirements for nutritionists. Nutritionists are legally prevented from using the protected titles “dietitian” or “licensed dietitian” without proper credentials, as those titles require specific education and licensure. View how to become a registered dietitian in South Carolina here.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in South Carolina
- Gain Required Supervised Experience
- Pass Required Examination
- Submit Your Certification Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in South Carolina
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in South Carolina
While South Carolina doesn’t mandate specific education for nutritionists, employers typically prefer candidates with relevant college degrees. According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, candidates seeking nutritionist jobs had the following education levels:
| Education Level | Percentage of Nutritionists |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 25.93% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 40.74% |
| Master’s Degree | 18.52% |
Students should locate nutrition degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Coursework typically covers child nutrition, community nutrition, food management, data analysis, and education research.
Popular nutrition degree programs available in South Carolina include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Management
- Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
- Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences: Nutritional Health Care
- Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences: Food and Nutrition
- Master of Science in Human Nutrition
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).
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
While not legally required in South Carolina, gaining practical experience significantly improves job prospects and professional credibility. Many employers prefer candidates with hands-on experience in nutrition counseling, meal planning, or community health programs.
Recommended experience opportunities include:
- Internships with healthcare facilities
- Volunteer work with community nutrition programs
- Part-time positions in wellness centers
- Shadowing licensed nutritionists or registered dietitians
- Participation in university research projects
Pass the Required Examination
South Carolina doesn’t require nutritionists to pass state examinations. However, voluntary certifications enhance professional credibility and career prospects. Consider pursuing certifications from nationally recognized organizations:
| Certification | Organization | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists | Master’s degree + 1,000 hours experience + exam |
| Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) | Clinical Nutrition Certification Board | Bachelor’s degree + specialized training + exam |
| Certified Nutritionist (CN) | American Clinical Board of Nutrition | Bachelor’s degree + coursework + exam |
Submit Your Certification Application
If pursuing voluntary certification, complete the application process with your chosen credentialing organization. Each organization has specific requirements for:
- Educational transcripts verification
- Professional experience documentation
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fees (typically $200-$500)
- Continuing education commitments
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
South Carolina nutritionists work in diverse settings, addressing the state’s significant health challenges. With 66.9% of adults overweight and 31.5% obese, there’s substantial demand for nutrition professionals.
Popular career paths include:
- Community health centers
- Corporate wellness programs
- Private practice consulting
- Sports and fitness facilities
- Senior living communities
- Public health departments
Examples of local employers that hire nutritionists include:
- Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
- Compass Group North America
- Georgetown Healthcare and Rehab
- Clemson University
- Morrison Management Specialists
- ProMedica Senior Care
Maintain Certification and Continuing Education
Certified nutritionists must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. Most certifications require 30-75 hours of continuing education every three years.
Continuing education opportunities include:
- Professional conference attendance
- Online nutrition courses
- Research publication contributions
- Specialized training workshops
- Peer-reviewed journal studies
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in South Carolina
Health coaching represents an alternative pathway for nutrition professionals in South Carolina. Over a decade ago, state leaders unveiled South Carolina’s first statewide obesity action plan, identifying health coaches as crucial for combating obesity in communities, workplaces, healthcare, and schools.
Despite initial progress, South Carolina still faces significant health challenges:
- 7th highest percentage of people with diabetes (12%)
- 8th highest percentage with hypertension (38.4%)
- 8th highest percentage of tobacco users (21.5%)
- 7th lowest vegetable consumption (6.8% meet daily recommendations)
There’s no standardized qualification requirement for health coaches, making it accessible with various educational backgrounds. Employers generally prefer relevant college degrees, professional certifications, or both.
Health Coach Education Options
| Degree Level | Program Examples | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree | AAS in Dietetic Technician | Arlington |
| Bachelor’s Degree | BS in Nutrition and Food Management | Orangeburg |
| Bachelor’s Degree | BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition | Clemson |
| Master’s Degree | MS in Nutritional Sciences | Orangeburg |
Professional Health Coach Certifications
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the only health coach certification accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). ACE offers three certification routes:
- Health coach certification for fitness professionals
- Health coach certification for healthcare professionals
- Health coach certification for workplace wellness
The International Coach Federation (ICF) provides additional credentialing options, including Associated Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC).
South Carolina Nutritionist Salary and Employment
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists in South Carolina earned an average salary of $67,590 as of May 2023. The BLS projects 14.4% job growth for nutritionists in the ten-year period leading up to 2032, with approximately 80 annual job openings expected due to new job growth, retirements, and natural turnover.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $41,200 | $19.81 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $67,590 | $32.49 |
| 90th Percentile | $89,200 | $42.88 |
Nutritionist Associations in South Carolina
Professional associations provide networking opportunities, continuing education, certification information, and job placement assistance. Key organizations for South Carolina nutritionists include:
- South Carolina Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Society for Nutrition
- South Carolina Dietetic Association
- National Association of Nutrition Professionals
- South Carolina Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals
- American Nutrition Association
- South Carolina School Nutrition Association
For comprehensive information about nutritionist requirements across all states, visit our nutritionist requirements by state resource page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to practice as a nutritionist in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina has no licensing requirements for nutritionists. You can legally practice without a license. However, you cannot use the protected titles “dietitian” or “licensed dietitian” without proper credentials, as those titles require specific education and licensure.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in South Carolina?
Registered dietitians must complete specific ACEND-accredited education, supervised internships, and pass the CDR exam for licensure. Nutritionists have no mandatory requirements but typically hold relevant degrees and may pursue voluntary certifications.
How much do nutritionists make in South Carolina?
The average nutritionist salary in South Carolina is $67,590 annually as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level positions start around $41,200, while experienced nutritionists can earn up to $89,200 or more.
What education do I need to become a nutritionist in South Carolina?
While no specific education is legally required, most employers prefer at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field. Associate degrees may qualify for entry-level positions, and master’s degrees enhance advancement opportunities.
Can I practice nutrition counseling without certification in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina doesn’t mandate certification for nutrition counseling. However, voluntary certifications from organizations like BCNS, CCNB, or ACBN enhance credibility and may be preferred or required by some employers.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a nutritionist in South Carolina offers flexibility and opportunity in a state with significant public health needs. The lack of mandatory licensing requirements makes entry accessible, while voluntary certifications provide pathways for professional advancement. With competitive salaries, strong job growth projections, and diverse career opportunities, South Carolina presents an excellent environment for nutrition professionals to make a meaningful impact on community health.
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in South Carolina?
Take the first step toward becoming a nutritionist by exploring accredited degree programs that fit your goals and schedule. With South Carolina’s flexible requirements and growing job market, now is the perfect time to begin your journey in nutrition.
Find Accredited Nutrition Programs Near You
2023 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.
