Tennessee requires nutritionists to have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a related field, complete 900 hours of supervised experience, and pass the CDR examination. Licensed nutritionists earn a median salary of $65,200 annually.
Tennessee takes a comprehensive approach to nutritionist licensing, treating nutrition as one of the “healing arts” under state law. The Tennessee Board of Dietician/Nutritionist Examiners, established in 1987, ensures all practicing nutritionists meet strict educational and professional standards to protect public health and safety. Whether you’re starting your nutrition career or relocating to Tennessee, understanding these specific requirements is essential for legal practice in the state.
Tennessee offers multiple pathways to nutrition careers, from licensed nutritionists requiring comprehensive education and supervised experience to registered dietitians with additional clinical training. View how to become a registered dietitian in Tennessee here.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Tennessee
- Gain Required Supervised Experience
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Submit Your License Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain License and Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Tennessee
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee mandates that nutritionists possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. The degree must include a major course of study in one of these approved fields:
| Approved Degree Fields | Program Focus |
|---|---|
| Human Nutrition | Core nutritional science and human physiology |
| Food and Nutrition | Food systems and nutritional applications |
| Dietetics | Clinical nutrition and food service management |
| Food Systems Management | Institutional food service and nutrition programs |
| Board-Approved Equivalent | Related programs approved by the Tennessee Board |
Tennessee currently recognizes nine didactic education programs within the state that meet these requirements. Students can also complete approved programs from other states, provided they meet Tennessee’s educational standards.
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
Tennessee requires all nutritionist candidates to complete a minimum of 900 hours of pre-professional supervised experience in nutrition practice. This hands-on training ensures candidates develop practical skills under experienced supervision before independent practice.
The supervised experience must meet one of these approved requirements:
| Experience Type | Supervision Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Dietitian Supervision | Completed under the direct supervision of a licensed RD | 900 hours minimum |
| CDR-Recognized Clinical Experience | Approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration | 900 hours minimum |
| Dietetic Internship | ACEND-accredited program completion | Varies by program |
Tennessee recognizes six approved dietetic internship programs that fulfill this requirement, providing structured clinical rotations and community experience.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
All Tennessee nutritionist candidates must successfully complete the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination. This comprehensive exam tests knowledge across nutrition science, food service systems management, and clinical nutrition practice.
The CDR exam covers four major domains:
- Food and Nutrition Sciences – Biochemistry, physiology, and nutrient metabolism
- Nutrition Care Process – Assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring
- Management and Leadership – Food service operations and program management
- Professional Practice – Ethics, regulations, and evidence-based practice
Candidates receive exam results immediately upon completion, with detailed domain-specific feedback for those requiring retesting. The exam fee is $200, with additional fees for retakes if needed.
Submit Your License Application
Once you’ve completed education, experience, and examination requirements, submit your Application for Licensure to the Tennessee Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners.
Required application materials include:
| Required Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Completed Application | Signed and notarized application form |
| Official Transcript | Sent directly from the institution to the Board |
| Passport Photo | Signed, taken within the last 12 months |
| CDR Registration Copy | Current registration, signed and notarized |
| Professional Reference | Letter attesting to character and ethics |
| Application Fee | $140 (payable to State of Tennessee) |
Mail completed applications to:
Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37243
Temporary permits are available for an additional $5 fee with proof of CDR exam approval, allowing practice while awaiting full licensure.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Licensed nutritionists in Tennessee work across diverse healthcare, community, and corporate settings. Career opportunities continue expanding as public health emphasis grows and chronic disease prevention becomes increasingly important.
Common employment settings include:
- Healthcare Facilities – Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities
- Community Health Centers – Public health departments and nonprofit organizations
- Educational Institutions – Schools, universities, and nutrition education programs
- Corporate Wellness – Employee health programs and workplace nutrition initiatives
- Private Practice – Individual counseling and specialized nutrition services
- Sports and Fitness – Athletic programs and fitness centers
Specialty areas gaining prominence include pediatric nutrition, geriatric care, eating disorder treatment, and chronic disease management. Many nutritionists pursue additional certifications in areas like diabetes education or sports nutrition to enhance career prospects.
Maintain License and Continuing Education
Tennessee nutritionist licenses require biennial renewal on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Complete renewals through the Tennessee Department of Health’s Online License Renewal system.
While Tennessee doesn’t mandate continuing education, professional development is strongly encouraged and considered standard practice for maintaining competency. Many nutritionists participate in continuing education through Tennessee’s professional organizations:
- Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Memphis Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- West Tennessee Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Chattanooga Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Knoxville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Professional development opportunities include conferences, webinars, research publications, and specialty certification programs that keep nutritionists current with evolving science and best practices.
Tennessee Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), Tennessee had 2,847 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) as of 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong earning potential for nutrition professionals in Tennessee.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (10th percentile) | $42,160 | $20.27 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,200 | $31.35 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $89,740 | $43.14 |
Employment outlook remains positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 6% growth for dietitians and nutritionists from 2023-2033, faster than average for all occupations. Factors driving demand include increased focus on disease prevention, aging population needs, and growing awareness of nutrition’s role in health outcomes.
Major metropolitan areas like Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville offer the highest concentration of opportunities, though rural areas also need qualified nutritionists for community health programs and healthcare facilities.
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Tennessee
Becoming a Health Coach in Tennessee
Tennessee faces significant public health challenges that create a strong demand for health coaches. With diabetes rates ranking second-highest nationally and over 36,000 new diabetes diagnoses annually, the state recognizes health coaching as essential for disease prevention and wellness promotion.
The Get Fit Tennessee initiative, supported by government and business communities, demonstrates the state’s commitment to addressing health challenges through comprehensive wellness programs where health coaches play instrumental roles.
Key health statistics driving demand for health coaches in Tennessee include:
- Lowest fruit consumption nationally – Only 7.5% meet daily recommendations
- Sixth-highest hypertension rate among all states
- 14th highest obesity rate nationally
- Fifth-highest smoking rate – Nearly 25% of residents smoke
Health coaches in Tennessee address these challenges through personalized wellness programs focusing on nutrition education, physical fitness, stress management, and behavior modification.
Education and certification pathways for health coaches include associate’s through master’s degree programs in health-related fields, plus professional certifications from organizations like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the International Coach Federation (ICF).
Career opportunities exist across healthcare systems, corporate wellness programs, government initiatives, and private practice settings throughout Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed nutritionist in Tennessee?
The timeline typically takes 4-5 years: four years for a bachelor’s degree, followed by 900 hours of supervised experience (approximately 6-12 months), plus time for exam preparation and application processing.
Can I practice nutrition in Tennessee without a license?
No, Tennessee law requires licensure to practice nutrition professionally. The state treats nutrition as one of the “healing arts,” making unlicensed practice illegal and subject to penalties.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in Tennessee?
Both require similar education and CDR exam passage, but registered dietitians complete additional clinical training through ACEND-accredited internship programs, providing a broader scope of practice in medical settings.
Can I get licensed in Tennessee with an online nutrition degree?
Yes, provided the online program is from a regionally accredited institution and includes approved coursework in human nutrition, food and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management.
Does Tennessee accept nutritionist licenses from other states?
Tennessee offers licensure by reciprocity for nutritionists holding valid licenses from other states, provided the original licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to Tennessee’s standards.
How much does it cost to get licensed as a nutritionist in Tennessee?
Basic licensing costs include $140 application fee, $200 CDR exam fee, plus education and supervised experience costs. Total investment typically ranges from $40,000-80,000, depending on degree program choice.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee requires nutritionists to hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition-related fields from regionally accredited institutions
- All candidates must complete 900 hours of supervised experience under qualified professionals
- The CDR examination is mandatory for licensure, covering nutrition science, care processes, management, and professional practice
- Licensed nutritionists in Tennessee earn median salaries of $65,200 annually, with strong job growth projected
- Licenses are renewed biennially through online systems, with continuing education strongly encouraged for professional development
- Health coaching provides alternative career paths addressing Tennessee’s significant public health challenges
Ready to Start Your Tennessee Nutrition Career?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed nutritionist in Tennessee. Explore accredited nutrition degree programs that meet Tennessee’s educational requirements and prepare you for a rewarding career in nutrition and wellness.
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.
