What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is not a dietitian. Today’s terminology can be confusing, but Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), who the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics credentials, are not the same as nutritionists. While all dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are dietitians.

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.

If you’re exploring a career in nutrition or wondering what separates a nutritionist from other nutrition professionals, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide explains what nutritionists do, how to become one, the education and certification requirements, salary expectations, and career opportunities in this growing field.

What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a health professional who specializes in food and nutrition, guiding clients on how to improve their health through dietary changes. Nutritionists assess clients’ eating habits, develop personalized nutrition plans, and educate individuals about the relationship between food and health.

The scope of practice for nutritionists varies significantly from state to state. In unregulated states, anyone with an interest in nutrition can claim to be a nutritionist and offer nutritional advice. In regulated states, nutritionists must meet specific education and certification requirements to practice legally.

Nutritionists may be certified by professional organizations such as the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) or the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which is now part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise, even though they’re not required in all states.

Nutritionist vs. Dietitian: Key Differences

One of the most common questions in the field of nutrition is understanding the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian. While both professionals work with food and nutrition, there are essential distinctions in education, credentials, and scope of practice.

The key distinction is that all registered dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. RDs must complete rigorous accredited education and credentialing, while nutritionist requirements vary significantly depending on where you practice.

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

Nutritionist Job Responsibilities

Nutritionists help clients make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. Their daily responsibilities typically include:

• Assessing nutritional needs: Evaluating clients’ current eating habits, health conditions, and dietary goals
• Developing meal plans: Creating personalized nutrition strategies tailored to individual needs and preferences
• Providing nutrition education: Teaching clients about healthy eating patterns, portion control, and food choices
• Monitoring progress: Tracking client outcomes and adjusting nutrition plans as needed
• Conducting community outreach: Leading nutrition education programs in schools, workplaces, or community centers
• Staying current: Keeping up with the latest nutrition research and evidence-based practices

What Nutritionists Help Clients With

Nutritionists may work with clients to address various health and wellness goals:

• Eating healthily and developing sustainable nutrition habits
• Weight management and healthy weight loss strategies
• Reducing fatigue and increasing energy through dietary changes
• Managing chronic conditions through nutrition (where legally permitted)
• Sports nutrition and athletic performance optimization
• Prenatal and postnatal nutrition
• Digestive health and food sensitivities

The specific services a nutritionist can provide depend heavily on state regulations. In states where nutritionists are unregulated, they may offer general nutrition advice and education. In regulated states, certified nutritionists with credentials such as Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) status may have a broader scope of practice, including providing medical nutrition therapy for specific health conditions.

Legal Scope of Practice

It’s essential to recognize that, since nutritionists are not always required to hold certification or licensure, some states limit their professional scope. States that regulate nutrition practice may not allow unlicensed nutritionists to perform nutritional counseling, diagnose health conditions, or bill health insurance for their services.

In some regulated states, Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) who hold state licensure may be permitted to offer medical nutrition therapy or treat specific nutrition-related conditions. The exact scope of practice varies significantly by state, so it’s essential to check local regulations. Where permitted, their duties may include providing nutrition therapy to manage illnesses and health conditions, overseeing community education programs, and offering comprehensive nutrition advice and counseling.

How to Become a Nutritionist

The path to becoming a nutritionist varies depending on the requirements of your state and your career goals. Here’s a general roadmap to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Research Your State’s Requirements

Start by determining whether your state regulates nutritionists. States that require certification or licensure include Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. In these states, you must be a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN), Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), or other licensed advanced nutritionist to practice.

Step 2: Complete Your Education

While requirements vary, most professional nutritionists hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field. Many successful nutritionists pursue advanced degrees to enhance their expertise and career opportunities.

Consider accredited nutrition education programs that align with your career goals. The following programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with field experience:

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.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

For advanced certifications, such as CNS, you’ll need to complete supervised practice hours. The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists requires 1,000 hours of supervised experience. Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions in clinical, community, or wellness settings.

Step 4: Obtain Certification (Recommended)

Even if your state doesn’t require certification, earning a nationally recognized credential enhances your credibility and career prospects. The two most respected certifications are CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist) and CCN (Certified Clinical Nutritionist).

Step 5: Build Your Career

Once credentialed, you can pursue various nutrition career paths in clinical settings, private practice, corporate wellness, sports nutrition, or public health. Continue your professional development through ongoing education to stay current in the field of nutrition science.

Education and Training Requirements

Undergraduate Education

Most nutritionists begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field. Coursework typically includes:

• Human nutrition and metabolism
• Biochemistry and physiology
• Food science and food systems
• Community nutrition and public health
• Nutrition assessment and counseling
• Research methods and statistics

Graduate Education

Many nutritionists pursue a master’s degree in nutrition to advance their careers and qualify for higher-level certifications. Graduate programs offer specialized tracks in clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, public health nutrition, or nutrition research.

A graduate degree is required for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential, which is considered the gold standard for non-RD nutritionists.

Certification and Licensure by State

States Requiring Certification or Licensure

The following states require nutritionists to hold certification or licensure to practice:

• Midwest: Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota
• South: Maryland, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee
• West: Montana, Wyoming

In these states, you must be a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN), Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), or hold another state-recognized license to practice nutrition counseling legally.

Professional Certifications

Two major organizations certify nutritionists nationwide:

The CNS credential is widely regarded as the most prestigious certification for nutritionists who are not registered dietitians. CNS holders can practice in many states, but licensure and scope of practice vary from state to state. Not all states recognize the CNS credential. In states that license CNS professionals, practitioners may have an expanded scope of practice, but the requirements and restrictions differ by jurisdiction.

Specialty Certifications

Advanced nutritionists can pursue specialty certifications through the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists:

• Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist: Requires RD, CNS, or healthcare practitioner status, completion of six ketogenic training modules, certification exam, and 30 hours of continuing education every five years
• Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist: Requires RD, CNS, or healthcare practitioner status, completion of five nutritional genomics modules, two case studies, certification exam, and meeting recertification requirements

Where Nutritionists Work

Nutritionists find employment opportunities across diverse settings, each offering unique experiences and challenges:

• Clinical Settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities where nutritionists support patient care teams
• Government Agencies: Local and state health departments implementing public health nutrition programs
• Schools and Universities: School districts, college dining services, and student wellness centers
• Private Practice: Independent consulting or group practices providing one-on-one nutrition counseling
• Corporate Wellness: Companies developing employee wellness programs and healthy workplace initiatives
• Research Institutions: Universities, medical centers, and research organizations conducting nutrition studies
• Sports Organizations: Athletic teams, fitness centers, and sports medicine clinics, optimizing athlete nutrition
• Food Industry: Food companies, restaurants, and food service management are developing healthy menu options

Work Hours and Schedule

Most nutritionists work Monday through Friday during standard daytime hours, adhering to a 40-hour-per-week schedule. However, those in private practice or clinical settings may work evenings and weekends to accommodate client schedules. Corporate wellness nutritionists typically maintain regular business hours, while nutritionists in healthcare facilities may occasionally work varied shifts.

Essential Skills for Nutritionists

Successful nutritionists possess a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills:

• Research and Investigation: Ability to evaluate nutrition science literature and stay current with emerging research
• Problem-Solving: Developing practical solutions for clients’ unique nutrition challenges
• Communication: Explaining complex nutrition concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats
• Active Listening: Understanding clients’ concerns, goals, and barriers to change
• Education and Counseling: Teaching nutrition principles to individuals and groups effectively
• Teamwork: Collaborating with healthcare practitioners, registered dietitians, health coaches, and fitness professionals
• Scientific Understanding: Strong foundation in biochemistry, physiology, and nutrition science
• Motivational Skills: Inspiring and supporting clients through behavior change
• Cultural Competence: Working effectively with diverse populations and respecting cultural food traditions
• Business Acumen: Managing private practice operations, marketing services, and existing relationships (for independent practitioners)

Nutritionist Salary and Job Outlook

Average Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists earned an average salary of $74,770 as of 2024. Salary varies significantly based on experience, location, credentials, and work setting.

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors influence nutritionist compensation:

• Credentials: CNS and CCN certifications typically command higher salaries than non-certified nutritionists
• Geographic Location: Urban areas and states with higher costs of living generally offer higher salaries
• Work Setting: Nutritionists in outpatient care centers and specialty hospitals often earn more than those in government or community settings
• Specialization: Sports nutritionists, oncology nutritionists, and other specialists may earn premium rates
• Business Model: Private practice nutritionists’ earnings depend on their client base and fee structure

Job Outlook and Growth

The career outlook for nutritionists is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7.4% increase in jobs for dietitians and nutritionists between 2023 and 2033, resulting in a growth from 81,300 to 87,300 positions nationwide. This translates to approximately 6,100 annual job openings due to a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural workforce turnover.

This growth is driven by increasing public awareness of the role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic diseases, an aging population requiring specialized nutrition care, and a growing emphasis on preventive healthcare.

Career Specializations for Nutritionists

Nutritionists can focus their practice on specific populations or health conditions. Common specialization areas include:

• Sports Nutrition: Working with athletes to optimize performance, recovery, and body composition through targeted nutrition strategies
• Digestive Disorders: Helping clients manage conditions like IBS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and food intolerances
• Autoimmune Conditions: Developing anti-inflammatory nutrition protocols to support immune system health
• Pediatric Nutrition: Specializing in infant feeding, childhood nutrition, and addressing picky eating or growth concerns
• Prenatal and Postnatal Nutrition: Supporting maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Weight Management: Helping clients achieve a healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes
• Plant-Based Nutrition: Guiding clients in vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian eating patterns
• Oncology Nutrition: Supporting cancer patients through nutrition during treatment and recovery
• Geriatric Nutrition: Addressing nutrition needs of aging populations and managing age-related conditions
• Corporate Wellness: Developing workplace nutrition programs and employee wellness initiatives
• Functional Nutrition: Taking a holistic, root-cause approach to nutrition and health

Specialization often requires additional training, continuing education, and sometimes specific certifications. The specialty certifications mentioned earlier, such as Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist, enable nutritionists to demonstrate expertise in emerging nutrition approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutritionists

Can I call myself a nutritionist without certification?

It depends on your state. In the 35 states where nutritionists are unregulated, anyone can use the title “nutritionist” without formal credentials. However, in the 15 states that regulate nutrition practice (Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming), you must hold specific credentials to practice as a nutritionist legally.

What’s better, a nutritionist or a dietitian?

Neither is inherently “better,” but they serve different roles. Registered Dietitians (RD/RDN) complete standardized accredited education and are licensed nationwide, allowing them to provide medical nutrition therapy and bill insurance. Nutritionists’ qualifications vary more widely. However, Certified Nutrition Specialists (CNS) with graduate degrees have comparable expertise to RDs and can practice in clinical settings in states where they’re licensed. The best choice depends on your career goals and whether you want to work in medical settings.

How long does it take to become a nutritionist?

The timeline varies based on your education path and state requirements. A bachelor’s degree takes four years, and you can start working as a nutritionist immediately in unregulated states. If pursuing CNS certification, add 1-2 years for a master’s degree plus time to complete 1,000 supervised practice hours. Overall, expect 4-7 years from starting college to becoming a fully certified nutritionist.

Can nutritionists diagnose medical conditions?

This depends on state law and credentials. In most states, only licensed healthcare providers like physicians and RDs can diagnose nutrition-related medical conditions. However, CNS nutritionists with state licensure in regulated states may have authorization to diagnose and treat conditions within their scope of practice. Always check your state’s regulations and practice within your legal scope of authority.

Can nutritionists bill insurance?

Insurance billing for nutritionists is limited. Most insurance companies only reimburse services from Registered Dietitians (RDs). Some states permit licensed CNS nutritionists to bill insurance, although this is not a universal practice. Many nutritionists in private practice operate on a cash-pay model, although some clients may be able to seek reimbursement through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or health savings accounts (HSAs).

Do I need a graduate degree to become a nutritionist?

A graduate degree isn’t required in all states, but it’s highly recommended for career advancement. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient in unregulated states. However, the prestigious CNS credential requires a graduate degree in nutrition or a related field. A master’s degree opens doors to clinical positions, higher salaries, and greater professional credibility.

What’s the difference between CNS and RD?

Both CNS (Certified Nutrition Specialist) and RD (Registered Dietitian) are advanced credentials, but they follow different pathways. RDs complete ACEND-accredited programs and supervised practice through a dietetic internship, then pass the CDR exam. CNS nutritionists hold graduate degrees and complete 1,000 supervised hours, then pass the CNS exam. RDs are licensed in most states and have broader insurance reimbursement capabilities. CNS recognition and scope of practice vary by state. Some states license CNS professionals with expanded practice rights, while others don’t recognize the credential. Always verify your state’s specific requirements and regulations to ensure compliance.

Can I work as a nutritionist with an associate’s degree in nutrition?

An associate degree in nutrition can prepare you for entry-level positions as a nutrition assistant or dietary aide. Still, it typically won’t qualify you for professional nutritionist roles or certification. Most professional positions and all major certifications (CNS, CCN) require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can be a good starting point before transferring to complete a bachelor’s program.

Key Takeaways

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.

Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore a career in nutrition or you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, the path to becoming a nutritionist offers rewarding opportunities to make a real difference in people’s lives. From helping individuals achieve their health goals to developing community wellness programs, nutritionists play a vital role in improving public health.

Explore accredited nutrition degree programs to find the educational path that aligns with your career aspirations and discover how you can join this growing field of dedicated health professionals.

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 October 2025.

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritional Epidemiologist with over 18 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition. Holding a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, she specializes in dietary interventions for metabolic health and sustainable eating. Dr. Voss has published in leading journals like The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and contributed to global wellness programs

See Full Bio