A nutritionist is not a dietitian. Today’s terminology may be a bit confusing, but Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), which are credentialed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, are not nutritionists. All dietitians are nutritionists, but all nutritionists are not dietitians. This article will further elaborate upon what makes a nutritionist a nutritionist.
Nutritionist Job Description
Nutritionists may be certified by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists or the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. Training requirements for nutritionists vary from one state to the next, and most states do not require nutritionists to be licensed nor certified. A nutritionist generally provides advice to clients on how to:
- Eat healthily
- Lose weight
- Reduce fatigue and tiredness through changing what they eat
Job Duties of a Nutritionist
Nutritionists may treat a variety of health conditions, depending upon the laws of their state. Because nutritionists need not have certification or licensure, some states will not allow them to perform nutritional counseling or to diagnose and treat certain health conditions. Other states will allow nutritionists to perform nutrition counseling, but will not allow them to bill health insurance for their services.
States that Require Certifications or Licensure for Nutritionists
States that do require certifications or licensure for nutritionists include: Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming. In states in which nutritionists are unregulated, anyone with an interest in nutrition may call themselves a nutritionist and perform whatever duties they desire.
If a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) (certified by the Board for Certification for Nutrition Specialists) has state licensure, they are legally authorized to treat any health conditions an RD can treat. Some of their duties include:
- Providing nutrition therapy to manage illnesses/health conditions
- Overseeing community education programs
- Giving nutrition advice and counseling to clients
Others Who Work Closely with a Nutritionist
Nutritionists may work closely with healthcare practitioners, registered dietitians, health coaches, and fitness instructors.
Skills Necessary for Nutritionists
A nutritionist should possess the following skills:
- Research
- Investigation
- Problem-solving
- Communication (both orally and in writing)
- Listening
- Educating the public, clients and others
- Working well individually and as part of a team
- Ability to explain complex ideas simply
- Good understanding of science
- Good motivational skills
Work Hours for Nutritionists
Nutritionists usually work Monday through Friday, daytime hours, on schedules of 40 hours per week. They may work evenings and weekends as required.
Work Settings for Nutritionists
Nutritionists may be employed within a wide variety of settings. These include, but are not limited to:
- Clinical settings (hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, long term care facilities)
- Government health departments at the local and state levels
- School districts
- Private facilities (such as private practice or health clinics)
- Research settings
- Sports organizations
Average Salary for Nutritionists
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2021, nutritionists earned an average salary of $65,620. Early career professionals earned about $49,490, while those with extensive experience earned about $93,640 during this time.*
Education, Experience, Certification and Licensure for Nutritionists
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).
Liberty University offers Online Nutrition Degrees. With a Master of Public Health – Nutrition and a M.S. in Exercise Science and Wellness – Nutrition.
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Science - Dietetics. Along with 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.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Nutritionists may be certified, or licensed, or not. Most states don’t require certification or licensure for nutritionists. As mentioned above, states that do require certifications or licensure for nutritionists include: Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming. In these states, one must be a RD (RDN), CNS, or other licensed advanced nutritionist in order to practice. In other states, nutritionists need not be licensed/certified.
Professional Organizations that Certify Nutritionists
There are many professional organizations that certify nutritionists. The two major organizations, that are held in the highest regards by professional nutritionists, are:
- Clinical Nutrition Certification Board – offers the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential, which requires:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in nutrition or an advanced degree in another licensed healthcare field
- Completing a certain amount of coursework depending upon one’s degree
- Passing an examination
- Recertifying through ongoing training every two years
- Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists – offers the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential, which requires:
- A graduate degree in nutrition/related field
- 1000 hours of supervised practice
- Passing an examination
- Recertifying through continuing education every five years
Areas in Which Nutritionists May Specialize
Nutritionists may focus on different areas, including, but not limited to:
- Sports nutrition
- Digestive disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist through the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists/American Nutrition Association – this certifies that the nutritionist has training and experience in how ketosis can be used to treat certain conditions, like diabetes, epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease. It requires:
- Must be an RD, CNS or healthcare practitioner who practices nutrition in their scope of practice
- Must complete six modules of the ANA’s ketogenic training course
- Must pass a certification exam
- Must complete 30 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain certification
- Certified Nutritional Genomics Specialist through the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists/American Nutrition Association- this certifies that the nutritionist has training in nutritional genomics. It requires:
- Must be an RD, CNS or healthcare practitioner who practices nutrition in their scope of practice
- Must complete five modules of the ANA’s nutritional genomics training course
- Must complete two case studies
- Must pass a certification exam
- Must meet recertification requirements
Job Outlook for Nutritionists
The BLS projects a 7 percent increase in the number of jobs for dietitians and nutritionists between 2020 and 2030, rising from 73,000 to 80,800 jobs. During this ten-year period, this occupation is expected to see about 5,900 annual job openings due to a blend of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.*
*2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists reflect national data not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Salary statistics representing entry-level/early career = 25th percentile; mid-level= 50th percentile; senior-level/highly experienced = 90th percentile. Data accessed April 2022.