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How can I break into the nutritional field?
I would like to be a nutritionist but I don't know where to start? any suggestion on schools? certifications I should earn? or even type of things I should research for?
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Kelsi’s Answer
Hi Emoni!
To legally give nutrition advice in any setting you have to be a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RD/RDN). You would have to complete an accredited program (Bachelor's), a Master's if after 2024, 1200 internship hours, and pass a registration exam. The Master's is a new requirement and at the moment can be in any field. I'm currently finishing my Masters, but I finished my Bachelors in 2020 so technically I could have sat for registration without my M.S. The internship is typically another year of school (7 months or so depending on the program), most are unpaid, and some are distance. It seems complicated and it was overwhelming for me at first, if you have any questions be sure to reach out!
Directory of accredited programs:
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/accredited-programs-directory
To legally give nutrition advice in any setting you have to be a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RD/RDN). You would have to complete an accredited program (Bachelor's), a Master's if after 2024, 1200 internship hours, and pass a registration exam. The Master's is a new requirement and at the moment can be in any field. I'm currently finishing my Masters, but I finished my Bachelors in 2020 so technically I could have sat for registration without my M.S. The internship is typically another year of school (7 months or so depending on the program), most are unpaid, and some are distance. It seems complicated and it was overwhelming for me at first, if you have any questions be sure to reach out!
Directory of accredited programs:
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/accredited-programs/accredited-programs-directory
Updated
Cesar Augusto’s Answer
It is an amazing thing that you want to become a Nutritionist, it is indeed a nice major, although it may seem simple in some ways the truth is that it is a huge amount of information that you can learn and that you can help your patients with.
The things that you might want to research is diseases and the way you can involve in that disease with Nutrition, there's a whole universe there.
If you want to become even better is go and have a diploma of Diabetes Educator, that's a nice one indeed.
The things that you might want to research is diseases and the way you can involve in that disease with Nutrition, there's a whole universe there.
If you want to become even better is go and have a diploma of Diabetes Educator, that's a nice one indeed.
Updated
Savannah’s Answer
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but if you want to become a registered dietitian you must complete a bachelor’s degree (accredited by ACEND), complete a dietetic internship, pass the registration exam, then maintain your registration by completing 75 education credit hours every 5 years.
Note: a master’s degree will be required after 2024 to sit for the exam.
Note: a master’s degree will be required after 2024 to sit for the exam.
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Find a college that has a 4 year BS in Nutrition along with a Dietitian internship program. You would get your degree then go for internship then take the RD exam. This is the best way as when you are done you are qualified to work anywhere…hospitals, nursing homes, community etc. it’s a great field with so many fields of interest. I never regretted it.
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi hi Emoni!
Arizona State University has a great program for getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. They even have an Uber Scholars program and a Starbucks barista to help you pay for it with scholarship money.
If you are more interested in getting a certification, every community college has those and also associates degree programs. Certifications that are very helpful in this field include: NASM, Whole30 Management certification, nutrition Manager certification (this is important and a state certification that’s fairly easy to get) also, safe serve certification can help you in your journey. I highly recommend Precision Nutrition certification for being a health coach. It all depends on which route you are interested in perusing. Do lots of research but don’t let that stop you from moving forward with at least a certification. Get on linked in, tell EVERYONE about your goal. You can do this! It will just take dedication and following the stepping stones to reach your goal. I believe in you.
https://www.nasm.org/continuing-education/certified-nutrition-coach
https://coach.whole30.com/join-team/
https://asuonline.asu.edu/study/online-nutrition-degrees/
https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/undergraduate/food-and-nutrition-bs/
Arizona State University has a great program for getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. They even have an Uber Scholars program and a Starbucks barista to help you pay for it with scholarship money.
If you are more interested in getting a certification, every community college has those and also associates degree programs. Certifications that are very helpful in this field include: NASM, Whole30 Management certification, nutrition Manager certification (this is important and a state certification that’s fairly easy to get) also, safe serve certification can help you in your journey. I highly recommend Precision Nutrition certification for being a health coach. It all depends on which route you are interested in perusing. Do lots of research but don’t let that stop you from moving forward with at least a certification. Get on linked in, tell EVERYONE about your goal. You can do this! It will just take dedication and following the stepping stones to reach your goal. I believe in you.
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