Nutritionists are experts in helping people achieve their health and wellness goals by providing individualized meals and activities. They often work with people suffering from chronic health conditions that require medical treatment or dietary changes.

Some nutritionists support individuals who require dietary modifications for specific reasons, such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer or surgery. Others help individuals who want to manage their weight, establish healthy eating habits, overcome disordered eating hurdles, or further their athletic careers by mastering sports nutrition. In many cases, public health nutrition professionals work to further scientific understanding of human wellness in public research or nutrition education roles.

As a nutritionist, the patients and clients you see may differ depending on where you work. Most, nutritionists who deal with individuals fulfill a few common roles, such as:

• Helping people understand the role nutrition plays in their health conditions,
• Planning better dietary choices,
• Offering information and guidance about healthy, allergy-friendly, and culturally appropriate eating, and
• Providing educational counseling on how to develop healthy relationships with food.

Getting a degree in nutrition is one thing and there are many traditional, four-year undergraduate programs as well as post-graduate tracks that can help. Unfortunately, this doesn't quite translate to a clear path.

The issue is that in the US, there's no universally accepted requirement. In other words, different states have their own laws. Some require specific degrees and licensing rules, while others accept a variety of certifications.

The good news is that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has developed an accreditation system to help bring consistency.As a nutritionist, you'll be interested in the Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) track of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Alternatively, you can become a certified nutrition specialist (CNS). This credential from the American Nutrition Association is meant to show that a person has a deep understanding of the science and practice of personalized nutrition.

RD vs. RDN

One confusing issue involved is the distinction between RD and RDN qualifications. Long story short, there's no functional difference: Those with the RDN credential go through the same requirements as RDs.

So why the difference?According to the CDR, the idea is to communicate that RDs deal with more than just diet: They also address the broader idea of wellness and nutrition.

For instance, some RDs and RDNs may also bepediatric nutritionists who specialize in childhood wellness, while others might focus onweight management, medical nutrition therapy, or other areas.

One important thing to understand is that you don't have to use the RDN credential if you're an RD. On the other hand, if you're a nutritionist who earned credentials from some other program, you can't use the RD or RDN title unless you've also done that track.

CNS Credentials

CNS program requirements are a bit more stringent. They require a master's or doctoral degree in some type of nutrition or clinical healthcare. You'll also need to fulfill a minimum-credit requirement, obtain 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience, pass an exam, and earn 75 continuing education credits every five years.

Do I Need RD, RDN, or CNS Credentials to Practice?

Depending on your state's requirements, you may need these board certifications to practice professionally as a nutritionist or dietitian, so be sure to check your local laws first!

In any case, earning your credentials typically requires completing both undergraduate-level coursework in food science/nutrition plus graduate-level courses from an accredited university program. Understand that merely getting an advanced degree is just the start you'll also likely need experience in a supervised practice program before becoming eligible for certification exams, and you may periodically have to maintain your licensure.

Also, consider that the objective isn't just to meet some minimum standard. You can make your future career more lucrative and satisfying by getting more education, gaining more work experience, and improving your skills. Not only might your choice of credentials improve how you appear to employers, but if you go into private practice, it might make it easier to build a sustainable client base as a registered nutritionist.

What's the Typical Timeline for Becoming a Certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?

All told, it could take anywhere from four years to seven or more, depending on which path you choose and what kind of school you attend.

A few universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their studies faster than traditional routes. It's important to remember, however, that not everyone will qualify for these options if they lack prerequisites such as previous college credit hours already earned or work experience.

On the other hand, individuals who've already started degree programs in other areas, like public health or general nutrition counseling, may find it easier to make lateral moves into this field.

Becoming a nutritionist takes time both for learning about food science/nutrition and gaining practical experience through internships and apprenticeships. So keep in mind that you'll need to invest at least four years (and potentially more) if you're serious about this career path! To learn more about what nutritionists do.