DESCRIPTION | A nutrition professional or nutritionist is any person who specializes in food and nutrition. Some nutritionists have additional credentials, such as a registered dietitian (RD) or dietetic technician, registered (DTR), signifying they have completed an accredited training program and have passed a national registration exam. The specialist in nutrition usually has an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition, food or related area of study. Many nutritionists may also complete advanced degrees in nutrition and food science, counseling, education or public health. American Dietetic Association Foundation (ADAF) Student Scholarship and Financial Aid Information American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) American Society for Nutrition (ASN) Become a Dietitian/Nutritionist Careers in Dietetics FAQ Careers in Human Nutrition/Dietetics A Day in the Life of a Registered Dietitian Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) Fact Sheet Dietitian/Nutritionist Career Overview Dietitian and Nutritionist Interview The Journal of Nutrition Nutrition Information Nutrition Notes Newsletter The Nutrition Source Registered Dietitian (RD) Fact Sheet Society for Nutrition Education Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Information Sessions |
DEGREE |
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD. Many states require certification. |
PROGRAM LENGTH | Variable |
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS' ORGANIZATION |
American Dietetic Association Accredited or Approved Education Programs for Careers as Registered Dietitians (RD) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) American Society for Nutrition Graduate Program Directory Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education Nutrition/Dietetics Programs |
APPLICATION SERVICE | None; contact each school individually. |
ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | Variable depending on program. |
ADMISSION EXAM |
No standard exam. |
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & EXPERIENCES | A nutritionist may work in a variety of settings such as healthcare, public health, food companies, academia, health clubs/spas, schools, or government agencies. Nutritionists generally like learning how the body works and how to prevent disease through nutrition. They are motivated, independent, and innovative, and want to use their knowledge to solve problems and to help people. |
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS |
Individual letters. |