According to the 2020 America’s
Health Rankings, by the United Health Foundation, Vermont is considered to be the healthiest state in the nation., Vermont’s adult obesity rate is 26.6 percent, the seventh lowest in the nation (circa 2020). Added to that are the facts that Vermont’s adult smoking rate is 15.1 percent, the 21st lowest in the nation; 80 percent of Vermonters report performing daily exercise (the seventh highest in the nation); and Vermont has the second-highest rate of primary care physicians, at 395.3 per 100,000 people.
Vermont also spends $157 per person for public health programs that promote nutrition, exercise, and healthier lifestyle habits. Is it a coincidence, then, that its residents are healthier than those of other states?
Nutritionists in Vermont are just one category of healthcare professionals responsible in keeping its residents healthy. Becoming a nutritionist in Vermont is easy insofar as there are no rules or regulations to meet, as nutritionists in Vermont require no licensing or certification by the state in order to practice. [The only nutrition care professionals that require state certification in Vermont are registered dietitians. If you would like to learn how to become a Vermont registered, certified dietitian, click here (Becoming a Registered Dietitian in Vermont)]. Working as a nutritionist in Vermont has many rewards. To learn more about what these rewards are, read on.
College Education Options for Vermont Nutritionists
Even though there are no rules or regulations to follow in Vermont (or perhaps because of this fact), it is highly important to become educated in nutrition if you wish to work as a nutritionist in Vermont. You need to know what you’re talking about when advising others on nutrition care, and you really cannot do that without studying nutrition in some form. In which format you study nutrition is your choice. There are many options for study, including online and in person, and various degrees and certificates you can earn, such as:
- Certificate in Culinary Nutrition – University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education, online
- Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health – Vermont Technical College, online
- Certificate in Holistic and Integrative Health – Vermont Technical College, online
- Child Nutrition Programs – Vermont Agency of Education
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science – University of Vermont, Burlington
- Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health – Northern Vermont University, online
- Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences – University of Vermont, Burlington
Professional Certification Options for Vermont Nutritionists
Professional certification is a recommended pathway for those who want to work as nutritionists in Vermont. Although you need not be state certified, professional certifications shows prospective clients that you have been trained and educated to the highest standards of the profession. There are many choices when it comes to professional certification, made largely by the subfield of nutrition you plan to work in. Options include:
- CNP: Certified Nutrition Professional of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). In order to earn this credential, you must be a member of the NANP, have a bachelor’s degree, at least 1200 hour of clinical nutrition experience, and pass a certification exam.
- CNS: Certified Nutrition Specialist of the Board of Certification for Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) of the American Nutrition Association (ANA). To earn this credential, you must have at least a master’s degree in nutrition, log a minimum of 1000 supervised practice hours, and pass a certification exam.
- NCSF-SNS: Sports Nutrition Specialist of the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF). This credential can be earned through online study and passing a certification exam.
- CNP: Certified Nutritional Practitioner of the Institute of Holistic Nutrition.This credential can be earned through studying in an online program and passing a certification exam.
- CDM, CFPP: Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers, of the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals. To earn this credential, you must graduate from a nutrition or foodservice management program and pass a certification exam.
Positions for Vermont Nutritionists
If you want to become a Vermont nutritionist, you most likely also wish to know if there are jobs available. A quick scan of online job postings can answer that question for you, and a recent one turned up the following employment options for nutritionists in Vermont:
- Public Health Nutritionist III – State of Vermont, Bennington
- Salary: $28.02 hourly
- Requires a MS/MA degree in nutrition or similar field, and three years’ post-graduate nutrition experience, including one year at a supervisory level, OR
- A BS/BA degree in nutrition or similar field, and five years’ professional experience in nutrition, including one year at a supervisory level
- School Nutrition Assistant – Windham Southwest Supervisory Union, Whitingham
- Salary: $30,400 to $38,600 annually
- Requires a high school diploma or GED
- Nutrition knowledge, especially children’s nutrition, required
- Experience in food service a plus
- Wellness Coach – Northwestern Counseling, Saint Albans
- Salary: $43,200 to $54,600 annually
- Requires a BS/BA degree in nutrition or similar field
- Experience in the field is a plus
- Nutrition Services Talent Acquisition Coordinator- The University of Vermont Health Network, Burlington
- Salary: $47,700 to $60,300 annually
- Requires an AA/AS in nutrition or similar field; BA/BS degree preferred
- Requires 24 months’ experience in customer service or similar field
- Recruiting and staffing experience preferred
- Food Service Manager – The Pines at Rutland Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Rutland
- Salary: $42,300 to $53,300 annually
- Degree preferred (level not specified)
- Requires experience in supervision of others, as well as experience in food management and diet therapy
- Certification as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) preferred