Becoming a nutritionist sounds like a simple, straightforward process. Because of the varying regulations from state to state, however, the process is far from streamlined. If you want to become a nutritionist (which is different than a registered dietitian nutritionist, which we cover here), there are a variety of pathways that you can take depending upon where you want to practice, the setting in which you wish to work, and the population you wish to see.
Whether you wish to work as a licensed nutritionist or a non-licensed nutritionist, there are steps that you must take in order to do so. In this ultimate guide to becoming a nutritionist, we will tell you everything you need to know about licensed nutritionists, non-licensed nutritionists, and what steps you must take in order to work in this exciting field.
Table of Contents
State Regulations for Practicing Nutrition
Individualized nutrition counseling, excluding medical nutrition therapy in select states, is legal for all. Certain states provide state licensure or certification opportunities for CNSs, RDs, and other proficient nutritionists.
Engaging in personalized nutrition counseling without proper licensure or exemption is illegal. However, there exists a route to obtaining licensure for CNSs, RDs, and other experienced nutritionists.
Engaging in personalized nutrition counseling without proper licensure or exemption is illegal, with licensure primarily limited to registered dietitians (RDs).
*Verify the licensing and certification requirements in each state, as these regulations can change. Readers should check with state authorities or professional organizations for the most recent information.
What Is a Licensed Nutritionist?
A licensed nutritionist has obtained a license or certificate that is necessary in order to legally practice in their state. This might or might not follow a nutritionist obtaining national credentials from a nationally recognized organization. National credentialing, which we will discuss in a later section, is separate from state licensure or certification. States that do require nutritionists to be licensed often have mandates that these nutritionists must first earn credentials before licensure or certification is possible. In these states that require nutritionists to be licensed, after completing the requirements for credentialing, would-be licensed nutritionists in those states must submit information to the state’s Board of Dietetics or similar agency to gain a license. Other states might simply require nutritionists to complete education or experience, but not to gain any specific credentials.
As of May 2022, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the following states require licensing or certification for nutritionists (each state is listed along with the agency that is responsible for licensure of nutritionists in that state):
- Alabama: State Board of Examiners for Dietetics & Nutritionists
- Alaska: Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
- Connecticut: State Department of Public Health
- Delaware: Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
- District of Columbia: Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
- Florida: Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council
- Illinois: Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
- Kentucky: Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Louisiana: Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition
- Maryland: State Board of Dietetic Practice
- Massachusetts: Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Minnesota: Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice
- Montana: Board of Medical Examiners
- Nebraska (Medical Nutrition Therapists only must be licensed; those providing general nutrition services need no license): Department of Health and Human Services Licensure Unit
- New Jersey: State Board of Dieticians and Nutrition
- New Mexico: Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Board
- New York: Office of the Professions Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
- North Carolina: Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
- North Dakota: Board of Dietetic Practice
- Pennsylvania: State Board of Nursing
- Puerto Rico: Board of Examiners of Nutritionists and Dietitians
- Rhode Island: Department of Health
- South Dakota: Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
- Tennessee: Board of Dietitians/Nutritionist Examiners
- Washington: State Department of Health
What is a Non-Licensed Nutritionist?
Other states do not require nutritionists to become licensed in order to legally practice in the state. These nutritionists are referred to as non-licensed nutritionists. Again, this is separate from national credentials for nutritionists, which may still be earned, if desired, by nutritionists practicing in these states.
States that do not require nutritionists to hold a license or certification in order to practice there include:
Differences Between Licensed and Non-Licensed Nutritionists
| Characteristic | Licensed Nutritionist | Non-Licensed Nutritionist |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Holds a state-issued license/certificate to practice. | Practices without the need for a state-issued license. |
| Education Requirements | Varies by state; often requires specific degrees. | No state-mandated educational prerequisites in many states. |
| National Credentials | Often required before obtaining state licensure. | Optional; can still earn national credentials if desired. |
| Scope of Practice | Defined and regulated by state laws. | May have more flexibility in practice areas. |
| Legal Restrictions | Subject to state laws governing nutrition practice. | Must adhere to general legal regulations but not licensure-specific. |
| States Requiring Licensure | Examples include Alabama, Florida, Illinois, California, etc. | Examples include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, etc. |
| Certifying Authorities | State-specific boards or agencies overseeing licensure. | No state-mandated certifying authority; national organizations optional. |
| Insurance Billing | Can often bill insurance for services rendered. | Limited or no ability to bill insurance in many cases. |
To view more detail around this topic please visit the difference between licensed and non-licensed Nutritionists article.
What Do Nutritionists Do?
The job duties of a licensed and non-licensed nutritionist typically overlap. Depending upon your clientele and where you work, responsibilities of a nutritionist might include:
- Evaluation a client’s dietary needs by assessing their health and exercise levels, sleep habits, food intake habits, diet
- Determining the most suitable comprehensive, personalized nutrition plans for clients
- Setting clear objectives and goals and providing support to clients to help them reach those objectives and goals
- Conducting scientific research to expand field-related knowledge
- Clarifying and explaining information to clients on the effects of nutrients on overall health conditions
- Counseling of clients, suggesting positive changes in their nutrition to address health conditions and/or dietary restrictions
- Writing and publishing articles
- Making presentations on a variety of nutrition-related topics
Where Do Nutritionists Work?
Nutritionists may work in a wide variety of settings. These include, but are not limited to:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Long term care facilities and rehabilitation centers
- Schools and childcare centers
- Private practice
- Group practice or for a primary care practitioner
- Community public health offices
- For athletes and sports teams
- In research and academia
- In the food industry
What Education Do I Need to Become a Nutritionist?
If you wish to practice as a nutritionist, the first thing that you should become familiar with are the regulations, if any, that govern nutritionist practice in your state. Check the list above for licensing or certification requirements in your state. This will largely determine what educational requirements you must fulfill in order to practice in that state.
Not every state will require that nutritionists complete any set education. Most states that do mandate education, however, will require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to nutrition and dietetics.
Nutritionist Educational Resources:
Examples of majors that fit this requirement include, but are not limited to:
- Nutrition
- Dietetics
- Food systems management
- Food and nutrition
- Human nutrition
- Health science
- Public health
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Nursing
Courses that you must generally take, in order to become a nutritionist, will be in subject areas such as:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Herbology
- Human Biology
- Introduction to Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Nutrition & Aging
- Nutrition & Supplementation
- Nutrition and Disease
- Nutrition Assessment
- Nutrition Counseling Strategies
As we will discuss further below, if you wish to earn certain credentials as a nutritionist, you will need to get a master’s degree.
Associate's or Certificate
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Bachelor's Degree
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Master's Degree
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Frequently Asked Questions around Nutritionist Career
What Credentials, If Any, Do I Need to Become a Nutritionist?
Credentialing for nutritionists is handled by nationally recognized organizations that regulate nutritionists and their practice. A credentialed nutritionist has had their education, experience and competency verified by an organization that maintains the utmost standards for nutritionists.
If you wish to practice in a state that requires nutritionists to be licensed or certified, your state will likely mandate that you have certain credentials. (As mentioned above, we will not cover the credentialing necessary to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, also referred to as a registered dietitian, as that will be outlined here).
In states that do require nutritionists to be licensed or certified, statutes or regulations commonly refer to nutritionists having CNS or CCN credentials. This is what those credentials mean:
- Bestowed by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) of the American Nutrition Association. Requirements include:
- Completion of a master’s degree in nutrition or a related field
- Completion of 35 hours of coursework in core competencies, including nutrition science, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, clinical or life sciences, behavioral science
- Completion of 1000 hours of supervised nutritionist practice
- Passing a certification examination consisting of questions covering:
- Practice management
- Public health
- Clinical intervention and monitoring
- Nutrition assessment
- Nutrients and human health
- Fundamental principles of nutrition
- Bestowed by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). Requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree including core nutrition and science coursework
- Completion of post-graduate studies in Clinical Nutrition (online through CNCB)
- Passing a certification examination consisting of questions covering:
- Laboratory assessment
- Detoxification, herbology, homeopathic therapy
- Cognition and sensory overload
- Optimal human nutrition
These are by no means the only credentials available for nutritionists, just the most common ones that states typically refer to in their licensing or certification regulations. You may also earn more than one credential, if desired. Other credentials that nutritionists may earn, depending upon their specialization, interest, and level of education, include, but are not limited to:
- Bestowed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Passing a certification examination covering eight areas of responsibility:
- Assessment of needs and capacity
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation and research
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Leadership and management
- Ethics and professionalism
- Bestowed by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree
- Completion of 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Passing a certification exam consisting of questions on:
- Food and nutrition
- Fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
- Counseling/ethics/scope of practice
- Nutrition in practice
- Research
- Bestowed by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in holistic nutrition or approved by the NANP
- Passing a certification exam consisting of questions covering:
- Anatomy/physiology/biochemistry
- Nutritional support of the body
- Sports nutrition
- Lifecycle nutrition
- Body systems
- Nutraceuticals
- Legal responsibilities and supplement quality
- bestowed by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). Requirements include:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree in holistic nutrition or approved by the NANP
- Completion of 500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Passing a certification exam consisting of questions on:
- Food and nutrition
- Fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and biochemistry
- Counseling/ethics/scope of practice
- Nutrition in practice
- Research
- Bestowed by the School Nutrition Association (SNA). Requirements include:
- Associate degree with 30 credits in nutrition
- One year of experience working in child nutrition programs
- Passing a certification exam consisting of questions on:
- Menu and nutrition management
- Facilities, technology and equipment management
- Food production, inventory and operation management
- Procurement management
- Food security, sanitation and safety
- Program management and accountability
- Human resource management
- Financial management
- Communications and marketing
- Bestowed by the Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals(ANFP). Requirements include:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in foodservice management, nutrition, culinary arts or hotel-restaurant management, OR
- Completed ANFP-approved foodservice manager training program
- Have related work experience
- Pass certification exam consisting of questions on:
- Nutrition
- Foodservice
- Personnel and communications
- Sanitation and safety
- Business operations
If you wish to practice in a state that does not require nutritionists to be licensed or certified, you are not required to obtain national credentials. This is still an option for you if you so desire. Keep in mind, however, that if you plan to work with clients who require you to bill insurance for their care, many private insurance companies will mandate that you have certain credentials before they will reimburse you for services provided.
There are certain nutritionist credentials that you can earn without completing educational requirements for a degree. Usually, they do involve completing online classes and passing a certification exam. These can be used as standalone credentials, or combined with other credentials you have earned. They include, but are not limited to:
- Bestowed by the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF). Requirements include:
- Completing online courses on topics such as:
- Advanced dietary assessment
- Macro and micro nutrient distribution
- Differences between protein, carbs and fat type
- Facts behind popular diets
- Guidelines for health, performance and competition
- Pass exam
- Completing online courses on topics such as:
- Bestowed by the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). Requirements include:
- Completing online courses on topics such as:
- Barriers to proper nutrition strategies
- The science of performance nutrition
- Chemistry and biology
- Physiology review
- Application of nutrition science
- Physiology of nutrition
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Proper fat intake
- Micronutrient requirements for athletes
- Antioxidants
- Performance, recovery and event eating
- Pass exam
- Completing online courses on topics such as:
- Bestowed by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Requirements include:
- Completing online courses on topics including:
- Nutritional science
- Behavior change strategies
- Nutrition coaching
- Pass exam
- Completing online courses on topics including:
- Bestowed by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Requirements include:
- Completing online coursework on topics such as:
- Macronutrients and micronutrients
- Lifestyle changes and strategies
- Client assessments and goal setting
- Product labels and claims
- Dietary guidelines and applications
- Trending diets and myths
- Supplementation
- Business of nutrition coaching
- Passing exam
- Completing online coursework on topics such as:
- Bestowed by the American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA). Requirements include:
- Completing online courses such as:
- The science behind holistic nutrition
- Holistic health research presentation
- Nutrition consultant skill development
- Passing exam
- Completing online courses such as:
What Jobs and Salaries are Available for Licensed and Non-Licensed Nutritionists?
The best way to examine the types of nutritionist jobs that are available at any given time, of course, is to search the online classified ads for nutritionist openings. Then you can see how many employers are mandating certain credentials, degree levels, and state licensure. The following are jobs that are listed for nutritionists as of May 2022, including licensure and credentialing requirements, as well as educational requirements, and salaries if specified:
- Clinical Nutritionist, Naval Health and Vitality Center, Maryland
- Salary: $40 to $55/hour ($83,200 to $114,400/year)
- Requires Maryland state licensure as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
- Requires graduate degree in clinical nutrition
- Nutritionist, WIC Program, New Hanover County, North Carolina
- Salary: $39,350 to $53,122/year
- Requires bachelor’s degree
- Requires one year of nutrition work experience
- Nutritionist, WIC, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA
- Salary: not specified
- Requires bachelor’s degree
- Requires two years of work experience in nutrition
- Nutritionist, Cornell University, Mexico, NY
- Salary: not specified
- Requires associate degree in nutrition and two years of experience, or bachelor’s degree in nutrition, health education or public health
- Nutritionist I, State of West Virginia
- Salary: $31,146 to $57,620/year
- Requires bachelor’s degree in foods and nutrition
- Nutritionist, State of Missouri, St. Louis, MO
- Salary: $46,000 to $52,000/year
- Requires bachelor’s degree
- Requires three years of nutritionist work experience
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