Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Nutritionists DoNutritionist vs. DietitianSpecialtiesBenefits of a VisitAppointment Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Nutritionists Do
Nutritionist vs. Dietitian
Specialties
Benefits of a Visit
Appointment Tips
A nutritionist teaches others about general nutrition, food, and how what they eat affects their health. Nutritionists can also offer nutritional guidance to people managing medical conditions, such ashigh blood pressureorobesity.
It is possible in many states to become a nutritionist without a degree, although some people will obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition (or higher) to gain professional certification. A nutritionist differs from a dietitian who holds a master’s degree in dietetics and has a far broader scope of practice.
This article describes what a nutritionist is, what it takes to become one, and the different specialties a nutritionist can pursue. It also explains when you need a nutritionist and how much it can cost.
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What Do Nutritionists Do?
Nutrition is recognized as an important facet of health and wellness in general. People who train as nutritionists can work in a variety of settings, including:
There are two broad fields of practice that nutritionists commonly pursue: clinical nutrition and community nutrition.
Clinical Nutrition
Clinical nutritionists work with individuals or families in assessing, designing, and implementing dietary and nutritional strategies to improve their health. They may also be asked to address nutritional needs in people with specific medical issues, most commonly:
Clinical nutritionists can help improve nutrition in people with special needs, such asfood sensitivities, digestive problems likeirritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or treatment-related side effects (such as withchemotherapy).
Community Nutrition
Community nutritionists work with organizations and institutions in the evaluation, design, implementation, and management of nutritional strategies. This includes work in schools, community health clinics, recreational centers, public health agencies, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs).
Community nutritionists are sometimes tasked with addressing the needs of specific populations, such as low-income families, schoolchildren, older adults, and homeless people.
Degree and Credential Requirements
In most U.S. states, no degrees or credentials are required to become a nutritionist. You simply need an interest in the field to start practicing. In these states, there is no regulation of the term, and it is up to the employer to decide if you have the qualifications they need.
In over a dozen U.S. states, certain qualifications must be met before you can practice as a nutritionist. Some of these states require a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Others mandate certification as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), which requires a master’s degree.
What Is the Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?
Dietitians and nutritionists are nutrition experts who have studied how diet can affect your health. Both are allied professionals, but their titles should not be used interchangeably.
The role of a nutritionist is to provide guidance, advice, and support for people with nutritional needs. Their role is not to diagnose and treat any illness or prescribe supplements or specific diet plans. It is simply to offer strategies to ensure nutritional needs are met.
A dietitian is an expert in dietetics, a field of practice focused on the associative effects of diet on health. A dietitian is qualified to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions. They can also prescribe specific diets and supplements to treat or manage an illness (referred to as medical nutrition therapy).
Dietitians tend to have more education and credentials than nutritionists, but not always.
DefinitionsWhile every dietitian can be called a nutritionist, not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
Definitions
While every dietitian can be called a nutritionist, not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
Training and Regulation
Nutritionists are not as regulated as dietitians, and even those who do not have any professional training can legally call themselves nutritionists.
With that said, many nutritionists have advanced degrees and will pass nutritionist certification boards to obtain the protected title of Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). This can be obtained through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).
Applicants must have a master’s degree in nutrition (or a similar field) and at least 1,000 hours of practical experience before they are allowed to sit for the CBNS exam. Only those who have passed the CBNS boards and met the practical experience requirements can legally add the letters “CNS” after their names.
TheClinical Nutrition Certification Boardis another organization that offers certification for the title of Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN).
In contrast, a Registered Dietitian (RD) has to complete and pass the following to gain certification:
Registered dietitians who have met these requirements may add “RD” or “RDN” (registered dietitian nutritionist) after their names. They must also meet continuing medical education requirements each year to maintain certification.
Nutritionist Specialties
Some nutritionists find an area of practice where they wish to focus their attention. To become a specialist, additional training and a deeper breadth of knowledge may be warranted.
Sports Nutritionist
Athletes and active adults may seek guidance from sports professionals to enhance their athletic performance. Sports dietitians are increasingly hired to develop nutrition and fluid programs catered to individual athletes or teams.
A unique credential has been created for sports nutrition professionals: Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).If you’re looking for a sports nutritionist in your area, the International Society of Sports Nutrition offers areputable online search directoryto assist you.
Pediatric Nutritionist
These specialists work to promote the optimal nutritional health of infants, children, and adolescents. The Commission on Dietetic Registration now offersBoard Certification as a Specialist in Pediatric Nutritionfor registered dietitians.
Gerontological Nutritionist
These specialists design, implement, and manage safe and effective nutrition strategies to promote quality of life and health for older adults. At a time when nutrition is becoming even more recognized as an essential component of healthy aging and disease management, these specialists have what’s considered a “must-have” expertise.
Renal or Nephrology Nutritionist
Diet therapy is critical for individuals withchronic kidney disease (CKD), which describes the progressive loss of kidney function. It is considered vital for someone knowledgeable about the specialized dietary needs to assess and conduct individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for people with this condition.
According to theNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, MNT can delay CKD progression, prevent, or treat complications such as malnutrition, and improve quality of life. Additionally, MNT can lower healthcare costs.
How Much Does a Nutritionist Make?According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for a nutritionist in the United States was $61,650 a year in 2022.
How Much Does a Nutritionist Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for a nutritionist in the United States was $61,650 a year in 2022.
Other Nutrition Professionals
Health coaches and holistic nutritionists, who also offer diet advice, don’t require a training program that’s as extensive as anything discussed above.
What Are the Benefits of Seeing a Nutritionist?
Seeing a nutritionist may seem expensive, especially if several appointments are recommended. But if you have problems with nutrition that affect your health or a condition that restricts what you can and cannot eat, a professional consultation with a nutritionist can provide you with an individualized plan to address those needs.
The same applies if you have a large family and simply need to make changes to improve nutrition on a tight budget.
You may want to consider seeing a nutritionist if:
When considering whether seeing a nutritionist is “worth it,” keep in mind not only your short-term goals but also the long-term benefits of good nutrition (including a reduction in your risk of heart disease and certain cancers).
Here’s how you can make the most of your time with a nutrition professional:
Share your goals. If you seek nutrition counseling on your own, know what you want to accomplish. Do you want to lose weight? Gain weight? Have more energy? Think about your goals ahead of time and be sure to make them realistic.
Be prepared to answer questions. Expect to talk about your eating habits, adverse reactions to food, dietary supplements, weight history, food preferences, general medical history, family health history, medications, and lifestyle habits. These insights can help a nutritionist customize food and nutrition advice to match your lifestyle and health needs.
Record your food intake. If you’re asked to, write down everything you eat and drink for several days. Record the amounts (in cups, ounces, tablespoons, etc.) and how the foods were prepared, such as fried, grilled, or baked.
Forget miracles and magic bullets. A qualified nutrition professional will focus on changes in your lifestyle and food choices, not on quick results, miracle cures, or costly dietary supplements.
How Much Does Seeing a Nutritionist Cost?
The cost of a nutritionist can vary based on their credentials and location. This is especially true in states where a nutritionist can practice without credentials. Even so, expect to pay upwards of $70 per hour for a consultation and more if the provider is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS).
Summary
A nutritionist is a professional who offers advice and counseling on nutrition. They can help improve your nutrition or find ways to ensure nutrition if you are managing a medical condition. It may be worth consulting with a nutritionist if you are struggling with weight, experiencing nutritional deficiencies, or having trouble managing your blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol.
You do not need any credentials to become a nutritionist in most U.S. states. Some states do require a person to meet certain educational requirements before practicing as a nutritionist, while a small handful require certification with a master’s degree.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cardenas D.What is clinical nutrition? Understanding the epistemological foundations of a new discipline.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2016;11:e63-e66. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.10.001Palermo C, Hughes R, Mccall L.An evaluation of a public health nutrition workforce development intervention for the nutrition and dietetics workforce.J Hum Nutr Diet. 2010;23(3):244-53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01069.xHealth.gov.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Marcason W.Dietitian, dietician, or nutritionist?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.12.024American Nutrition Association.Certify.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.About RDNs and NDTRs.Commision on Dietic Registration.Specialty practice experience.Commision on Dietetic Registration.Board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics.De waal D, Heaslip E, Callas P.Medical nutrition therapy for chronic kidney disease improves biomarkers and slows time to dialysis.J Ren Nutr. 2016;26(1):1-9. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2015.08.002Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists.National Association of Nutrition Professionals.Board certification.Medicare.gov.Medical nutrition therapy services.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cardenas D.What is clinical nutrition? Understanding the epistemological foundations of a new discipline.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2016;11:e63-e66. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.10.001Palermo C, Hughes R, Mccall L.An evaluation of a public health nutrition workforce development intervention for the nutrition and dietetics workforce.J Hum Nutr Diet. 2010;23(3):244-53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01069.xHealth.gov.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Marcason W.Dietitian, dietician, or nutritionist?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.12.024American Nutrition Association.Certify.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.About RDNs and NDTRs.Commision on Dietic Registration.Specialty practice experience.Commision on Dietetic Registration.Board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics.De waal D, Heaslip E, Callas P.Medical nutrition therapy for chronic kidney disease improves biomarkers and slows time to dialysis.J Ren Nutr. 2016;26(1):1-9. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2015.08.002Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists.National Association of Nutrition Professionals.Board certification.Medicare.gov.Medical nutrition therapy services.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cardenas D.What is clinical nutrition? Understanding the epistemological foundations of a new discipline.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2016;11:e63-e66. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.10.001Palermo C, Hughes R, Mccall L.An evaluation of a public health nutrition workforce development intervention for the nutrition and dietetics workforce.J Hum Nutr Diet. 2010;23(3):244-53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01069.xHealth.gov.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Marcason W.Dietitian, dietician, or nutritionist?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.12.024American Nutrition Association.Certify.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.About RDNs and NDTRs.Commision on Dietic Registration.Specialty practice experience.Commision on Dietetic Registration.Board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics.De waal D, Heaslip E, Callas P.Medical nutrition therapy for chronic kidney disease improves biomarkers and slows time to dialysis.J Ren Nutr. 2016;26(1):1-9. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2015.08.002Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists.National Association of Nutrition Professionals.Board certification.Medicare.gov.Medical nutrition therapy services.
Cardenas D.What is clinical nutrition? Understanding the epistemological foundations of a new discipline.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2016;11:e63-e66. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2015.10.001
Palermo C, Hughes R, Mccall L.An evaluation of a public health nutrition workforce development intervention for the nutrition and dietetics workforce.J Hum Nutr Diet. 2010;23(3):244-53. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01069.x
Health.gov.Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Marcason W.Dietitian, dietician, or nutritionist?.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(3):484. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.12.024
American Nutrition Association.Certify.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.About RDNs and NDTRs.
Commision on Dietic Registration.Specialty practice experience.
Commision on Dietetic Registration.Board certification as a specialist in sports dietetics.
De waal D, Heaslip E, Callas P.Medical nutrition therapy for chronic kidney disease improves biomarkers and slows time to dialysis.J Ren Nutr. 2016;26(1):1-9. doi:10.1053/j.jrn.2015.08.002
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists.
National Association of Nutrition Professionals.Board certification.
Medicare.gov.Medical nutrition therapy services.
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