Written by

Kristen Cramer

May 22, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Jennifer Carlson

How to become a certified nutritionist

Becoming a nutritionist can be a rewarding career path that allows you to make a meaningful impact on people's lives, but the process requires dedication, education, and experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a certified nutritionist, from education and certification requirements to building your career.

Education requirements

The journey to becoming a nutritionist typically begins with formal education. Most nutritionists have at least a bachelor's degree, usually in food and nutrition or a related field. Many nutritionists also pursue master's degrees or even PhDs to enhance their knowledge and credentials.

Common degree programs for aspiring nutritionists include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

• Bachelor of Science in Food Science

• Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a nutrition concentration

• Master of Science in Nutrition

• Master of Public Health with a nutrition focus

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), you must complete an accredited program. The Accreditation Council for Nutrition Professional Education provides accreditation for Master's degree programs in clinical nutrition.

Coursework typically covers subjects like biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, food science, nutritional assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and research methods.

Internships & practical experience

Practical experience is a crucial component of becoming a successful nutritionist. Many certification pathways require supervised practice ranging from 800 to 1,000 hours, depending on the credential you're pursuing and your state's requirements.

Ways to gain practical experience include:

• Completing an accredited internship

• Participating in supervised practice programs

• Volunteering with community nutrition programs

• Working as a nutrition assistant or aide

• Completing practicums as part of your degree program

Certifications & other credentials

After completing your education and gaining practical experience, you'll need to obtain appropriate credentials. Registered dietitian nutritionists, licensed nutritionists, and even non-licensed nutritionists must adhere to specific educational, experiential, and examination requirements administered by the state agency that regulates the profession within each state.

Here are some of the most recognized credentials for nutritionists:

• Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS): The CNS designation is administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS), the certifying arm of the American Nutrition Association. To qualify, applicants must have a master's or doctoral degree, complete supervised experience, and pass an exam.

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you need to complete a minimum of a master's degree granted by an accredited college or university, complete required supervised practice, pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and meet state requirements to practice.

• Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN): CCN certification is best for nutritionists who want to practice in a medical setting such as a hospital. To become certified through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB), you must have a bachelor's degree or higher, complete an internship of at least 900 hours, complete the board's online Postgraduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition Program, and pass the CCN certification exam.

• Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition (BCHN): This credential, offered by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), focuses on holistic nutrition approaches and is best for those who want to follow a whole-foods approach. Requirements include completing a postsecondary holistic nutrition program, 500 hours of professional experience, and passing the board exam.

• Certified Nutritional Professional (CNP): This credential, also offered by NANP, focuses on nutrition education and counseling. Nutritionists must meet all the educational criteria for BCHN certification, plus complete at least 1,200 hours of clinical experience within a minimum of three years.

• Certified Nutritional Consultant (CNC): This credential, offered by the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC), focuses on nutritional consulting. The CNC credential does not qualify you for a state license but can be helpful to entry-level nutritionists. To earn the certification, you must be a member of the AANC and pass the exam.

• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC): This certification focuses on providing nutritional support for patients with complex medical conditions, including treatments involving tube feeding or intravenous feeding.

• Certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist (CKNS): Offered by the BCNS, this certification focuses on ketogenic diet planning and implementation. To be eligible, candidates must already have a master's degree and CNS or RDN certification, complete the CKNS training course, and pass the exam.

• Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC): Offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the CNC credential focuses on nutrition coaching, typically in fitness settings. Candidates can take the course and pass the exam with only a high school diploma, but CNC certification does not meet the requirements for a state license or other credentials.

State licensing

Requirements vary from one state to the next, with a wide range of licensure and certification types. Some states require nutritionists to be licensed and certified to legally practice, while in other states, anyone can legally provide nutrition counseling services, even if they aren't nationally certified or licensed.

It's essential to research the specific requirements in your state before beginning your career. While national certification verifies your knowledge and experience, your state credentials govern the legal use of your title and dictate what kinds of services you're allowed to perform.

States licensing often requires:

• Specific education credentials

• Completion of state-approved programs

• Passing a state examination

• Supervised practice hours

• Background checks

• Application fees

Specializations

As you develop your career, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of nutrition. Specializing can help you stand out in the field and provide targeted expertise to specific populations.

Common specializations for nutritionists include:

• Pediatric Nutritionist: Focuses on the nutritional needs of infants, children, and adolescents

• Geriatric Nutritionist: Specializes in the nutritional needs of older adults

• Renal Nutritionist: Helps patients with kidney disease manage their diets

• Holistic Nutritionist: Takes a whole-person approach to nutrition and wellness

• Sports Nutritionist: Works with athletes to optimize performance through nutrition

• Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist: Specializes in the ketogenic diet and its applications

• Autoimmune Nutrition Specialist: Helps patients with autoimmune conditions manage symptoms through diet

• Public Health Nutritionist: Works on nutrition policies and programs at the community or population level

Clinical nutritionists may also specialize by working only with people who have diabetes, digestive disorders, or other specific conditions.

Continuing education

Nutrition is a constantly evolving field, so continuing education is essential for staying current. Once you obtain your license and certification, most states and certification bodies require you to complete ongoing education and professional development to maintain your status.

Ways to fulfill continuing education requirements include:

• Attending professional conferences and workshops

• Completing online courses and webinars

• Participating in professional development programs

• Reading peer-reviewed journals

• Attending seminars and lectures

• Joining professional associations

Failing to meet continuing education requirements can result in the loss of your certification or license.

Skills

Successful nutritionists possess a combination of technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and organizational skills. In addition to their education in food science and human health, nutritionists should work to develop these skills that will aid them in working with clients and building a successful practice:

• Strong communication skills to explain complex nutrition concepts clearly

• Empathy and active listening to understand clients' concerns

• Cultural competence to work with diverse populations

• Motivational interviewing techniques to support behavioral change

• Organizational skills to manage client records and treatment plans

• Problem-solving abilities to address unique client challenges

• Patience and persistence to support clients through their journey

What is a nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a professional who specializes in food and nutrition and their impact on human health. Nutritionists advise their patients and clients on how food impacts their health, apply their knowledge by promoting healthier eating habits, and help prevent illnesses. They play a supportive role, influencing behavior and mental habits of their clients, teaching them how to reach their goals.

What does a nutritionist do?

Nutritionists coach clients through the process of changing their diets and make alterations to meal plans as needed. Nutritionists work with diverse populations, from individuals seeking weight management to those with specific health conditions requiring dietary modifications. Some nutritionists specialize in specific areas, such as sports or pediatric nutrition.

The daily responsibilities of a nutritionist may include:

• Assessing clients' nutritional needs and health goals

• Developing personalized nutrition plans

• Monitoring clients' progress and adjusting recommendations

• Providing nutrition education and counseling

• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals

• Staying updated on the latest nutrition research

• Maintaining detailed client records

• Conducting workshops or group education sessions

FAQs about becoming a nutritionist

How long does it take to become a nutritionist?

Becoming a licensed nutritionist takes around 5 years. This includes four years to complete a bachelor's degree and one additional year to complete an internship. More advanced licensure and credentials like Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification take longer, as they require a master's degree.

The timeline for becoming a nutritionist depends on your educational background, the specific credentials you pursue, your state's licensing requirements, and whether you pursue advanced degrees or specializations.

How much do nutritionists make?

The average nutritionist salary ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the location, work setting, and the nutritionist's education, credentials, experience level, and specialization.

For private practices that aren't billing insurance, nutritionists cost $100 to $200 on average for an initial consultation and $250 to $400 per month for a customized package.

What is the difference between a dietician and a nutritionist?

Every dietitian is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is a dietitian. Registered dietitians (RDs) have more education and credential requirements and stricter regulations than nutritionists.

The title "dietitian" is legally protected and requires specific education, supervised practice, and passing national exams, and referring to oneself as a dietitian without appropriate credentialing is prohibited by law. Nutritionist requirements vary by state and some states don't require formal education, training, licensing, or certification.

These are the key differences between a dietician and a nutritionist:

• Education: Dietitians must complete accredited programs and internships. Nutritionist education varies widely.

• Scope: Dietitians can diagnose and treat nutrition-related conditions in clinical settings. Nutritionists typically focus on general wellness and prevention.

• Regulation: Dietitians must be licensed/registered in most states. Nutritionists face fewer regulatory requirements.

• Salary: Dietitians earn more on average.

Building a career as a nutritionist

Once you have your education, experience, and credentials, you can begin building your career as a nutritionist. The field offers diverse opportunities across various settings, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Private practice

• Community health programs

• Corporate wellness programs

• Schools and universities

• Food industry and product development

• Research institutions

• Government agencies

Tips for building your practice

Follow these tips to build a successful, long-term career as a certified nutritionist:

• Network with local healthcare providers for referrals.

• Create a professional website and social media presence.

• Join platforms like Thervo to get leads for local clients.

• Develop a clear niche and specialization.

• Consider offering both in-person and virtual consulting options.

• Join professional associations for networking and resources.

• Stay current with research into nutrition science and trends.

• Offer workshops and speaking engagements to gain new clients.

• Consider writing articles or books to establish your expertise.