Nutritionists, sometimes referred to as dietitians, educate people on healthy eating, often with customized programs for specific needs. Focusing specifically on nutrition education, however, narrows the career field somewhat and might increase the educational requirements. Dietitians and nutritionists earned an average annual salary of $53,250 in May 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Jobs in the field are expected to grow 20 percent between 2010 and 2020, faster than average for all occupations.
Nutritionists typically have a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management or a related field, the BLS says. Some nutrition workers and dieticians have also gone through a supervised program or internship. Additionally, most states have certification and licensing requirements. If you become a Registered Dietician through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, it will take care of any licensing requirements in your state. Additional schooling may be required for some nutrition education careers.
If you want to teach nutrition at any level, you will need to start with a Bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or a related field. If you a degree in a different area than nutrition, you might need to go back and take nutrition courses if you lack relevant work experience to qualify as a nutrition educator. Most states also require a teaching certificate for secondary schools. Teaching at the college level will likely require an advanced degree – at least a Master’s and in some cases, a Doctorate. Other testing requirements vary from state to state.
Proper nutrition education is essential for many medical patients, including those with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and weight management. In these cases, nutritionists educate patients on how to develop low-fat, low-sodium diets to help them manage their conditions. People with food allergies need to be taught how to check ingredients in processed foods. They must also learn how to subsitute staples they might be allergic to, such as wheat or dairy, with suitable and healthy alternatives. Many clinics and hospitals have nutrition educators on staff to serve medical patiets. Alternatively, you can consider a career as a private nutrition education consultant.
Local, state, and federal government agencies employ nutritionists to help educate the public on healthy eating. For example, the Food and Nutrition Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hires nutritionists at the federal and state levels as part of its Women, Infants, and Children program. Nutritionists there provide nutrition education in conjunction with its food packages. Many public school systems also hire nutrition educators to guide or supervise food service staff on meal planning.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dietitians and Nutritionists
- The American Dietetic Association: What You Can Do with a College Degree in Nutrition, Werner, Denise.
- USC Certification Map: How to Become a Teacher
- USDA Natural Agricultural Library: Nutrition Education
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service: Women, Infants, and Children
- USD Food and Nutrition Service: Team Nutrition
- Washington Hospital Healthcare System: Nutrition Education and Therapy Help You Discover a Healthier You
- Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images