Career opportunities in fitness and nutrition are increasing. Depending on the position you want, various levels of education, experience and time in internships may be required. Some positions do not require you to have experience while others may require you to have a strong background in the field.
Registered Dietician
A registered dietician works closely with physicians to prepare meal plans for patients to cure, treat or prevent disease. In addition, dieticians may supervise meal preparation, oversee meal service and implement nutrition programs. Becoming a registered dietician requires you to obtain a bachelor's degree from a university that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). In addition to this, you must complete a CADE-approved internship program, which will last 6 to 12 months. Lastly, you must pass a national exam.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers teach and train you on the principles of exercise and health. Some personal trainers like to train their clients one-on-one, while others prefer to train groups. Both of those options are available to you. You can become certified in various personal training specialties such as yoga and pilates, sports nutrition, overall nutrition and wellness. American Fitness Professionals & Associates offers programs for you to become a personal trainer, advanced or master personal trainer or nutrition and wellness consultant. Previous education and experience are not needed to become a personal trainer, but you may be required to participate in continuing education and pay annual fees.
Health and Wellness Coach
Working as a health and wellness coach gives you the opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics or in private practice. You will work with your clients to teach them about exercise, nutrition, how to eat and exercise for their condition, and how to alleviate stress from their lives in a balanced, spiritual manner. Certification as a health and wellness coach can be completed at various institutes and no previous experience or education is required. Training consists of online training and tests in addition to some supervised practice.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Dietitians and Nutritionists"
- American Dietetic Association: "Registered Dietitian (RD) Educational and Professional Requirements"
- American Fitness Professionals & Associates: "Personal Trainer Certification Course"
- Circle of Life: "Circle of Life Coach Training Overview"
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