Overview Of A Nutritionist Career

Depending on the person and the context, the word "nutritionist" can have different meanings. State regulations ensure that only qualified professionals can provide nutrition services or advice to the general public. There are several things to consider when researching the field, studying and beginning a career as a nutritionist.

What is a Nutritionist?

Each state has laws that regulate the terminology and the use of titles such as "dietitian" or "nutritionist." However, the education of these nutritionists and the services they provide may vary significantly. Fourteen states have certification laws that limit the use of particular titles; however, if a person is not certified, he can still practice. This enables virtually anyone to be called a "nutritionist," regardless of education or training. Thirty-three states and provinces have licensure laws for dietetic professionals. Under such laws, unlicensed practitioners may be subject to prosecution for practicing without a license.

Who Should Give Nutrition Advice?

A nutritionist or dietitian should be qualified to do the job, especially if she is giving medical nutrition therapy. State requirements can be checked on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website at CDRnet.org. Registered Dietitians are the nutrition experts who have fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor's degree, completed a supervised practice program for about one year and passed a registration examination. RDs must maintain their certification through continuing education requirements. Regardless of the legislation of the particular state, all RDs must go through this process, making them qualified to give nutrition advice based on scientific evidence.

Process of Becoming a Registered Dietitian

There are two ways to become a RD. A student can enroll in a Coordinated Program that combines classroom learning and required hours of supervised practical experience. Upon graduation, you are granted a bachelor's degree and are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians. You can also enroll in a university that offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics, granting a bachelor's degree and offering only the classroom courses. After graduation, you then need to apply for and complete at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience through a CADE-accredited Dietetic Internship Program. Dietetic Internships are highly competitive, with only about 50% of applicants being matched nationally to a dietetic internship during 2009-10, according to Illinois State University. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

What Can RDs Do?

People who need nutrition-related counsel or treatment can be referred to RDs. They may work on the treatment and prevention of disease, in the community, academia, research, food and nutrition industry, business, journalism, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs. RDs provide tools and assistance for people to obtain and maintain good or better health through sound nutrition. Nutritional care involves the RD to plan, monitor and evaluate his findings based on research. When necessary, RDs coordinate nutrition care with other health-care professionals.

Salary and Opportunity

RDs are highly skilled and qualified to provide nutrition care based on evidence from medical and other extensive research. Median annual wages of dietitians and nutritionists were $50,590 in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As the field of nutrition is expanding, there are more new openings and advancement opportunities for the RD.