According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of nutritional consulting is expected to grow in employment opportunities, causing a strong demand for more nutritional consultants in the health care industry, especially registered dietitians. There are many different types of nutritional consultants, each with different educational and training pathways. While some nutritional consultant programs place emphasis on holistic, organic foods, others stress the importance of variety, balance and enjoying all foods in moderation. If you are thinking about becoming a nutritional consultant, it is important to understand what type of programs are available so you can find the one that best suits you.
Registered Dietitian
A registered dietitian is the most traditional and, in many cases, most well-respected nutritional consultant. Registered dietitians require the most schooling and training of all nutritionists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dietitians must complete a four-year degree in nutrition, followed by a one-year dietetic internship that places them in settings such as hospitals and school districts. At the end of the internship, eligible nutritionists must pass a comprehensive exam covering many different aspects of medical nutrition therapy in order to become a registered dietitian. Most registered dietitians belong to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), which generally takes a conservative stance on nutritional issues--for example, recommending red meat in moderation rather than recommending a meat-free diet.
Degreed Nutritionist
Degreed nutritionists are similar to registered dietitians in that they must have either a four-year bachelor's degree in nutrition or a bachelor's degree in another health field and a master's degree in nutrition. Degreed nutritionists do not have to complete an internship or pass a test as registered dietitians do. In fact, there is no specific organization governing degreed nutritionists. Some are members of the ADA, and some are members of more liberal nutrition-based organizations.
Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
The nutrition and wellness consultant certification is given by the American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA). Much of the content in the education and training for this certification pertain to fitness and sports nutrition. According to the AFPA, in order to become a nutrition and wellness consultant, you must complete the education required by the AFPA and pass a 200-question exam with a score of at least 90 percent correct. The cost for the certification is $395, and the AFPA states that it prepares its candidates for dealing with many different aspects of nutritional consulting.
Certified Nutrition Consultant
The American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) trains and issues certifications to those who pass its test, making them certified nutritional consultants. The AANC states that certification as a nutrition consultant requires passing a self-administered open-book exam and paying a fee to take the test, much of which deals with vitamins and supplements. Dr. Stephen Barrett, author and contributor to the website Quackwatch, which tracks health scams and unscrupulous organizations, states that the AANC has low standards for certification. According to Quackwatch, the AANC issued professional memberships to a dog and a cat after their owner, Dr. Victor Herbert, submitted their names and paid a fee for them.
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Certified clinical nutritionists are certified through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). The CNCB requires coursework, completing a post-graduate studies nutrition program, which is similar to an internship, and passing a written exam. According to the CNCB, certified clinical nutritionists are qualified to work in private practice or in clinical settings alongside other licensed health practitioners, such as registered dietitians. Certified clinical nutritionists are trained more in clinical aspects of health, such as disease management and prevention, than are other nutrition consultants, such as nutrition and wellness consultants or certified nutrition consultants.
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