How to Become a Nutritionist: A Guide

A nutritionist is an expert in food and nutrition who advises people on what to eat to be healthy. Nutritionists sometimes work with people who have medical conditions and those who want to improve their overall health.

This guide will teach you about the various credentials, education, and licensing requirements for becoming a nutritionist. You'll also discover the essential skills to have as a nutritionist and get a peek into salary expectations and employment outlook. 

Earn your degree in health science or a related field.

It’s possible to become a nutritionist without a degree. However, many people pursue a degree in health science or a related field, such as food science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, dietetics, or biochemistry. The amount of time it takes to become a nutritionist varies, depending on what kind of nutritionist you want to become. You can choose to become a nutritionist by completing an undergraduate programme or diploma or certification programmes after passing the 10th standard at a minimum.  

Bachelor’s degree

You don’t necessarily need an undergraduate degree to become a nutritionist. Still, many employers look for nutritionists who have completed relevant coursework and are likely to value an applicant with a degree or board certification. It’s important to choose an accredited programme to be equipped with the knowledge to help future patients. Bachelor’s degree programmes in nutrition may require an internship, usually in the sixth semester.

Postgraduate degree

Some nutritionists looking to work in a clinical setting or education earn a Master of Science from a nutrition degree programme. It is not required to become a nutritionist, but it can be helpful or required for some positions. A master’s degree takes about two years and features classes on medical nutrition therapy, probability or statistics, molecular biology, public policy, and health issues. In these programmes, nutritionists can focus on specialities within the nutrition field and work on their understanding of nutrition research. 

Consider certification to become a licensed nutritionist.

Certifications can help you stand out in a job search. Nutritionists can pursue various certifications, some of which include the following:

Registered dietician (RD)

A registered dietician can work in a hospital or other medical facility, non-profit organisation, government entity, or educational institution. To become an RD, you first obtain a degree and complete a six-month internship, after which you will be eligible to take the Registered Dietician exam from the Indian Dietetic Association.

Certified dietician (CD)

You may also opt to become a Certified Dietician from the Centre for Nutrition & Dietetics Studies. The programme has 14 modules and culminates in a certification exam. To be eligible, you must graduate from an undergraduate programme in nutrition or a related field and have two years of experience or hold a postgraduate diploma in food and nutrition or another approved subject.

Certified clinical nutritionist (CCN)

The certified clinical nutritionist (CCN) credential offers another option for postgraduate nutritionists who want additional qualifications. To be eligible, you must satisfy the requirements, submit college transcripts and a credential review application, and complete the certification programme in clinical nutrition before taking the test. To maintain certification, you need to complete continuing education and pass an Open Book Exam every five years.

You can pursue this qualification through the Faculty of Food Safety and Quality at the Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI) or through an online, global programme like that offered by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB).

Gain experience.

Nutrition programmes typically require hands-on experience. To get more experience and become a nutritionist, you can complete internships, freelance work, or join nutritionist organisations, which can also help you grow your professional network. 

Internships

A popular option to gain experience is through an internship. The internship can either be during the coursework before graduation or afterward. These internships give you hands-on experience in the field. Many people choose to complete multiple internships in various specialities to see whether they want to pursue jobs in those areas.

During an internship, you'll learn how to develop patient care plans, perform office duties like helping with paperwork, or manage food delivery for patients. 

Freelance nutrition work

One way to work in nutrition is to freelance, offering nutrition coaching to people looking to change their diet or lifestyle. Another option is to provide your nutritionist expertise on a case-by-case basis to earn more income. You can also volunteer at a non-profit organisation if you’re looking for more experience.

Nutritionist clubs on campus

Joining a group of nutritionist students can help you network while completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree. Look for opportunities to hear from guest speakers or shadow professionals in your area. 

National dietician or nutritionist organisations

Join organisations related to your nutritionist field or speciality and attend meetings and events. Look for opportunities to shadow nutritionists in your area and volunteer for public health or nutritionist offices to gain more experience.

Skills you need to become a nutritionist

A nutritionist is a public-facing position, so communicating well and being empathetic is beneficial. Speaking languages other than English can help broaden your ability to help more clients. You should be able to listen to a patient’s concerns to understand their needs. You must also be willing to keep up with the latest nutrition to offer the best care possible. 

The ability to think critically and problem-solve can help you tackle a patient’s health problems. Nutritionists should be skilled in mathematics to calculate a patient’s nutrient needs and other health metrics, like body mass index. 

Besides interpersonal skills, nutritionists must remain organised to stay on top of client files and paperwork and handle cases simultaneously. If you pursue a leadership role, you will need to manage others effectively, which requires learning to delegate, allocate resources, coach others, and collaborate with colleagues. Nutritionists should be able to teach and guide clients and people in the community in a way they can understand.

How long does it take to become a nutritionist?

The time it takes to become a nutritionist can vary from months for a short programme to years for an advanced degree. Pursuing a three-year undergraduate will take less time than a master’s or doctoral degree. However, opting for certification after 10th or 12th will take much less time. 

Salary and career outlook

India’s health and nutrition industry is relatively new but thriving with increasing awareness and acceptance amongst the population. This growth has created abundant opportunities in various settings, including hospitals, pharmaceutical and food companies, spas, health clubs, and schools.

In India, the average salary for a nutritionist is ₹17,04,000. Additional pay includes bonuses, commissions, and other sources of additional pay averaging ₹1,20,000 monthly [1].

Getting started

You can start your journey to becoming a nutritionist by researching accredited programmes. You can also take a related Course available on Coursera, such as Stanford University’s Stanford Introduction to Food and Health.

You can also enroll in the National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials to learn the latest information on nutrition coaching strategies, behavior change strategies, and nutrition science.