How long does a nutritionist go to school for

Do you have a passion for health, food and helping people? A career in dietetics could be the right career choice for you. Becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist requires a science-heavy course load and many hours of patient care. There are opportunities to conduct research, work with children and even join the military. RDNs work in a variety of settings including clinical, business and management, private practice and culinary.

RDNs can find work in many types of settings, from health care, to education, to food production and service. The more experience and training they gain, the more in-demand their services will be. A small portion of nutritionists work independently, but many more work in hospitals as part of a health care team. You can seek open positions in these types of settings, and, if you are an RDN, the professional contacts you make through your internship experience may be a good resource for information on job openings.

Nutritionists can also seek work with government health departments, non-profit organizations, restaurants, and the food industry. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers resources on its website for those who want to learn more about becoming a registered dietitian. Since licensing regulations may differ so much from state to state, it is important to learn the specifics about becoming a nutritionist or dietitian in your state.

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Are there any certification or licensure requirements? These salary differences likely occur because of differences in position, geographic area, level of education and experience. The career outlook of both is good. That being said, the tasks each professional is allowed to perform depend on state law. In the United States, many people can call themselves nutritionists though there is a more protected title of a certified nutrition specialist CNS.

The CNS title usually refers to someone who has met all requirements to pass the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists exam, which is why the title is protected. Unlike registered dietitians who prescribe nutrition therapy, CNSs organize public health programs that teach about healthy diets.

It also is important to consider the laws of the state where you would like to practice. Each state manages nutritionists and dietitians differently. This can influence the education and training you pursue to reach your career goals.

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Tufts University. University of North Carolina. Simmons University. Request information from MPH Simmons. George Washington University.