Browse By Degree

How to become a Nutritionist - Dietitian

Find Online Nutritionist Degree Programs

What degrees are necessary to become a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian?

An accredited two or four-year degree in nutritional science or related field is necessary to become a Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian. Moreover, a degree in one of the following, or a related degree, would be a necessary first step to taking and passing the Registered Dietitian (RD) or Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR) examinations authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

how to become a nutritionist

A common undergraduate or graduate degree in nutritional science at some of the many nutritionist schools would traditionally include courses in nutrition, institution management, biology, chemistry, and physiology. Additional courses of study could include business, mathematics, psychology, sociology, or economics.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 281 bachelor’s degree programs and 22 master’s degree programs approved by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education in 2007. Many of these can be located through this website.

The following button will show a list of degrees offered from accredited online and campus universities available on this site that would prepare an individual for a career in the nutritional sciences as a Nutritionist or Dietitian:

What Are The Licensing & Certification Requirements On How To Become A Nutritionist?

The position of ‘Nutritionist’ is not a specifically registered or certified title, as opposed to the term ‘Dietitian’ or ‘Registered Dietitian’, approved only by the American Dietetic Association’s Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR). The term ‘Nutritionist’ is not limited to individuals who have attained only the specific qualifications specified by the CDR, but is instead given to a variety of nutrition professionals with a vast number of different skills and approaches to health.

Although many states do require nutritionists to attain a level of certification, the level of training and guidelines toward practice vary. Although the term ‘Nutritionist’ allows for a looser definition of the practice, those who are serious about providing excellent care and nutrition to their patients and clients often hold themselves to a higher standard than any particular certification or registration body could provide.

What preparations are necessary to prepare me for a degree in Nutritional Sciences?

A background in science is not necessary, although a healthy appetite for learning is a definite plus. High school students or those considering a degree in nutrition may want to learn about biology, chemistry, mathematics, health, and communications to better prepare themselves for university course study.

  • 1. Find a degree in nutritional sciences offered on a campus in your area or online from our list of accredited colleges.
  • 2. Research schools and degree programs for an understanding of prerequisites and admissions requirements.
  • 3. Satisfy undergraduate or graduate requirements in all related fields.
  • 4. Start your career as a Nutritionist or Dietitian in a hospital, established practice, clinic, community center, research facility or join a partnership.

Nutritionist Certification
View National Requirements to Become a Registered Dietitian

Online Nutritionist Dietitian Degrees

Short on Time? Request Info from Top Nutrition Schools

To learn more about our featured schools click below.


 
Editor Recommended Schools

Kaplan University Online

Programs: Advanced Start BS in Nutrition Science - Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness -Advanced Start BS in Health Science - Advanced Start BS in Human Services - AAS in Human Services - BS in Business Administration/Health Care Management - BS in Health and Wellness - BS in Health Science - BS in Nutrition Science - Life Care Planning - MBA/Health Care Management


Bauman College - Online

Programs: Nutrition - Nutrition Consultant - Nutrition Chef (campus only)


Everglades University - Online

Programs: Nutrition - Herbal - Homeopathy - Naturopathy Traditional


Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Online

Programs: Nutrition - Holistic Health Practitioner


Institute for Integrative Nutrition - Online

Programs: Nutrition - Health Coach Certification


University of Phoenix

Although UOP does not offer degrees in nutrition at this time, there are numerous health care related degrees featured here that are integral to nutrition related careers within the health care field.

Programs: Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration - BS in Health Administration/Health Information Systems - BS in Health Administration/Long Term Care, Doctor of Health Administration - Gerontology Health Care Certificate (Bachelor's degree Required) - MBA/Health Care Management