If you have considered becoming a nutritionist, you have taken the first step in an exciting career choice. To turn that thought into a reality, it is up to you to take action.
Know State Requirements
Every state is different when it comes to licensing requirements. For example, 30 states require a license while 15 only require a certificate. For most areas, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition as well as passing an exam. On-the-job practice under the supervision of a professional is also often required.
Find an Educational Institution
Once you understand your requirements designated by your state, it is time to find a facility in which to receive the education necessary to become a nutritionist. Whether you are required to complete a two or four year program, it is important to pick a school that is somewhere you can find comfort in. You will be spending a significant amount of time here, and it is important that you are not distracted or tempted to change schools in the middle of your education.
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Additional Assets
If you want to make the most out of your career, considering additional education in biology, chemistry, and health will give you a competitive edge. Making this investment can mean the difference between your becoming a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist, and your future job opportunities will increase.
Clinical Nutrition Certification Board
To become certified, there are some courses the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board requires including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, human biology and biochemistry. If your degree program does not require these courses, it is up to you to take them. Once you have completed all of the required classes, you are ready to submit your credential review application and college transcripts to the Board for consideration. If approved, you will be required to take the PGSCN course which ultimately leads to the CCN test.
Job Outlook
Once you have obtained your education and licensing, it is time to begin your new career, and you can take pleasure in knowing that the job outlook is good. The need for qualified nutritionists is expected to rise quicker than average jobs through the year 2020. Best of all, there has been an increased interest in food and how it affects our wellness and disease prevention. You can use your knowledge to help in these discoveries. The average salary of a nutritionists is around $47,000, but, if you choose to specialize, you can make even more. For example, the average salary of a beef nutritionists is around $92,000. Whether or not you choose to specialize, you are on your way to beginning a career that will be rewarding both for yourself and the general public.