Answers (3)
1
Most nutritionists and dietitians have a BA in some field related to nutrition. Many states then require licensing. In that way it is similar to body work professionals, like massage therapists. Sometimes if the training was done outside the US one can get a license, but you would need to figure out what the rules are for that if it applies to you.
Remember there is a difference between certification, education, and licensure.
First you want to figure out what services you would like to offer. Then look at the state where you wish to provide those services. That will give you an idea of what you need to do to expand your scope of practice. Then check with your insurance company to see what they cover and what they require of you to cover the services you wish to offer.
Good luck.
Remember there is a difference between certification, education, and licensure.
First you want to figure out what services you would like to offer. Then look at the state where you wish to provide those services. That will give you an idea of what you need to do to expand your scope of practice. Then check with your insurance company to see what they cover and what they require of you to cover the services you wish to offer.
Good luck.
0
Hi Jenny,
I agree with Ariadne - she pretty much covered things. This question has come up several times before, and I pretty much answer it the same way. If you're looking to make a shift from fitness to nutrition, then I would take the formal education and licensure route. Certain states are pretty strict about dispensing nutrition advice, particularly when you start crossing boundaries (i.e., mapping out specific meal plans). If you're simply looking to supplement your knowledge of fitness with nutrition knowledge, that's a different story. It really depends on what you're looking to do. Here's a site you might want to check out:
http://www.nutritionadvocacy.org/laws-state#80
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
I agree with Ariadne - she pretty much covered things. This question has come up several times before, and I pretty much answer it the same way. If you're looking to make a shift from fitness to nutrition, then I would take the formal education and licensure route. Certain states are pretty strict about dispensing nutrition advice, particularly when you start crossing boundaries (i.e., mapping out specific meal plans). If you're simply looking to supplement your knowledge of fitness with nutrition knowledge, that's a different story. It really depends on what you're looking to do. Here's a site you might want to check out:
http://www.nutritionadvocacy.org/laws-state#80
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
0
Two ways to practice nutrition - become a Certified Nutrition Specialist, which requires a Masters Degree in nutrition and passing a board exam.
Or become a Registered Dietitian after getting a bachelors in nutrition and taking a one year residency program, then passing a national board exam.
Neither are easy, but both are the only two ways to become licensed as a nutritionist/dietitian and are the two ways that you can practice nutrition that involves nutrition assessment and meal plan creation. It takes years of study and practice.
Certifications aren't the same as formal education. Many nutrition certifications are open book tests and only require a few weeks of study.
That's exciting to hear about your passion for nutrition. Definitely look at the CNS program, it only takes 1.5 to 2 years and you can get licensed to most states with a CNS credential.
Or become a Registered Dietitian after getting a bachelors in nutrition and taking a one year residency program, then passing a national board exam.
Neither are easy, but both are the only two ways to become licensed as a nutritionist/dietitian and are the two ways that you can practice nutrition that involves nutrition assessment and meal plan creation. It takes years of study and practice.
Certifications aren't the same as formal education. Many nutrition certifications are open book tests and only require a few weeks of study.
That's exciting to hear about your passion for nutrition. Definitely look at the CNS program, it only takes 1.5 to 2 years and you can get licensed to most states with a CNS credential.
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