How to Become a Nutritionist

November 8, 2024

Wondering how to become a nutritionist so you can excel in your desired career path? If so, our team is here to outline the steps for doing so, as well as offer numerous tips as you embark on your journey. Read on to learn more about what the process entails and how a degree from P.I.T. can put you on a path to success.

What to Know About the Nutritionist Career Path

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

A nutritionist is a type of health professional whose role is to help others improve and maintain their health and manage disease through food intake. Nutritionists can work in a variety of settings where health and wellness are at the forefront, including hospitals, nursing homes, universities, medical offices, and more.

Individuals on the nutritionist career path have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Assessing the nutritional needs of their clients based on a variety of factors, including age, medical conditions, dietary restrictions, activity level, and more
• Developing personalized meal plans to meet a client’s nutritional needs while also taking into account the individual’s preferences and budget
• Educating clients on how to make healthy food and lifestyle choices that align with their goals and aspirations
• Continuously monitoring a client’s progress and making adjustments to their meal plan if need be

Along with everyday tasks, the responsibilities of those in a nutritionist career can also include keeping up with research, creating instructive materials, and educating others on how to promote the healthiest lifestyle possible through the power of food.

Becoming a Nutritionist: 4 Steps for a Long-Lasting Career

Complete Your Bachelor’s Degree

Before becoming a nutritionist, individuals need to complete their bachelor’s degree in a related field, which can include an undergraduate degree in nutrition, dietetics, or food management.

The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is proud to offer a health science bachelor’s degree for students looking to begin a successful career as a nutritionist. With multiple pathways to choose from, the program integrates rigorous coursework and practical experiences to equip students with the tools that they need to take on any role in the field or even pursue graduate education.

Gain Real-World Experience

Along with completing coursework, participating in extracurricular activities is just one of the many ways to expand on existing skills, as well as learn new ones. So, if you’re wondering what activities to pursue alongside your studies, know that some we recommend for the most immersive experience include:

• Interning with seasoned professionals
• Collaborating on projects with healthcare providers
• Volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen

Achieve Your License and Certification

Once you complete your degree, you can pursue the certifications you need to start practicing full time. It’s important to note that the process to earn your credentials can vary depending on the state, but in most cases, you should be able to achieve your credentials by passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.

Keep in mind as well that to practice as a nutritionist, some states may also require you to achieve your Licensed Dietitian (LD) credential alongside graduating with your undergraduate degree. Additionally, to maintain your registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credentials, you’ll be expected to pay the CDR’s annual registration fee, as well as fulfill their requirement of completing 75 education hours every five years.

Search for a Career in the Field

After completing the steps to become a nutritionist, the final task is to find an occupation that aligns with your goals and preferences. For the best results, just some of the tips we recommend during your job search include:

• Networking with professionals in the field through conferences and LinkedIn
• Tailoring your cover letter to each position you’re applying to
• Highlighting key skills and areas of interest in your résumé
• Pursuing various certifications depending on your specialization

How P.I.T. Prepares You for a Career as a Nutritionist

At the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology, our passionate faculty and staff members are dedicated to the betterment of our student body. That’s why we offer a health science degree that properly prepares students for a long-lasting career in such a versatile, impactful field.

On top of that, just some of the advantages of choosing P.I.T. to pursue the nutritionist career path include that we offer:

• Personalized job placement assistance for students, which incorporates job search coaching, résumé and cover letter assistance, and interview techniques
• Transfer agreements with select accredited colleges to help efficiently facilitate the transfer processes, as it’s our priority to ensure every credit earned is maximized while minimizing the cost
• Knowledgeable financial aid advisors who work closely with students and their families throughout the application process, making sure they are receiving the highest quality assistance

Ultimately, one of the most vital steps to becoming a nutritionist involves applying to a distinguished program that’s designed for student success. So, if you’re ready to get started, complete our online application for the health science degree today.

FAQs on Nutritionist Careers and More

What does the job outlook look like in the nutritionist field?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than average for all occupations. This means that approximately 6,100 nutritionist career openings are projected each year over the course of the decade.

What kinds of interests, strengths, and qualities would a good nutritionist possess?

As you research how to become a nutritionist, know that there is a variety of skills you should possess to excel in the field. These include:

What are some trends and statistics about the nutritionist field?

• In 2022, 90% of dietitians and nutritionists in the United States were women (Data USA)
• As of 2024, there is a continued interest in how gut microbiota affects various aspects of the body (Abbott)
• In 2024, we should also see an increase in plant-based diets because of their purported health benefits, as well as their positive impact on the environment (Abbott)
• Magnesium is expected to be the most beneficial nutrient of 2024 (Nutrition Jobs)
• Sober curiosity is also on the rise, as more individuals are choosing to reduce their alcohol intake compared to previous years (Nutrition Jobs)

What is the average salary of a nutritionist?

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and linked above, the average salary of a nutritionist in the United States is $69,680, which equates to approximately $33.50 per hour. Though this is the case, a nutritionist’s salary can depend on a variety of factors, such as education, experience, certifications, location, and more. 

Apply to Our Program Today

If you’re ready to take the next steps toward a rewarding and long-lasting nutritionist career, apply for our health science degree today. And if you have any additional questions about how to become a nutritionist, reach out to our team, as we look forward to assisting you.