Nutritionist Certification and Licensing Information

Become a Nutritionist

Career Plan: How to Become a Nutritionist

Nutritionist Resources…

Nutritionists and Dietitians are not quite the same. In general, nutritionists, who are more concerned with health promotion than management of illness, face fewer state regulations. In some states, however, nutritionists are required to have licensure. The requirements will vary. Massachusetts, for example, has similar requirements for nutritionists and dietitians in terms of years of education and hours of practice.

Don’t be alarmed if your state has set very high standards for nutritionists. In some cases, they are regulating who can call themselves a nutritionist or a licensed nutritionist, but not who can provide nutrition education or otherwise practice the profession. Do be aware of the legalities in your state. This is one reason it can be good to maintain ties with a professional organization.

If you have a high level of education, it’s to your advantage to go through a few extra steps and use the title and credentials. If you are a health professional and you’ve begun to distinguish yourself in the nutrition field, you may be eligible to sit for certification exams through the American Clinical Board of Nutrition. If you’re not a health professional, but have a graduate degree in nutrition and significant experience in the field, you can sit for exams through the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists. There are other certifications that you can earn with less experience; you’ll want to check job postings in your geographical area or consult other respected sources to know which are respected. Go for the best you‘re eligible for. It may be that your state or jurisdiction does not have any pathways for you to register or obtain a license. There are credentials, though, that can help you build your career!