How to Become a Nutritionist: A Guide

A nutritionist is an expert in food and nutrition who advises people on what to eat to be healthy. Nutritionists sometimes work with people who have medical conditions and those who want to improve their overall health.

In this guide, you'll learn about the credentials and education necessary to become a nutritionist. You'll also discover the essential skills a nutritionist needs and get a peek into salary expectations and the employment outlook. 

Earn your degree in health science or a related field

It’s possible to become a nutritionist online without a degree. However, many people pursue a degree in health science or a related field, such as food science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, dietetics, or biochemistry [1]. The time to become a nutritionist can vary depending on your chosen programme. It depends on whether you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program or a shorter months-long accreditation program [3]. 

Bachelor’s degree 

A bachelor’s degree is not always required to become a nutritionist. Still, many employers look for nutritionists who have completed relevant coursework and are likely to value an applicant with a degree and accreditation; some require a master’s degree [1]. Choosing an accredited programme is important to get the best education possible to help future patients. The Association for Nutrition offers accreditation for nutrition programmes. The programme can be in any subject, but related fields like anatomy, biology, biochemistry, or nutrition are common. Bachelor’s degree programmes in nutrition sometimes require an internship. 

Master’s degree

Some nutritionists looking to work in a clinical setting or education earn a Master of Science from a nutrition degree programme. It is not required to become a nutritionist but is helpful or required for some positions. A master’s degree takes about two years and features classes on medical nutrition therapy, probability or statistics, molecular biology, public policy, and health issues. In these programs, nutritionists can focus on specialties within the nutrition field and work on their understanding of nutrition research. 

Registrations 

Many employers want nutritionists who register with a professional organisation. Registration ensures that you have met specific academic and professional benchmarks. 

Registered Nutritionist (RNutr)

To become a Registered Nutritionist, you must register with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). To qualify for registration, you must hold a degree from an accredited programme and have spent a few years working professionally. You can become registered by completing accredited BSc (Hons) or higher programmes or meeting certain criteria, such as spending considerable time (usually seven years) employed in nutrition science.  

Registered associate nutritionist (ANutr)

You could also opt to become a registered associate nutritionist. These roles require similar academic credentials but fewer practical or professional qualifications. Typically, people seeking to become an ANutr will work alongside a team instead of in private practice. To become a registered associate nutritionist, you must apply to the UKVRN. 

Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register options

A sport and exercise nutritionist can work independently with athletes and physical therapy patients or gain employment with a sporting organisation. To become registered in this area, you must meet qualifications from the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register, which includes academic and professional objectives, including having the required training and evidence of competency. Registration categories include practitioner, graduate, and academic. 

Gain experience

Many nutrition programmes require hands-on experience. To get more experience and become a nutritionist, you can complete internships, do freelance work, or join nutritionist organisations.

Internships

Many nutrition programmes require hands-on experience. A popular option to gain experience is through an internship or apprenticeship. You may pursue it during your coursework before graduation or afterwards. These internships give you hands-on experience in the field. Many people choose to complete multiple internships in various specialties to see whether they want to pursue jobs in those areas.

During an internship, you'll learn how to develop patient care plans, perform office duties like helping with paperwork, or manage food delivery for patients. 

Freelance nutrition work

One way to work in nutrition is to freelance, offering nutrition coaching to people looking to change their diet or lifestyle. Another option is to offer your nutritionist expertise on a case-by-case basis to earn more income. You can also volunteer at a non-profit organisation if you’re looking for more experience.

Nutritionist clubs on campus

Joining a group of nutritionist students can help you network while completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree. Look for opportunities to hear from guest speakers or shadow professionals in your area. 

National dietitian or nutritionist organisations

Join organisations related to your nutritionist field or specialty and attend meetings and events. Look for opportunities to shadow nutritionists in your area and volunteer for public health or nutritionist offices to gain more experience.

Skills you need to become a nutritionist

A nutritionist is a public-facing position, so communication skills and empathy are beneficial. Speaking languages other than English can help broaden your ability to help more clients. You should be able to listen to patients' concerns and understand their needs. You must also be willing to keep up with the latest nutrition to offer the best care possible. 

The ability to think critically and problem-solve can help you tackle a patient’s health problems. Nutritionists should be skilled in mathematics to calculate a patient’s nutrient needs and other health metrics, like body mass index. 

Besides interpersonal skills, nutritionists need to remain organised to stay on top of their client files and paperwork and manage many cases simultaneously. If you pursue a leadership role, you will need to manage others effectively, which requires learning to delegate, allocate resources, coach others, and collaborate with colleagues. Nutritionists should be able to teach and guide clients and people in the community in a way they can understand.

How long does it take to become a nutritionist? 

The time it takes to become a nutritionist can vary from months for a short programme to years for an advanced degree. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree will take less time than completing a master’s or doctoral degree. It will take about three years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, two more years to earn a master’s degree, and several years of work to qualify to become a registered nutritionist.

Salary and career outlook 

The National Careers Service says nutritionists earn between £30,000 and £53,000 annually. The minimum education and training requirements are two or three A levels and a degree in a relevant subject of postgraduate study [2].

Getting started 

Get started on your journey to becoming a nutritionist by researching accredited programs. You can also take a related Course available on Coursera, such as Stanford University’s Stanford Introduction to Food and Health.

You can also enroll in the National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials to learn the latest information on nutrition coaching strategies, behaviour change strategies, and nutrition science.