Nutritionist

To be a successful Nutritionist you should…

• be interested in the relationship between nutrition and health
• want the opportunity to help others
• want to be a part of the health care team
• like a diverse work environment
• be interested in food, health promotion, disease prevention, and health care
• have good communication skills

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What will my job be like?

Nutritionists promote health and the prevention of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension among groups and communities, through good food habits. Nutritionists carry out research and educational programs to help individuals, groups, and entire communities reduce their health risks through nutrition programs. Most nutritionists are also registered dietitians (RDs) with advanced education and/or experience.

Where could I work?

Nutritionists work for international, federal, state and local health agencies (such as public health departments), educational
settings, sports programs, and food/health-related industries.

What is the average annual salary?

$63,000

What is the future of this career?

According to the BLS, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 5,900 openings for dietitians and nutritionists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Nutritionists should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
• University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
• University of Connecticut – Nutritional Sciences, Storrs
• University of New Haven, West Haven
• University of St Joseph, West Hartford

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Connecticut does not require certification or licensure for nutritionists, but some employers may.

Where can I get more information?

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL   60606
(800) 877-1600

www.eatright.org