DIETETICS & NUTRITION
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 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.
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.
Average Annual Salary
$69,680 per year
What is the future of this career?
Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,100 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.
Type of Education/Training
Nutritionists should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program.
Where could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College
- CT State Gateway
- Fairfield University
- Mitchell College
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut - Nutritional Sciences
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
- Western Connecticut State University
- University of Bridgeport
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Current certification as a Registered Dietitian by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or have taken CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians and hold an acceptable master’s or doctoral degree primarily focused on human nutrition or dietetics.
More Information
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606
312-899-0040
www.eatright.org
