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Nutrition Career Resources
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"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of human frame, and in the cause and prevention of disease." ~T. A. Edison

a nutritionist talking to a patient

In natural medicine, the study of nutrition focuses on the effect of diet upon the patient's health. Students learn how bad diet can increase the risk of serious health problems while modifications in diet can ease the symptoms or even cure a serious disease. Almost all natural medicine schools offer some courses in nutrition as part of a healer's training. Certain schools make nutrition their main focus and often teach a particular theory of diet such as macrobiotics. Still others offer specialized training as a Registered Dietitian (RD).

Distinguishing a Nutritionist from a Dietitian

It can be difficult to decipher the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian. Basically, dieticians are licensed by most states as Registered Dieticians (RD), meaning they require a bachelor's degree as well as post-graduate training in an accredited program. They must also pass a licensing exam and keep their license current by completing continuing education classes (CEs) for the entire time they are licensed professionals. Dietitians often work in clinical or hospital settings.

Nutritionists do not go through the RD training and licensure, and typically work in more holistic types of nutrition settings. There are now many nutritionist bachelor's degree programs and training schools that offer formal and reputable degrees in nutrition.

Nutrition Jobs & Career Practices

Generally nutritionists work as consultants either as part of a integrated clinic or in solo practice. Some use their training to do research for whole foods companies and supplements manufacturers. Others teach or even write books about nutrition. Those who graduate from schools that concentrate on food preparation often become chefs for private spas or start their own whole foods restaurant.

There are many specialty opportunities in nutrition and dietetics, including family nutrition therapy, sports nutrition and home nutrition consultation. Some nutritionists work with schools, or even large corporations, like Google. Nutrition is a very versatile career with many opportunities in the thriving wellness industry.

Nutrition Degrees & Certification Overview

Degrees vary by the nature of the school. Many universities offer master's degrees in nutrition that qualify the student to teach or practice in a hospital setting as a dietitian. If your major interest is natural medicine, courses that emphasize "whole foods" (foods as unaltered as possible from their natural state) or holistic medicine are probably your best bet. Other schools offer certificates and specialized training in specific areas such as the use of food in Oriental medicine or cooking whole foods. Some classes are designed to be taken as continuing education for licensed practitioners to expand the scope of their knowledge.

Get more in-depth nutritionist and dietitian career training, job outlook, licensure and salary information.

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