To become a certified nutrition specialist, you’ll almost always need a graduate degree. Professional work history in the medical field, such as that of a pharmacist, on the other hand, can be a stepping stone to a successful nutritionist career. You should keep in mind that if you do not have a graduate degree, you will need to take additional nutrition courses.
The majority of nutrition specialists have a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field such as chemistry or biology. One of a specialist’s main responsibilities is to create healthy meal plans; the nutritionist must have a thorough understanding of human physiology and nutritional requirements, particularly if the client is an athlete. The nutritionist will be able to implement and follow strict dietary guidelines for a successful career if they have a higher degree.
The majority of graduate programs include internships as part of the curriculum. In order to create a meal plan for a patient, aspiring nutrition specialists may collaborate with experienced nutritionists. Indeed, some interns may be involved in the creation of a meal plan for a specific area of a hospital, such as a cardiac wing. Low-salt specialties, as well as healthy fruits and vegetables, may be included in typical meals. A diabetic area of the hospital, on the other hand, may require strict sugar counts to ensure the safety of the patients.
Working in the medical field is another option for becoming a certified nutrition specialist. Pharmacists and medical technicians already have a science education and the benefit of real-world experience. A medical professional who wants to become a certified nutrition specialist can easily take additional nutrition classes to prepare for the certification exam.
The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists administers the certification exam on a national level in the United States; individual states do not administer their own certification exams. An applicant can sign up to take the test when he or she feels ready after completing all of the required college education. This exam is very detailed because it is designed to ensure that each person who passes receives the certification. In fact, the certification association encourages the use of their study guides in order to increase one’s chances of earning a certification.
Nutritionists must also attend periodic continuing education classes to stay up to date on nutritional information in order to pass the test. To learn about new nutritional supplements and meal plan strategies, a certified nutrition specialist may attend seminars or actual college classes. For a healthy and lean body, increasing the vegetable portion of a meal in comparison to the protein portion may help curb appetite.