Ask Dr Nerenberg | Health and Fitness

How to get into a nutrition/medicinal career?

I am not sure of the exact title of the occupation i wish to go into but i would like to be engaged with the study and application of nutrition, training others to be eating the right diets… composing individual specific dietary plans according to their goals/disease etc.. this area really interests me. My ultimate goal would be to reach doctor status.

Nice job Aiesha!

If you are beginning 3rd year of a sport and exercise science degree you will fly in this job!!!!!

If you are, then you may want to consider learning how to become a nutritionist. Nutritionists are becoming increasingly in demand as more people are becoming interested in taking better care of themselves. As people become more aware of their health, they are going to turn to professionals for guidance on proper diet and eating habits. That’s where nutritionists come in. It is the job of the nutritionist to develop menus and dietary guidelines based on an individual’s specific needs.

Instructions.

1
Connect with people who are already working as nutritionists. This is great way to learn the ropes. You can find out what is expected of a nutritionist. Talk to them about the pros and cons of the profession. This will help you decide if this is the right profession for you. They can offer some valuable tips on how to become a nutritionist. Find them by looking in the yellow pages. Your physician may know some nutritionists. Many health related non-profit organizations have a nutritionist on staff.

2
Learn all you can about food, dieting, and preparing meals. Experiment with tasty, nutritional snacks and meals at home. See which ones you like best. Get the opinions of family and friends. This will help you come up with some nutritional diet plans that people actually enjoy eating. You will be able to put these skills to use once you become a nutritionist.

3
Get the necessary education. Take a college program that has the approval of the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Take courses in biology, nutrition, food science, and physiology. It would also be a good idea to learn about computer science, business, psychology, and statistics. If you get a master’s degree in nutrition, you will be more qualified for positions in management. It will also allow you to specialize in areas such as diabetic, cardiovascular, or pediatric dietetics.

4
Find out what the specific requirements are in your state. Some states that require certification, also require you to complete an internship before you can become certified. If your state requires you to have a license, you’ll have to pass an exam before you can become a nutritionist.

5
Look for work as a nutritionist. You can start with the nutritionists you contacted when you were first learning how to become a nutritionist. They can let you know about openings that they have or may know of. Contact schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations, and medical offices for openings. Contact the American Dietetic Association. They offer career information and advice, and they may know of job openings or may be able to direct you to places that are hiring nutritionists.

Inside OSU – Nutritional Sciences