How to become a nutritionist?

First, congratulations on deciding to pursue this noble career. The work of a nutritionist allows people to achieve higher levels of health and well being, and in today’s rushed, highly stressed environments, good nutrition may well be just what the doctor ordered. To wit, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and, of course, obesity are some of both the most common and most preventable/treatable medical issues in America today. A commonality among these diseases is the role that poor nutrition plays in them, and the role the effect of good nutrition can have. Healthy nutrition, in many cases, alleviating aforementioned conditions.

The process of actually becoming a nutritionist can be an enjoyable one. Perhaps you’ve always enjoyed cooking; something as simple as a pleasant pastime can evolve into a career that is both based on sound science and that is emotionally enriching. A service beneficial to one personally and to a population in general.

Nutritionists are basically experts in food, diet and health who help a person become healthier. Or, ideally, help to prevent various medical conditions exacerbated by poor eating habits in the first place. Nutritionists can be found in various work environments, from gyms to hospitals, and their responsibilities can include anything from a basic consultation to a detailed treatment plan.

Though you can become a nutritionist upon the completion of an accredited training program, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in the nutritional sciences is a more thorough, long term approach to your profession. In either case, classes in biology, psychology, sociology and microbiology are suggested. If completing your bachelor’s in nutrition, you will have a practicum in which you are immersed in your future profession just before graduation.

And after graduation from your college or accredited training program either one, you will be required to take a certification test to cement your credentials in the nutritional field. Once you’ve become certified you will be ready to apply your skills in the clinical setting of your choice. Though initially guided by more experienced professionals, you will soon be in practice independently, caring for patients whose health may, in fact, be dependent upon your skill set. You now have the ability to both treat and prevent, good luck to you, good health to your patients.