Education Required for Nutrition Consultant

Nutrition consultants, also known as nutritionists and dietitians, are essential to the fitness and medical industries. Because the amount of knowledge required to successfully change lives, nutrition consultants typically must meet specific education requirements.

Undergraduate Degree

A bachelor's degree is required to become a nutrition consultant. Degrees are usually in an area related to nutrition, such as exercise science, food management or dietetics.

Undergraduate Coursework

A student pursuing an undergraduate degree in order to work as a nutrition consultant should expect a heavy amount of science coursework. Classes such as anatomy, chemistry, nutrition, biology and biochemistry are standard.

Licensure

After attaining an undergraduate degree, the aspiring nutrition consultant must then pass a licensing exam. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 35 states in the United States require licensure.

Advanced Education

Although graduate work is not necessary to become a nutrition consultant, many choose to follow this route. Advanced degrees in nutrition and dietetics may open the door for career advancement in the future.

Continuing Education

After becoming licensed, some nutrition consultants either choose to, or are required to, undergo some level of continuing education. This may include internships, home study courses and professional workshops.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics