How to Become a Sports Dietitian
Sports dietitians have the responsibility of ensuring that athletes maintain their fitness via nutritional meals and drinks. Dietitians design meal plans with an emphasis on increasing an athlete's energy and immunity in addition to improving his concentration and body development. Sports dietitians may work for commercial gyms, sports teams and as employees of athletes. According to Payscale.com, the average national salary for sports dietitians as of 2010 is $48,312.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree
- Computer with Internet access
- Resume
- Internship application
Instructions
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Attend a college or university. Get your bachelor's degree in a nutrition program.
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Become a registered dietitian by contacting the Accreditation for Dietetics Education and asking for a list of its internship programs. Put together an internship application which includes your internship proposal (which should list your reasons for seeking an internship with an organization), college transcripts, sample of work and a work resume with references and their contact information.
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Complete a six-month to 12-month internship program (typically in a hospital or fitness center). Take the exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (see Resources). Pass the exam and find out licensure requirements for the state in which you reside and become licensed (see Resources). Apply to a master's program for nutrition (though not required it can increase your earning potential).
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Become certified with the Institute for Credentialing Excellence and the American College of Sports Medicine, both of which can increase your chances of working as a sports dietitian (see Resources).
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Look for sports dietitian jobs on the American Dietetic Association's job board as well as other online job websites. Update your resume to include your certifications. Send out your resumes. Continue taking courses in the sciences and nutrition in addition to attending nutrition conferences.
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Tips & Warnings
Nutrition students may be required to take courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry and biochemistry.
Sports dietitian jobs are highly competitive so remain aware of the latest trends and research in the field and maintain your certifications.
