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How to Become a Nutritionist
By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: March 12th, 2010
While it is possible to pursue nutrition as a second career, if you are in high school and think this might be a path to pursue, this is 
the time to focus on good science and math grades. Not only will doing well in biology, health, chemistry, psychology, statistics and algebra look good on your transcripts when you apply to colleges, but you will need all those skills in your job.
It’s also a good idea to identify local places that employ nutritionists and ask questions. If obtaining a job there while in high school is out of the question, consider interviewing a professional nutritionist to better understand what the job is like on a day-to-day basis. Getting a feel for what sort of facilities nutritionists work in is also helpful. Some nutritionists work in storefront natural healing offices. Others work in nursing homes. Some work in government agencies and others work in food labs. If you have an idea what sort of setting you prefer, it might make it easier when you choose a college major.
There are associates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in dietetics, food service management, human nutrition and many other nutrition-related fields that are approved by the American Dietetic Association Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Even if you are certain you do not want to become a registered dietitian, earning at least a bachelor’s degree is recommended, as it will open up more opportunities for you in the future to pursue a variety of career paths.
Joining an organization for nutritionists is a great way to network, find resources that will help you learn about and land a job, learn new tools, keep up with continuing education and add another credential to your professional resume.
National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
Founded in 1985, this was originally the Society of Certified Nutritionists. This group focuses on the healing powers of food and holistic nutrition practices.
nanp.org
The International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists (IAACN)
Originally a Florida organization founded in 1983, this association focuses on clinical nutritionist and their clients.
iaacn.org
National Association of Sports Nutrition (NASN)
Founded in 1996, this association helps professionals practice sports nutrition counseling. nasnutrition.com
School Nutrition Association (SNA)
This 55,000 member body offers its members training, certifies and credentials them and helps them serve low-cost nutritious meals to students throughout the United States. schoolnutrition.org
American Nutrition Association (ANA)
Founded in 1972, this is a community of professionals and students in the nutrition field. americannutritionassociation.org
In addition to these, many states have their own dietetic associations.
As a professional nutritionist, there are many specialties to choose from. These will also help determine where your job is practiced. If you are interested in geriatrics, a retirement, assisted living or nursing home might be a place to look for a job. If your interest is pediatrics and children, then school districts may beckon you. If food science and chemistry interest you, many pharmaceutical and food companies develop vitamins, supplements and new food products that require qualified nutrition researchers to supervise. If you are interested in athletics, a focus on sports nutrition may bring you to a university sports program, a private gym, or a company that manufactures nutritional supplements for athletes. If you have an interest in helping people overcome eating disorders, there are clinics that specialize in these issues and employ nutritionists on staff. Additionally, fast food franchises, restaurant chains and government agencies advertise jobs for nutritionists through their websites and other job boards.