Nutritionist School in Illinois

Illinois Nutrition Schools, Degrees and Education

As a nutritionist, you have three degree options: (1) an associate’s degree, (2) a bachelor’s degree, and (3) a master’s degree. At the very least, you will need an associate’s degree to work in this profession; however, more and more employers are beginning to look for qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree or better. All of these degree options can be obtained online, and you should always consider this option to see if it meets your needs.

Some of the courses that you can expect to take in any of these degree programs include health and nutrition, human anatomy, physiology, patient care, and human development. As you will soon learn, all of these courses are essential to your role as a nutritionist. Again, make sure that these classes and the school that you go to is accredited.

Certificate Levels

Upon successful graduation from an associate-level nutritionist program, you will then be able to sit for the certified clinical nutritionist (CCN) test, which is administered by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). This is an entry-level test which is only open to new graduates, and it will help you to make your impression in this professional field.

If you have achieved a bachelor’s degree, then you will be eligible for the certified nutrition specialist (CNS) designation, which is issued by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). The CNS title is one step above the CCN, but you will need a 4-year degree to apply.

You will be allowed to retake each respective test, if needed; however, there is an associated cost for every time you take these tests. For the CCN title, the cost is $450. For the CNS title, the cost is $300. These fees will be assessed for each time you take the examination.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Nutritionists in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford and Joliet, Illinois may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Evanston Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.