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To become a certified nutrition specialist, one needs an undergraduate degree or work experience in the medical field. Most experts have a master’s or doctorate in nutrition or a related science. The certification exam is administered nationally, and ongoing education is required for up-to-date information.
An undergraduate degree is usually required to become a certified nutrition specialist. On the other hand, a professional work history in the medical field, such as being employed as a pharmacist, can be a stepping stone to a successful nutritionist career. You should keep in mind that extra nutrition courses will need to be taken if you don’t have a degree.
Most experts earned a master’s or doctorate in nutrition or a related science, such as chemistry or biology. One of the main duties of an expert is to plan healthy meal plans; the nutritionist must have a clear understanding of human physiology and nutritional needs, especially if the person is an athlete. The highest level ensures that the nutritionist can implement and follow strict dietary guidelines for a successful career.
Most graduate degrees involve internships as part of the course curriculum. Aspiring nutrition specialists can work with experienced nutritionists to create a meal plan for a patient. Indeed, some interns may be involved in designing a meal plan for a certain part of a hospital, such as a cardiac ward. Typical meals might include low-salt specialties and healthy fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, a diabetic area of the hospital may need strict sugar counts for patient safety.
Another path to becoming a certified nutrition specialist is to be employed in the medical field. Pharmacists and medical technicians already have an educational background in the sciences, plus the added benefit of real-world experience. A medical professional aspiring to become a certified nutrition specialist can easily take classes in supplemental nutrition to enhance their background on a certification test.
In the US, the certification exam is administered at the national level by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists; individual states do not administer their own certification exams. Once all the necessary education has been completed, the candidate can apply to take the test when they feel ready. This exam is very detailed as it is designed to ensure certification is guaranteed for each individual who passes. In fact, the certification association encourages using their study guides for the best chance of earning a certification.
Successful completion of the test also requires nutritionists to take periodic and ongoing classes for up-to-date nutritional information. A certified nutrition expert can attend actual college seminars or classes to learn about new nutritional supplements and meal plan strategies. For example, increasing the vegetable portion, compared to the protein portion, of a meal can help reduce appetite for a healthy, lean body.
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