To become a pediatric nutritionist, you need a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-related field, such as dietetics. You may also need to complete an internship and pass a licensing exam. Board certification is also available after gaining work experience and passing an exam.
A pediatric nutritionist creates nutritional plans for children. To prepare for this career, you’ll usually have to finish high school and earn a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-related field, such as dietetics. You may also have to complete an internship to gain experience and pass a licensing exam in your jurisdiction. You can also earn board certification in this field after gaining work experience and passing another exam.
To become a pediatric nutritionist, you will typically need to start with a high school diploma or equivalent credential that is accepted in your jurisdiction. This credential is usually required for admission to a degree program, but your time in high school can also help you build a useful knowledge base for continuing your education. Science and health courses can be particularly important when you want to become a pediatric nutritionist. Courses that help develop communication skills are also important. Also, getting high grades in all of your classes can increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
Typically, you can become a pediatric nutritionist after earning a degree in dietetics or nutrition through a program accredited by a dietetics organization. Typically, you’ll take several classes as you work towards that degree, including those in subjects like nutrition and medical nutrition therapy. You will likely study biology, microbiology, metabolism, physiology and meal management as part of this program as well.
In most places, practical training is required when you want to become a pediatric nutritionist. This training usually takes the form of an internship, which may be offered as part of a degree program in dietetics or nutrition. If so, you will often participate in an internship during the final year of a four-year degree program. Sometimes, however, the internship takes place after graduation. Children’s hospitals and other medical facilities are common places where you can participate in a pediatric nutritionist internship.
Depending on the jurisdiction in which you want to become a pediatric nutritionist, you may also need to obtain a license before starting work. To obtain licensure in this field, it may be necessary to prove completion of an internship and then pass a licensing exam. Once you’ve secured significant work experience in this field, you can also choose to pursue board certification, which involves passing an exam or series of exams and meeting the certification board’s requirements.
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