How to Become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist: Step-By-Step Career Guide

Learn how to become a certified holistic nutritionist. Research the job description and the education and licensing requirements and find out how to start a career as a certified nutritionist.

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Requirements for Becoming a Certified Holistic Nutritionist

Nutritionists are licensed professionals who have completed bachelor's degree programs in dietetics, nutrition, or a related discipline. Some nutritionists further their education by completing a holistic nutrition certificate or degree program.

Common Requirements
Degree Level Bachelor's degree*
Degree Field Nutrition, dietetics, or related degree*
Licensure and Certification License is usually required*
Experience Internship or fieldwork is helpful*
Key Skills Analytical, organizational, communication, and people skills*
Computer Skills Microsoft Excel and Word, medical software, analytical or scientific software, and database user interface and query software**

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and **O*Net Online

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a nutritionist. Aspiring nutritionists may want to consider a degree program in dietetics, human nutrition, or a similar discipline that is approved and accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). These bachelor's degree programs include science courses, such as biochemistry and anatomy, as well as nutrition courses covering nutrition in the life cycle, nutritional assessment, and food principles.

Step 2: Complete an Internship

Most accredited dietetic and nutrition degree programs require students to complete an internship under the supervision of a licensed nutritionist. Many of these internships take place at health care facilities. Interns interact with both trained professionals and patients as they develop skills and build experience.

Step 3: Become Licensed

Most states require some form of licensing. Qualifications for state licensure vary, but they generally include passing a state examination and completing an ADA-accredited bachelor's degree program in a nutrition- or dietetics-related discipline. Aspiring holistic nutritionists might want to seek the ADA's Registered Dietitian (RD) credential, which may or may not be a state requirement. An RD candidate must hold at least a bachelor's degree, pass an exam, and provide proof of internship experience.

Step 4: Continue Education and Earn Certification

Continuing education (CE) is a common requirement for maintaining licensure and ADA credentialing. Choosing a certificate or degree program that's approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) can be the first step toward earning voluntary board certification in holistic nutrition, which is offered through the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board. Other requirements for certification include membership in the NANP and at least 500 hours of holistic nutrition experience.

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