A nutritionist is a person who advises others on matters of food and nutrition and their impacts on health. Some people specialize in particular areas, such as sports nutrition, public health, or animal nutrition, among other disciplines.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
Nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. They can promote health using nutrition information and are considered specialists who advise people on what to eat to keep a healthy lifestyle. Nutritionists frequently work closely with individuals who have medical issues, such as diabetics or people undergoing critical treatments.
What education do you need to become a nutritionist?
Nutritionist prerequisites generally include at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science or in a related science or health field. After earning a bachelor’s degree, a nutrition specialist must seek further certification and accreditation, depending on the focus of their work
Can I be a nutritionist without a degree?
In the South Africa anyone can call themselves a nutritionist as the term itself is unregulated. There are no educational requirements or guidelines for the term so you do not need a formal education.
Below are steps to Become A Nutritionist In South Africa
Step 1Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in a Health-Related Field
Many entry-level nutritionists have a bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition or a related field, such as dietetics or food service system management. Undergraduate programs that lend themselves to a career as a nutritionist may include the following:
Food science
Microbiology
Dietetics
Chemistry
Nutrition
Biochemistry
Clinical nutritional care
Anatomy
Community nutrition
Psychology
Biology
Bachelor’s degree programs can typically be completed in four years. During their training, students may also have to complete an internship, either during their undergraduate program or shortly after graduation.
Step 2Meet Your State’s Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensure and certification requirements differ across the country. Many states require nutritionists to obtain and update special certifications, while others require completion of exams to prove knowledge and skills. Make sure you research your state’s requirements and procedures before moving forward with training.
The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Registered Dietitian (RD) credentials, which are administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, meet the requirements for licensing in some states. In order to earn one of these credentials, you need to:
Graduate from an approved and accredited bachelor’s degree program
Complete a supervised practice program
Pass a national examination
Complete continuing education requirements
Nutritionists who have graduated from a master’s or doctoral degree program and have completed 1,000 hours of experience may earn the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential administered by the Certification Board of Nutrition Specialists.
Step 3Complete an Advanced Program or Degree (Optional)
Some nutritionists decide to continue their education by completing a master’s or doctorate degree program in nutrition. Although advanced degrees are normally not required to work as a nutritionist, they can prepare students to work as educators and researchers in the nutrition field.
A master’s degree program typically takes an additional two years of full-time schooling, and often includes the following courses:
Medical nutrition therapy
Probability or Statistics
Molecular biology
Public policy and health issues
Doctoral programs in nutrition normally require students to take graduate-level courses in nutrition, chemistry and biology, perform fieldwork, and complete a dissertation. The curriculum may include the following coursework:
Advanced nutrition
Research applications
Nutrition assessment methods
Components of a Successful Career as a Nutritionist
Nutritionist Skills
In addition to an understanding of nutritional concepts, nutritionists must possess the analytical and problem-solving skills to apply what they learned in school to individual patients and their specific needs.
Nutritionists should also:
Actively acquire new skills and keep current ones fresh, such as by researching dietary trends and potential hazards.
Have detailed knowledge of food production issues, such as how pesticides can affect physical and mental health, as well as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and organic foods.
Have a deep understanding of nutrient and chemical absorption and how this affects physical and mental health. As with other healthcare practitioners, nutritionists need to have good communication skills both listening and speaking in order to understand their patients’ problems and make recommendations.
Career Outlook for Nutritionists
According to the South Africa Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job opportunities for nutritionists are expected to increase by 21 percent . That growth, the agency reports, is much higher than the average for all occupations.
This increase has been attributed to the nationwide concern about rising obesity rates and the illnesses that can be exacerbated by obesity such as diabetes and heart disease.
In addition, as people live longer, there is a need for nutritionists to work with geriatric patients in facilities such as nursing homes. Trends toward eating locally grown, organic and non-genetically modified foods have also opened up opportunities for nutritionists who specialize in those areas.
How long do you have to go to school to be a nutritionist In South Africa?
This can vary based on the state you live in and what the requirements are for certification. It can range from a short program of a few months to a four-year bachelor’s program.
Can I be a nutritionist without a degree In South Africa?
You can. Technically you can be a nutritionist without pursuing a degree, but most employers looking for a nutritionist require a certain amount of coursework, and board certifications. If you want to become a registered dietitian, you will need to get a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like nutrition or food science.
What major do you need to be a nutritionist In South Africa?
Popular majors for people who go into nutrition include food science, nutrition, chemistry, biology, dietetics, or biochemistry. However you don’t have to get a degree at all to pursue a degree in nutrition. It will be of great help in your career, though, since most degree programs offer more credentials.
Nutrition School Accreditation Requirements for Licensing
Attending an accredited school or university will not only train you to become a nutritionist but help you attain licensing once you’ve completed your coursework. Look for programs that are certified with the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, as those are the programs recognized as appropriate for this field.
How long does it take to become a certified nutritionist In South Africa?
Depending on your specific path and schedule, becoming a licensed nutritionist can take around five years. This takes into account the four years to complete a bachelor’s degree and one additional year to complete an internship. More advanced licensure will take more time, as a graduate degree may be required.
What education do you need to become a nutritionist In South Africa?
Nutritionist prerequisites generally include at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science or in a related science or health field. After earning a bachelor’s degree, a nutrition specialist must seek further certification and accreditation, depending on the focus of their work.
Is it worth it to become a certified nutritionist In South Africa?
Confidence and credibility
Getting a certification can help you feel more confident in your ability to help your clients reach their goals. You will not only gain new information and facts, but you’ll also learn methods and strategies so that you can be more productive with your clients.
How much does it cost to become a certified nutritionist In South Africa?
Courses cost for a degree is in the vicinity of R 453392.94-R 755654.91 so it’s quite a commitment in time and money, don’t forget if all the science scares you and you are looking more to coach people in health you have option of our Health & Wellness Coach Certification Program.