Summarize the following:
There are 30 states that require a license and 15 states that require certification (1 requires registration after an accredited course). Generally, the requirements for state licensure and state certification include having a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition or a related area, supervised practice, and passing an exam. If you're curious, the 4 states that currently do not have any licensure requirements are Arizona, Colorado, Michigan and New Jersey. The accreditation required for a degree in the nutritional science field varies from state to state. Currently, 46 states require an accredited 2 or 4 year degree in nutritional science (either online or campus-based.) Getting your bachelor's in nutrition, institution management, biology, chemistry, and physiology is your best bet. You'll also benefit from business, mathematics, psychology, sociology, and economics courses. Odds are, if your program is a good one, it will touch on all these bases. And if your state is one that requires a license with experience, it's best to pick a program that has a built in internship. An advanced degree isn't strictly necessary, but a solid understanding of biology, chemistry and health will be a great asset. In addition, the more education you have, the more job opportunities you'll have. If you'd like to continue learning, it's a good idea! If you do complete an advanced degree, you are that much closer to getting certified through the CBNS (Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists). If you take and pass the exam, you will become a Certified Nutrition Specialist. However, this article will outline becoming a Certified Clinical Nutritionist -- a process that doesn't need an advanced degree.
Investigate the requirements needed by your state. Find an educational program. Consider an advanced degree in nutritional science.