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With rates of obesity and chronic disease on the rise, nutritionists play a role that is more important than ever. If you’re ready to become a certified nutritionist, you’re making an important and impactful choice, and the best part is that becoming a certified nutritionist is financially achievable. So how much does it cost to become a certified nutritionist? Read on to learn about costs and program length. What is a Certified Nutritionist?Whether doing one-on-one nutritional counseling or managing nutrition at a school, business, or hospital, becoming a certified nutritionist means you’ll be able to:
You’ll obtain all of these skills based on a course reinforced by the latest research and data on Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs)—the nutrient reference values developed by the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine—as well as research on healthy fats, organic foods, athletes and supplements, nutrition and cancer, and more. Types of CertificationsNutrition & Wellness Consultant CertificationThe base-level nutritionist certification is the Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Certification. In this program, you’ll obtain the skills and knowledge to provide effective guidance to clients in fitness, healthy living, and weight management. Additionally, the distance-learning course will provide you with information about counseling protocol and how to implement action-based worksheets and practical case studies. You’ll become a certified nutrition and wellness consultant through the use of comprehensive e-books or textbooks, self-assessment quizzes, activities, video lectures, and, ultimately, your final exam—all online from the comfort of your own home, on your own time. Here are some main details about the base-level nutritionist certification program:
Master Nutrition ConsultantBeyond the Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Certification course is the master-level designation, which is the most advanced level of certification in nutrition offered and includes the following certifications:
As a master-level certified nutritionist, you’ll have the most comprehensive and holistic training available, setting you apart from others by proving you have the education, expertise, professionalism, and commitment to guide clients on their health and wellness journey. The format and learning style of the master-level certification are the same as with the Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Certification, but here are some additional details to know about the master-level certification program:
In addition to the regular and master nutritionist certifications, most programs also offer the ability to complement your training with a specialist certification. Some of the areas you might consider specializing in include senior nutrition, youth nutrition, and sports nutrition. A Career in NutritionThere are countless job opportunities in today’s growing health and wellness industry. Some positions you can pursue after you become a certified nutritionist include:
Additionally, with an advanced certification, some nutritionists go on to work with public agencies, preparing important reports on nutrition and diet trends, as well as educating the public on healthy living and nutrition. A Booming Wellness IndustryBecoming a certified nutritionist puts you in a great position within a booming market as more and more people realize the power of food in preventing and treating disease and illness. Right now, half of all Americans have a chronic disease, with one in four battling multiple chronic conditions. By becoming a certified nutritionist, you can help people get their health back on track. Would you believe the wellness industry is currently outspending the $1 trillion pharmaceutical industry more than three-fold, at $3.4 trillion? This means the market is more than ready for more nutritionists who can end the current health epidemic for good. By investing in yourself and becoming a certified nutritionist, you’ll reap countless benefits. Beyond just helping people turn their lives around, you’ll boost your earning potential and credibility as a health and wellness professional. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for nutritionists is around $60,000 per year—with the highest earners pulling in $83,070—and the field is expected to grow 15 percent by 2026, which is much more rapid than the average for all occupations. Are you ready to become a certified nutritionist? Download our FAQ Pricing Sheet to learn more about what AFPA’s Nutrition & Wellness Consultant Certification course has in store for you. Share this article Is becoming a dietitian expensive?The American Dietetic Association[1] distinguishes dietitians from nutritionists based the specific education and certification received. Typical costs: A bachelor's degree ranges from $5,000 per year at a state college to $20,000 or more per year at a private college.
Is becoming a registered dietitian hard?Nutrition and Dietetics is an incredibly hard, and science-based degree. You have to work hard to get through it as you can't fake it. If you're not good at science or maths, be prepared to get a tutor to help you and work hard. Nutrition has a really high drop out rate because it's so hard.
Is becoming a registered dietitian worth it?Becoming a registered dietitian is not a career path you should take lightly. Compared with nutritionists, it is a highly regulated industry that requires specific education, training, experience and licensure. However, it can be well worth it, considering the wages and your passion for helping others.
What is the difference between an RD and RDN?Does the optional RDN have a different meaning than the RD credential? No. The RD and RDN credential have identical meanings and legal trademark definitions.
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