ANSWERS: 2
  • Nutrition counseling certification programs instruct students on how to provide educated guidance to people who seek nutritional counseling and advice on subjects such as health, wellness, overall nutrition, weight management and body physical fitness. Various curricula are offered to learn the fundamental skills of counseling and health strategies in order to effectively communicate and enlighten clients on their areas of interest and to reach their personalized goals.

    Prior Educational Requirements

    The United States Department of Labor indicates that in order to obtain nutrition counseling certification, it is necessary to have a minimum of a college or university bachelor's degree. While the school must be approved by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, the degree does not need to be in the nutrition counseling field.

    State Licensing

    The United States Department of Labor reports that 46 states have enacted legislation that regulates the dietetics practice, which includes nutrition counseling. State licensing and certification are separate from registration or certification by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Check with the state where work is planned prior to taking an exam, since each state's requirements are exclusive to each particular state. The Commission on Dietetic Registration provides a list of state contacts to find each state's requirements.

    Education

    Various academic facilities, colleges and universities offer educational programs designed to provide an understanding of nutritional principles for an awareness of nutrition that translates to the wellness community. Courses of study can include regular, evening and weekend programs. Programs involve associate, bachelor and master of science-level curricula with core basic, intermediate and advanced nutrition courses. Areas of study can include clinical biochemistry, general nutrition and counseling, issues in public health and biostatistics. Elective courses offered can include a thesis or comprehensive exam, as required to fulfill requirements for specific degrees.

    Certification Programs

    The American Fitness Professionals and Associates' nutrition counseling certification program includes all of the materials necessary to study for the 200 question certification test. The American Association of Nutritional Consultants requires the completion of a series of 11 tests to demonstrate proficiency in General and Applied Nutrition and in Practice Management. The NICC Food and Ag Sciences program offers a targeted course of study in the area of food and nutrition.

    Additional Certification

    The certification exam offered by the American Dietetic Association for Registered Dieticians is another nutritional counseling option that carries a 75-hour course work requirement to maintain status, every 5 years.

    Source:

    U.S. Department of Labor

    Commission on Dietetic Registration

    University of Bridgeport/Nutrition Institute

  • Either go to college or a vocational school. I think it's better that you go to college and get one.

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