Career Spotlight: Clinical Nutritionist
Have you ever tried searching the internet for healthy ideas and a myriad of different answers pop up? Carbs are bad for you. Red meat will make you sick. Sweets will make you gain weight. A vegetarian diet is healthy for everyone. Eat the egg, don’t eat the egg. The list goes on, and it is very easy to get lost in the information. At the end of the day, people find themselves wondering what to believe and what truly works.
A clinical nutritionist works with people to determine the best nutritional route specific to each individual. They can help figure out if eating the egg is right for you, or if an all-vegetarian diet will get you to meet your nutritional goals. If you are looking for a rewarding career and nutrition is your passion, a job as a clinical nutritionist is right for you!
What Is Clinical Nutrition?
Clinical nutritionists analyze whether a person is consuming the right amount of nutrients for their health. Clinical nutrition is the study of how nutrients in food are processed, and what nutrients are right for the body. Clinical nutritionists use research and medical tests to determine the best course of action for each individual to obtain optimal health and prevent disease.
What Does a Clinical Nutritionist Do?
Clinical nutritionists use their knowledge of food and nutrition to promote health and prevent disease by putting specific programs together to help people lead healthy lives.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for clinical nutritionists is $63,100 per year.
Clinical nutritionists are responsible for the following:
● Counseling clients on nutrition and healthy eating habits
● Evaluating and monitoring the effects of nutrition plans and practices and making changes as needed
● Promoting healthy lifestyles by holding group sessions and public speaking events
● Determining a plan for individual clients to encourage healthy eating habits and help them reach their nutrition goals
How to Become a Clinical Nutritionist
A clinical nutritionist typically needs a bachelor’s degree in a health sciences-related field. In some cases, significant work experience in the field can work if you do not hold a bachelor’s degree. A certification is necessary for clinical nutritionists, and on-the-job training is also key for success. No one nutritional plan is the same as another, and the ability to be flexible, analyze, research, and show compassion to every client is necessary. The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition at Excelsior College will prepare you for a successful and rewarding career as a clinical nutritionist.
