Are Nutritionists in Demand?

People are increasingly prioritizing health and diet, but it can be difficult to navigate all the available information about food and wellness. This means more people are turning to professionals to help them develop better diets to meet health goals.

Nutritionists and nutrition coaches do just that. They work with clients to evaluate health, set goals, and plan diets that meet their needs. Demand is currently strong and growing for qualified, skilled, and knowledgeable nutritionists.

What is a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist or nutrition coach works with people to guide their food and diet choices to meet specific health, fitness, and wellness goals or simply to live a healthier lifestyle. Some of the more specific tasks of nutritionists include:

• Evaluating a client's needs and helping them set goals.

• Educating clients about nutrition and diet.

• Planning diets and food plans for clients.

• Counseling clients on diet, nutrition, and health.

• Evaluating a client's progress and making changes to diet as needed.

• Working with groups or organizations to educate them about diet and healthy food choices.

Are Nutritionists in Demand with Consumers?

Yes, nutritionists are currently in demand. As consumers become more aware of how diet and nutrition impact health and wellness, they increasingly turn to professionals for advice on food and how to eat.

All Health-Related Careers are Growing

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare occupations of all types are growing rapidly. The rate of growth from 2018 to 2028 is expected to be 14 percent, which is much faster than average job growth. The BLS concludes that this growth is mostly related to the aging population in the U.S. (1).

More People are Hiring Nutritionists, Trainers, and Coaches

Healthcare jobs include much more than just doctors, nurses, and medical specialists. All types of wellness and health careers are growing as people become more aware of the importance of lifestyle choices and health.

The BLS reports that current growth for nutritionists and dietitians is eleven percent (2). This is partly explained by an increased interest in food and how it contributes to wellness. The growth can also be attributed to a rise in chronic illnesses, like diabetes. People living with these conditions need professional dietary and nutrition counseling.

In the same vein, there is strong growth in related fitness careers, including personal trainers. BLS statistics indicate growth in fitness instructor and trainer careers is 13 percent (3). This goes hand-in-hand with the increasing awareness of how diet impacts health. People interested in making healthier food choices also want to work with trainers to get fitter.

Are Nutritionists in Demand Everywhere?

The growth in this career is strong across the U.S. In whichever state and city you get your training and start working, you should see a lot of opportunities. According to the BLS, nutritionists and dietitians work in hospitals, outpatient healthcare facilities, nursing homes, special food services companies, mental health care facilities, and government agencies and insurance companies.

The states with the highest number of nutritionists and nutrition coaches are California, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and there are particularly high concentrations in Nebraska, North Dakota, Vermont, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. (4).

Let this guide from the ISSA help you explore where you can work as a trainer and nutritionist.

What Are Other Benefits of Becoming a Nutritionist?

Demand is an important benefit of working in this industry. Registered dieticians, nutritionists, and nutrition coaches are all increasingly in demand by consumers who are more aware than ever about what dietary professionals can do for them. In addition to the job security and ability to work wherever you want, there are some other great reasons to choose a career in nutrition:

• This is a people-oriented career, so if you enjoy working with others it will be a good fit.

• You'll have a lot of flexibility in how you work. Choose from working as an employee for a company, such as a hospital or gym, or freelance and set your own hours and rates. You can even work part-time if you want to keep a current job.

• Enjoy the flexibility of working as a trainer and a nutrition coach if you want.

• Make important differences in the lives of your clients every day just by doing your job. Help them get healthy, meet goals, and gain confidence.

• Unless you want to become a registered dietitian, you don't need a college degree to begin working in this industry.

Not sure if you would rather focus on fitness over nutrition coaching? Check out this ISSA blog post, which explains all the most important benefits of a career as a personal trainer.

What's the Difference Between Dietitians and Nutritionists?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but there are important differences. A dietitian is more correctly called a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). The latter is the newer term for these professionals, but many people still use RD. An RD has the following qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree with related coursework approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' accreditation council

• Completion of an approved internship in healthcare

• A passing score on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's national exam

• Continuing education courses to maintain registered status

In other words, dietitians have completed a four-year degree program in nutrition, have been trained, and are certified.

A nutritionist may become an RD by going through all the above steps. Requirements for working under the title of nutritionist vary by state but are less demanding than those for becoming an RD. Most nutritionists have completed some degree of training and education.

Are Education and Certification Necessary?

If you're interested in a career working in nutrition but want to get started soon, becoming a nutritionist is a great place to start. A degree or certification may not strictly be necessary depending on your state, but it is strongly recommended.

You don't necessarily need to complete a four-year degree, though. An online program or a certificate or diploma program in nutrition, health, wellness, or nutrition coaching is enough to get started.

Certification is also recommended because it shows potential employers and clients that you have done the work necessary. It proves you have the foundational knowledge and skills to help them safely meet nutrition and health goals.

If you are already a personal trainer, adding a nutrition certification is not difficult and it can allow you to add the in-demand service of nutritional coaching.

Working as a nutritionist can be so rewarding. If you already love reading up on the latest in health and diet, why not get the full training needed to coach clients? You'll have the chance to make a real and important difference in the lives of people who need your expertise. Demand is expected to stay high, so now is a great time to get into nutrition and coaching.

Does nutrition coaching seem like a successful career choice? Are you already a trainer and want to add another specialty to your skillset? The ISSA offers this great course to become a certified nutritionist.

References

1. United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, September 4). Healthcare Occupations. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm

2. United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, September 4). Dietitians and Nutritionists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm#tab-6

3. United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, September 4). Fitness Trainers and Instructors. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm?view_full#tab-6

4. United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019, March 29). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2018. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291031.htm