Nutrition Careers Field Guide

Explore: What is Nutrition?

Nutrition, as a whole, is defined as the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses them, and the relationships between health, diet, and disease. The study of nutrition includes learning about food sources of nutrients and the relationships between food quality and sustainability issues, such as how food is cultivated and processed and how it is delivered to consumers.

Studying nutrition can blossom into many different careers in health and wellness. Continue reading to learn about some of these different pathways and opportunities.

Clinical Dietitian (RDN)

Average Salary Range: $60,000 - $88,000

Clinical Dietitians are RDNs who use their knowledge to help people make positive lifestyle changes, especially in the way that they eat. They can be found working in many different environments, such as hospitals, clinics, universities, private practices and more.

Clinical dietitians often work in hospital settings, where they help people achieve better health and wellness through food and other dietary modifications. Clinical dietitians are uniquely qualified to assess food intake patterns, evaluate laboratory values and other clinical tests, monitor patient signs and symptoms, and make recommendations for therapeutic diets that will aid in recovery from serious illnesses, diseases, or accidents.

Community Dietitian

Average Salary: $52,000 - $76,000

Community Dietitians counsel the public and develop programs based on topics related to food, health, and nutrition. Often, they work with specific groups of people, such as children or the elderly. They can work in clinics, government and nonprofit agencies, health organizations, and more.

Community Dietitian roles typically require a bachelor's degree in dietetics, foods and nutrition, clinical nutrition, or a related area, as well as several hours of supervised training, usually in the form of an internship. However, the RDN license is deemed very favorable for this career pathway, especially in clinics and government settings.

Sport Nutritionist

Average Salary: $46,000 - $66,000

A Sports Nutritionist is specialized, and they typically work with individual athletes and teams. Their goal is to support optimal training and sport performance with dietary modifications. A Sports Nutritionist creates tailored dietary regimens and plans based upon the athlete’s body, workout schedule, and the sport. They can also help the player with different areas of their body, such as building muscle mass or improving endurance. Certain players require different nutrition based on the sport they play, and the Sports Nutritionist is skilled to create these tailored plans.

While the minimum education required to become a Sports Nutritionist is a bachelor’s degree, many companies, particularly universities, want to hire RDNs with a master’s degree in nutrition and a lot of hands-on experience.

Foodservice Dietitian

Average Salary: $32,000 - $76,000

Foodservice Dietitians work in food systems, foodservice and management in a wide variety of settings such as hospitals, post-acute care facilities, schools, universities, and more. This role requires a broad skillset, including food planning, safety and recipe analysis, as well as management and leadership.

While these roles are available for both RDNs and non-RDNs, it’s recommended that students who want to work in many of the settings listed above pursue the widely-accepted RD license.

Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

Average Salary Range: $50,000 - $78,000

Those who want to become Certified Nutrition Specialists are trained in functional medicine and bio-individuality. They often work in doctor’s offices or in private wellness centers, as opposed to hospitals. Their role is to help individuals or populations with food behavior, which often includes devising and implementing meal plans that improve the individual’s or family’s nutrition.

A master’s degree is required to become a CNS, as well as internship hours. You will also need to pass the CNS board exam.

Certified Health Coach

Average Salary: $50,000 - $72,000

Depending on whether they work for a company or for themselves, Health Coaches may have a wide variety of job requirements and responsibilities. Health Coaches typically work with individuals 1-on-1 to help them improve their health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A Health Coach will help their patients establish dietary plans, safe exercise routines, and monitoring systems.

A Health Coach may need college education and/or Health Coach Certification, depending on the state that you reside in.

Food Service Director

Average Salary Range: $75,000 - $135,000

A director of food and nutritional service's main role is to provide a nutrition program in a variety of healthcare settings that benefits clients and meets all federal requirements. Knowledge of standards related to the preparation and distribution of foods is necessary, as is knowing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, safety and cleanliness rules, and public relations techniques. They must also be able to maintain a network of professional contacts and stay up to date with current trends and practices in their field.

Qualifications for this position typically include a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in food and nutrition or business management. The director of food and nutritional services must be certified and typically must have prior experience in food service management.

Nutrition and Food Studies Faculty

Average Salary: $61,000 - $93,000

A Nutrition or Food Studies Professor or Faculty Member teaches at an undergraduate or graduate level or works in the nutrition department. They can vary in what they teach, but it will typically revolve around nutrition, food science, or health and wellness.

Depending on the level at which they teach, most Nutrition Professors or Faculty Members will be required to obtain a master’s degree, if not their Ph.D.

School Food Service Director

Average Salary: $75,000 - $135,000

In this role, directors are tasked with running the operations of elementary and secondary school cafeterias. They plan the menus and order the ingredients, all while working to meet government requirements for nutrition, food preparation and safety. They also hire and manage a staff.

Qualifications for this position typically include a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in food and nutrition, as well as prior experience in the foodservice industry.

Food Scientist

Average Salary Range: $51,000 - $80,000

Food Scientists discover and research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of farming establishments, such as soil analysis and crop growth, and food product development. They may also test food for various levels of nutrient elements, as well as checking the accuracy of product labels. Some Food Scientists may even develop new techniques to improve the overall food production process.

A bachelor’s degree in food sciences, nutrition, or agricultural science is required to become a food scientist, but some positions may require a master’s degree.

Research Chef

Average Salary: $55,900 - $95,500

A Research Chef oversees the development of new recipes and assesses current offerings, develops new products and ideas, brainstorms concepts and tests new foods. They are to create new and nutritious food products or menu items, depending on the field and establishment in which they work, which can range from restaurants, to schools, to resorts and hotels.

To become a research chef, a bachelor’s degree may be required, as well as culinary experience. Earning a master’s degree in food sciences or nutrition may also be required, depending on the establishment.

Degree Offerings at Bastyr University

Bastyr University has paved the way as a pioneer in science-based natural medicine, and is recognized as the leading health arts and sciences university in the world. Bastyr offers innovative nutrition degree programs that encompass a “whole-food” approach. Throughout nutrition classes, students study food in its entirety, its individual components, and how it affects the human body.

With a degree in nutrition from Bastyr University, students meet the nutritional needs and challenges of individuals, their community, and beyond and are equipped with the tools necessary to make an impact on societal and global scales. If you’re ready to fuel your passion for food, nutrition, and whole-person wellbeing, continue reading to learn about the nutrition programs offered.

Nutrition Programs Offered:

M.S. in Integrative Nutrition (Online)

M.S. in Nutrition / Didactic Program in Dietetics

M.S. in Nutrition / M.A. in Counseling Psychology

B.S. in Nutrition, Food & Exercise

M.S. in Integrative Nutrition
Online

Students interested in pursuing a 100% online, asynchronous master’s degree are great candidates for the MS in Integrative Nutrition. This is our only online nutrition program and it was created for the adult learner that seeks to advance their career in nutrition and guide others toward wellness.

Potential career paths with this degree include:

Nutrition consulting in private and group settings, spas, wellness centers, and schools
Corporate wellness programs
Natural products industry
Research and development
Nutrition education and promotion

Students are trained on the intersectionality of diet, lifestyle, environment, and culture, in a truly integrative nutrition approach.

Learn More About the M.S. in Integrative Nutrition

M.S. in Nutrition / Didactic Program in Dietetics
Seattle, WA Campus

Students interested in fulfilling their dreams as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can pursue the MSN/DPD Program which will provide the academic and competency requirements for registered dietitian eligibility. This program allows students to complete a didactic program while pursuing a master's in nutrition.

Potential career paths with this degree include:

RDN in various clinical settings
Public health administration
Corporate wellness
Food and nutrition consulting
Academic career in various settings
Research in a clinic or laboratory

This degree prepares students to be eligible to apply for ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs, which in turn, supports eligibility to sit for the registration examination for dietitians.

Learn more about the M.S. in Nutrition / Didactic Program in Dietetics

M.S. in Nutrition / M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Seattle, WA Campus

This dual-track program is perfect for those who are passionate about nutrition, mental health, and whole-person wellbeing. The MSN/MACP Program integrates training in nutritional counseling and mental health counseling, leading to licensure as a mental health counselor. The program includes a supervised practicum with a diverse patient population.

Potential career paths with this degree include:

Mental health, lifestyle, behavioral, or eating disorder counselor
Nutrition consultant or educator
Nutritionist (in select states)
Substance abuse social worker
School, marriage, and family counselor
Prevention and wellness coach
Corporate wellness consultant

Students in this program gain a deeper understanding of the holistic relationship between nutrition and mental health through clinical experience and lecture-style education.

Learn more about the M.S. in Nutrition / M.A. in Counseling Psychology

B.S. in Nutrition, Food & Exercise
Seattle, WA Campus

There are many ways to turn your passion for nutrition into a meaningful, successful profession. The Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food, and Exercise integrates the sciences of whole foods nutrition and exercise and you can start your career right after graduation.

Learn the science of whole-food nutrition and exercise and become qualified to apply for certification by the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Learn more about the B.S. in Nutrition, Food & Exercise

Fuel Your Passion for Wellness With a Nutrition Degree from Bastyr University

Pursuing a degree in nutrition is far more rewarding than just landing a career in a growing field. Nutrition education is powerful, and with a nutrition degree, you have the ability to change lives and create healthy regimens for individuals, your community, and even on a global scale. Through the whole-person, holistic approach at Bastyr, you will be able to touch people’s lives, and help them create a more fruitful journey for themselves and those around them.

At Bastyr, we believe in respecting the healing power of nature and recognizing that body, mind and spirit are intrinsically inseparable. We model an integrated approach to education, research and clinical service. Our vision is to transform the health and wellbeing of our surrounding communities, and we invite you to join us.

Connect with Admissions

We understand that choosing the right program to match your interests and goals can be hard, but our admissions advisors are here to help.

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A degree in nutrition from Bastyr is worth it! If you want to see for yourself you can take a tour of campus, virtually or in-person.

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