How to Become a Sports Nutritionist: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a sports nutritionist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for a career as a sports nutritionist:
Those who become sports nutritionist are strong in academics and are emotionally stable, as this is required to complete short and long-term tasks.
They must be interested in sports, fitness and nutrition, and have an aptitude for science. Sports nutritionists must be comfortable sharing their opinion with others, have excellent communications skills, and able to tolerate professional disagreements.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a sports nutritionist. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Sports Nutritionist
Although educational requirements for becoming a sports nutritionist vary by region and by employer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in an area such as Food and Nutrition, Dietetics, Sports Nutrition, or a related area.
Education in Canada
If you want to become a sports nutritionist in Canada, completing a degree in one of these areas from a university program that has been accredited by Dietitians of Canada (DC) is highly recommended.
Education in the United States
If you want to become a sports nutritionist in the United States, completing a bachelor’s degree at a college or university that is U.S. regionally accredited, and includes coursework accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is highly recommended.
Many employers may prefer to hire candidates for sports nutritionist jobs who have a master’s degree in one of these areas. Having a master’s degree may also allow you to qualify for a higher salary level within your job.
While master's level degree programs in Sports Nutrition do exist, you can also pursue a degree in Exercise Science or Nutrition with a Concentration in Sports Nutrition.
Sports Nutritionist Job Description
Sports nutritionists develop and implement nutritional plans for athletes and sports teams, for the purposes of maximizing the health and performance of the athletes. The nutritional programs they develop are based on the specific needs of their clients, as well as the specific types of athletics they perform.
Sports Nutritionist Job Duties
• Plan, budget and implement food menus for athletes and teams which help maximize their performance levels
• Liaise with sports administration to ensure traveling athletes are receiving proper nutrition
• Mentor athletes regarding daily nutritional needs
• May recommend vitamins and supplements
• Prepare specialized menus and meal plans for athletes with specific illnesses
• Develop teaching material on a healthy diet and nutrition specifically for athletes or teams
Who Hires Sports Nutritionists?
Sports nutritionists are hired by organizations that are involved in the creation and implementation of nutritional plans for athletes and sports teams. Such organizational may include:
• Colleges and universities
• Sports nutrition companies
• Amateur sports teams and associations
• Professional sports teams and associations
• Private and public recreation facilitates
• Fitness facilities and gyms
• Sports performance facilities
• Health care facilities, such as a doctor’s office
• Self-employment (as a consultant)
Licensing and Certification Needed to Become a Sports Nutritionist
Licensing and Certification for Sports Nutritionists in Canada
The certification needed to become a sports nutritionist in Canada may vary by region and by employer. For sports nutritionists, there are no regulatory standards that protect the term “Nutritionist” by law in Canada, thus there are no regulating bodies to be accountable to.
Licensing and Certification for Sports Nutritionists in the United States
Many states require licensure of sports nutritionists. Other states require only state registration or certification, and a few have no state regulations.
Most states have enacted state licensure or certification for sports nutritionists. The requirements for state licensure and state certification typically include having a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or a related area, supervised practice, and passing a written exam, or an examine that has both a written and practical component.
Sports Nutritionist Salary: How Much Do They Earn?
The salary level of sports nutritionists can vary depending on factors such as their level of education, their level of experience, the specific responsibilities of their job, where they work, and many others.
Sports Nutritionist Salary Alberta: According to the Alberta Learning and Information Service, the average salary level of workers in the Dietitians and Nutritionists occupational group is $40.42 per year.
Sports Nutritionist Salary Canada: According to Service Canada, the average salary level of workers in the Dietitians and Nutritionists occupational group is $48,610 per year.
Sports Nutritionist Salary United States: According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary level of workers in the Dietitians and Nutritionists occupational group is $53,250 per year.
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Careers Similar to Sports Nutritionist
Listed below are careers in our database that are similar in nature to Sports Nutritionist, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References: How to Become a Sports Nutritionist
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a sports nutritionist.
Wages & Salaries in Alberta: “Dietitians and nutritionists.” (March 24, 2015). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Healthcare: “Dietitians and Nutritionists.” (September 4, 2019). Bureau of Labor Statistics - United States Government website. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Careers: “Job Duties of a Sports Nutritionist.” Tanya Robertson (n.d.). Houston Chronicle website. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Health Sciences Programs: “What Does a Sport Nutritionist Do?.” (n.d.) University of Colorado - Colorado Springs website. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Scholarships for Becoming a Sports Nutritionist
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Sports Nutritionist can be found on our Exercise Science Scholarships and Nutrition Scholarships pages.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Sports Nutritionist: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a sports nutritionist. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
