The demand for nutrition education locally and globally has increased in the last few years. While there isn’t a standard international acknowledgment, the importance of qualified nutrition educators in promoting community health cannot be ignored. Nutrition educators are essentially healthcare professionals who educate clients on good nutritional practices. Qualified educators create diet programs and regimens that improve their clients’ health and wellness. You can pursue your interest in becoming a nutrition educator by following these steps:
1. Complete your education
Meeting educational requirements is the first step toward becoming a nutrition educator. Like other professions, you should have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science, nutrition, or any other related field. Nutrition educators work in hospitals, schools, communities, and other clinical settings.
If you intend to teach nutrition in school, you should have a master’s degree. Similarly, venturing into the research field requires that you complete a health care education doctorate program. Your undergraduate or master’s program should cover the following courses:
- Public health
- Food Chemistry
- Food systems
- Dietetics
- Anatomy and physiology
Most programs have internship periods, where learners learn more in professional settings.
2. Get Certified
Apart from a degree, you should also pass a certification exam to become a nutrition educator. While certification requirements vary by state, most states require applicants to complete their bachelor’s degree, a teaching program, and gain some teaching experience before submitting their application for certification. Being certified demonstrates your dedication and makes you a competitive candidate. Important certifications to consider include:
- Certified health education specialist offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
- Certified nutrition and wellness educator offered by the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences
- Weight management specialist certification course
You should also keep tabs on nutrition curriculum changes by taking part in ongoing education. Attending training and enrolling in short courses helps you remain updated on current nutrition advancements.
3. Learn important nutrition educator skills
Nutrition educators should have some skills that can help them develop suitable programs for their clients. Important skills include:
- Communication skills – Educators should have good verbal and written communication skills. These skills help them communicate and create dietary guidelines for their clients.
- Health promotion and maintenance – A large role of nutrition educators is teaching patients and the community about diet and lifestyle choices for good health. Health promotion educates the general public on the benefits of good nutrition.
- Active listening – Nutrition educators should listen carefully to their client’s concerns.
- Training and instruction – These are important skills for all educators. They should learn how to deliver teaching sessions to their clients.
- Research – Nutrition educators should conduct ongoing studies to find the best diets for their clients.
Endnote
Nutrition educators play an important role in the field of nutrition. They teach students, patients, and the general public about diet choices and the importance of eating healthier. Nutrition educators can work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, and other settings, with specific job responsibilities varying based on their location. For instance, hospital educators help patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions manage their diets.
