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Nutritionists have come a long way the past few decades in establishing
credibility with the medical industry. However, the definition of the term
"Nutritionist" has been vague and used a broad mix of licensed professionals
and non-licensed practitioners who use nutrition as the basis of their products
and services. Some nutritionists act as dietary advisors for clients.
The American College of Nutrition created Certified Nutrition Specialist awards in 1993
for those who meet education, exam and experience requirements. In many states Dietetics
and Nutrition are grouped together under the same board. In New York the requirements
for licensure include you must be at least 18 years of age, you must earn at least an
AA degree in Nutrition plus 1600 hours experience or a BA degree with 8 hours experience.
You must also be endorsed by three professional dietitians or nutritionists.
More and more emphasis is being put on certified Nutritionists after a wave
of non-licensed nutrition advisors have gained notoriety in the media through
televised infomercials. Many non-licensed nutritionists have even published
books on the topic. The rising popularity of health food has caused many ordinary
citizens to study nutrition for their own dietary decision-making.
