In a world where nutrition plays such a critical part in the quality of our lives, making the right choices can be overwhelming. Nutritionists are professionals who are trained to help you maneuver the complexities of making healthy choices and understanding why they are important. Understanding this role can help empower you to learn more about the importance of nutrition or explore the possibility of becoming a nutritionist yourself.
What Is a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists generally focus on providing guidance to clients regarding:(See disclaimer 1)
Courtney Baker, director of Nutrition and Dietetics at GCU, explains the role of a nutritionist as someone who is “responsible for providing generalized nutrition education and information to clients to support healthy lifestyle habits,” adding that they “help individuals understand how food affects overall health, assist in setting realistic goals and offer guidance on how to make more informed food choices.”
A nutritionist may often be confused with the role of a dietitian; however, there are differences between dietitians and nutritionists. All dieticians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dieticians, as dieticians require special education, training and licensing.(See disclaimer 1)
Responsibilities of a Nutritionist
The main responsibilities of a nutritionist center around helping clients maintain control of their physical health and improve health outcomes through providing dietary planning and educational services. However, their responsibilities are multifaceted.
Registered dietitian and professor for the College of Natural Sciences at GCU, Tabatha Stevens, explains that “a common misconception is that nutritionists only help with weight loss,” adding that “in reality, they support a wide range of health issues, from digestive disorders to sports performance and chronic disease management.” Baker adds to this, sharing that along with weight loss, nutritionists “support a wide range of goals, including digestive health, energy balance, disease prevention and even mental wellness through nutrition.”
Baker and Stevens mentioned several responsibilities that this role often includes, such as:
"When people understand the “why” behind healthy eating, they’re more likely to make long-term changes. It’s not just about telling people what to eat, but empowering them to make informed decisions that fit their lives and values."
— Courtney Baker, Director of Nutrition and Dietetics at GCU
Where Do Nutritionists Work?
Nutritionists may explore work in a variety of different settings and locations. While some may venture into individual practice, others may focus their efforts on community health and education.
Important Skills and Qualities of a Nutritionist
Due to the nature of this profession, there is a desired set of skills that nutritionists possess to be able to effectively help clients reach their health goals and improve health outcomes.
Baker and Stevens list several skills and qualities critical to this career path, including:
Other qualities less mentioned but just as important in this profession are empathy and the ability to listen to a client’s wishes, cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the scope of practice as it relates to the work of nutritionists.
What Can I Do With a Nutrition Degree?
A minimum of a bachelor’s or master's degree in a related field, such as dietetics, food or nutrition, is typically required to qualify for jobs as a nutritionist.(See disclaimer 2) For those looking to become credentialed, a graduate degree is likely required.(See disclaimer 2 )Our nutritional sciences program aims to prepare aspiring nutritionists for roles in health, wellness and food-related industries. The degree serves to provide a strong foundation for advanced education in nutritional sciences or related fields, paving the way for graduate studies and the potential for more career options.
"Educating people about nutrition is vital; it empowers individuals to make informed choices, prevent disease and live healthier, more energized lives."
— Tabatha Stevens, College of Natural Sciences Professor at GCU
Study Nutrition and Promote Healthy Living at GCU
If helping others learn and improve their nutrition is your calling, explore our degree options to help make your goals a reality. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences for undergraduates looking to gain a well-rounded basis of knowledge in nutrition, and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics for those hoping to advance their knowledge of the field and explore advanced career options.
Lead the way to better health.
Empower others to live healthier lives — share knowledge, inspire habits and build a community around nutrition and wellness. Earn your degree at GCU!
