skip navigation

Nutrition Careers

Careers for students who have studied nutrition are incredibly varied. They range from caring for in-patients in hospitals to counseling professional athletes to writing for magazines to working in the food industry. A degree in nutrition can also prepare you for further professional (e.g., medicine, dentistry) or graduate study.

What do Nutritionists do?

Graduates with degrees in nutrition can work in biomedical research, pursue careers in communication or public health or work for a food company. Nutritionists who have earned the professional credential of Registered Dietitian can also work in hospitals, clinics, wellness centers or gyms delivering care to patients/clients.

Where do Nutritionists work?

Some clinical settings:

  • Medical and surgical services of hospitals
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Private practice
  • Athletic clubs and wellness centers

Nutritionists also work as consultants to professional sports teams, corporations
and restaurants.

Some non-clinical settings:

  • Writing for traditional and online magazines and newsletters
  • Food companies such as Kellogg and General Mills
  • University and industry-based research
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • University teaching
  • Designing and implementing public health programs

What will I like (or dislike) about this work?

  • Flexibility in career path
  • Working with diverse group of professionals
  • Very low unemployment
  • Flexibility in hours worked

What are the Educational Requirements?

  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
  • Clinical jobs require Registered Dietitian status, entailing a Bachelor’s degree, some specific courses, an internship and a national exam.
  • Licensing requirements vary by state.

Which Sargent College Programs apply?

Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Programs

For those with a background in nutrition:

For those without a background in nutrition: