Looking to advance your nutrition career or even get started? But you are not sure which route to take? You are not the only one.
A lot of people with an interest in the nutrition field find themselves unsure of which career path to take.
Nutritionist and nutrition coach sound quite similar, right? These terms have been used interchangeably for years. But they are very different.
In this short guide, we will tell you all about the difference between these two career paths. We will even outline the different career opportunities in the two fields.
What Is a Nutrition Coach?
Coaching is the operative word in this career. Nutrition coaches are people who guide their clients in achieving their health goals. They keep up with nutrition trends and implement them to best assist their clients.
Health and nutrition coaches don’t need to study and obtain a college degree. What does this mean? It means anyone can be a nutrition coach.
In most states, this career path is not yet legally a profession.
But before you go get your chart and whistle, there are some courses you will have to take and certifications you will need to obtain before you get to work.
What Is a Nutritionist?
Remember how we just said a nutrition coach doesn’t need any formal education? It is the exact opposite with a nutritionist.
Nutritionists must obtain a degree in nutrition from an accredited university or college. This means a lot of science courses.
Nutritionists are trained to help and guide their clients on what to eat. They are however not medically trained, meaning they cannot medically diagnose any deficiency.
What Are the Key Differences Between Nutrition Coaches and Nutritionists?
Though these two terms sound similar and have some overlaps, they are two distinct career paths.
Let’s outline each difference between these two routes:
Educational Requirements
Nutrition coach training is free-range. There is no textbook training for nutrition coaches, however, there is training and certification connected to following this path.
When it comes time to pick a program and getting your nutrition coach certification, ensure you choose a National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching-approved program.
Nutritionists must spend four years building career credibility at a college or university. A nutritionist must undertake courses related to nutrition like biology. There are also hours of internship associated with completing this certification process.
Read further for more info on educational differences between the two career paths.
Areas of Speciality
Both nutritionists and nutrition coaches have different areas of specialty.
Nutritionists focus on one specific area which is nutrition. Their focus is nutritional needs, diets, and food requirements. Nutritionists also help clients know which food is best during different life stages like pregnancy.
A nutrition and health coach focuses on a wider scope of total wellness. They look into details that pertain to health like exercise and relationships.
Work Scope
If you are planning on being a nutrition coach, then you can get ready for a public-facing role. Nutrition coaches can work in gyms and fitness centers or even in outreach programs.
Nutritionists can dive into research studies, which means they are more cocooned. Optimal workplaces for nutritionists are government offices, schools, and research centers.
Which Career Path Is Best for You?
If you are dreaming of a career in nutrition, either one of these paths will lead you there.
But when it comes to being a nutrition coach or a nutritionist, it all depends on the way you want to impact your clients. In nutrition coaching, you will have a wider range of responsibilities, while being a nutritionist will have you focused on a specialized area of nutrition.
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