What Are the Education Requirements for a Sports Nutrition Career?
People working in sports nutrition design and oversee nutritional plans for professional athletes, fitness club members, and school and community sports teams. Read on to find out about the education requirements for a career in this field.
<h3 id="section---CareersInSportsNutrition">Careers in Sports Nutrition</h3>
<p>Individuals with a degree in sports nutrition can work for professional sports teams, schools, fitness clubs, and corporate health centers. They can also work in private practice as fitness trainers. Many employers look for at least a bachelor's degree in dietetics or nutrition, or a bachelor's degree with a certificate in sports nutrition. In some cases, a master's degree in sports nutrition is required.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About this Occupation</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $61,650 (for all nutritionists and dietitians)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Similar Occupations </td><td> Dietician, health educator, community health worker, rehabilitation counselor</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills </td><td> Communication, problem-solving and analytical skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 7% (for all nutritionists and dietitians)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---BachelorSDegrees">Bachelor's Degrees</h3>
<p>Completion of a 4-year sports nutrition degree program is typically an educational requirement for a career in this field. Along with sports nutrition courses, you may also study physiology, kinesiology, and organic chemistry. In most cases, a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as nutrition or dietetics, may qualify you for positions in sports nutrition.
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<h3 id="section---Certificates">Certificates</h3>
<p>Some people who hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, sports medicine, or kinesiology might choose to obtain a certificate in sports nutrition. A post-baccalaureate certificate may serve as an alternative to pursuing a master's degree. Programs leading to this certificate are available through colleges, universities, or even fitness organizations.
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<h3 id="section---MasterSDegrees">Master's Degrees</h3>
<p>Certain positions in sports nutrition, such as counseling, education, and research, might require a master's degree. Typically, you must hold a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or another health-related field before entering a sports nutrition master's degree program.</p>