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10 Best Online Nutrition Certificates
Key Takeaways
Online nutrition certificates prepare holders of bachelor’s degrees for certification exams in dietetics and nutrition.
Nutrition specialists use scientific research to assess nutritional needs and manage patient health, with job growth expected to be 7% by 2031.
Licensure and certification are typically required for dieticians and nutritionists, with programs designed to meet these requirements.
Certification is often granted by organizations like the Commission on Dietetic Registration or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, enhancing professional credibility.
Online nutrition certificates and certification programs prepare students with a bachelor’s degree to sit for certification exams. Since the 18th century, scientists have studied the relationship between nutrition and health. Some of the earliest research was done on sailors with scurvy until the link between Vitamin C and the disease was determined. Through the centuries, the study of diets, nutrition, and individual health has evolved into a precise science.
Today’s certified Clinical Nutritionists and Dietitians rely on scientific research to evaluate and assess a patient’s nutritional needs to prevent disease and maintain health. The need for certified professionals in this field is projected to grow 7% between 2021-2031 which is considered much faster than average (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Bureau of Labor Statistics also places the salary for clinical nutritionists and dietitians to range between $42,530 and $93,640, depending on geographic and employment areas. Jobs in this field can be found in government agencies, healthcare systems, long-term or assisted living care centers, as well as outpatient centers.
Most states require Nutritionists and Dieticians to be licensed or certified, in addition to holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in clinical nutrition, foods, and nutrition, or a related area. Colleges and universities offering degree programs in the field of nutrition frequently will offer nutrition certification programs to prepare students and nutrition professionals to sit for certification exams. Certification is awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CNS) and nutrition certification programs are available online.
Best Health Degrees have identified some of the best certification programs we found.
Our Method: Best Online Nutrition Certification Programs
To rank the best online nutrition certification programs, Best Health Degree editors focus exclusively on the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) known for mentorship, networking, and exceptional education. Programs are ranked according to cost, reputation, and outcomes, including data from IPEDS, College Scorecard, Niche, and U.S. News & World Report.
1. Colorado State University
Through its Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University Online offers a graduate Nutrition Science certificate focusing on disease prevention and health promotion. This year-long certificate program is specifically created for bachelor-prepared nutritionists, as well as other healthcare professionals.
The program’s objective is to enhance nutritional research skills and communication with clients and patients. An emphasis is placed on evidence-based dietary research and its application to daily practice. CEU credits are available as well.
Established in 1870, Colorado State University has been innovative in its commitment to supporting online/distance education for over 50 years. The university prides itself on providing the same quality education for its online students as the students enrolled on campus. This dedication to quality is expressed by the 70 faculty and staff working with the Division of Continuing Education. CEU credits are available with this program
Offered 100% online, UTSA offers a Graduate Certificate in Community Nutrition that requires 12 credit hours for completion. You’ll need an accredited Bachelor’s degree in Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health, Psychology, Nutrition, or Dietetics.
The certificate provides a solid foundation in evidence-based practice, community nutrition advancement, and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Communication, promotion, and analysis skills are highlighted to train students in addressing community nutritional needs and program development. The program includes studies on the connection between nutrition and disease, community resources, the economic and social impact of nutritional programs, and the influences of nutrition on various life stages.
UTSA developed this program in response to the growing nutritional needs of rural Texas communities across the country. The graduate certificate is provided by the College of Kinesiology, Health, and Nutrition and requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program.
The Certificate in Sports Nutrition (CSN) at Simmons University appeals to students from a wide variety of disciplines. Professionals in athletic training, nutrition, physical therapy, sports medicine, biology, and other backgrounds will find this CSN beneficial. The certificate concentrates on studies in nutrition, wellness, sports psychology, assessment, as well as nutritional consultation. An undergraduate degree is required for admission with certain studies needed in anatomy, physiology, fundamentals of nutrition, and nutritional science classes.
Located in Boston, MA, Simmons University has a long history dating to 1899 devoted to expanding opportunities for women. Today, the university is coed and offers more than 60 majors and programs, both on campus and online. U.S. News and World Report rates Simmons University as one of its “Best Value Schools.”
Appalachian State University has an online Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition that requires 15 credit hours for completion. The certificate provides a comprehensive program curriculum that includes topics in nutrition and disease prevention, health promotion, physiology, as well as nutrition and food policy.
The part-time program takes approximately 12 months to complete and may require prerequisite coursework. Test scores aren’t required, but you do need a bachelor’s degree, and submitting an application requires academic transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.
Tuition costs at Appalachian State are competitive (NC residents pay $266 per credit hour). More than 98% of full-time faculty hold terminal degrees in their field and the school offers a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Appalachian State rightfully boasts of its national recognition by Forbes, The Princeton Review, MONEY, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazines. Appalachian State University is a member the Association of Graduate Programs in Public Health Nutrition (AGPPHN)
Long known as a leader in online education, Arizona University offers an online graduate certificate in Applied Nutrition (GCAN) which focuses on skills and studies in clinical nutrition. This program examines nutritional assessment and support, medical nutritional therapy, nutrigenomics, research methods, and more. Intended for continuing education for physicians, nurses, health/wellness coaches, etc.
Admission to this 14-credit hour certificate program requires a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences degree (a Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition is also accepted) with a 3.0 GPA. The GRE is not required and there’s no residency requirement for tuition purposes.
The University of Wisconsin online Clinical Capstone in Clinical Nutrition program is designed to be completed within a year while you continue working. The 12-credit hours in this program can be applied toward a graduate degree. Topics covered include advanced clinical nutrition in pediatrics, critical care nutritional support, counseling, education, and nutritional research. CEU credits are available as you complete the courses.
Admission requires a baccalaureate degree (minimum 2.80 GPA) with a completed didactic dietetics program or prerequisite courses. The University of Wisconsin, established in 1848, is a highly regarded school and recognized for its innovation, value, and national standing by U.S. News and World Report. UWM has offered nutritional studies since 1965.
Kansas University Medical Center is well known for its quality online degrees and certificates and the Dietetics and Integrative Medicine Graduate Certificate is one of those programs. The certificate program is specifically designed for working professionals and concentrates on a multidisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease and illness.
The four, 3-credit hour courses include topics in dietary issues, herbal supplements, integrative medicine, regulation of immune and inflammatory processes, nutrigenomics, and nutrigenetics.
Admission to the certificate program is not limited to dietitians, but is open to other healthcare professionals, as well. A Bachelor of Science in any field is required for admission (completion of a medical nutrition therapy course is needed, however), a 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, as well as a background check. The reasonable tuition costs are not subject to residency requirements.
This is an online graduate certificate in Human Nutrition. The program is ideal for medical students, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals and concentrates on nutritional therapy and metabolism throughout the life cycle. This program requires 12- credit hours in Vitamins and Minerals, Macronutrients, Nutrition and Wellness, Study Design and Analysis, Nutrition in Health and Disease, IRB Submission Process, and Community-Based Participatory Research.
You’ll be required to have a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA, and prerequisites. These prerequisite courses include biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, general chemistry and lab, and introductory nutrition. The school has a rolling application and accepts applications for the fall and spring semesters. Scholarships are available for this certificate through UC’s Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Nutrition Sciences.
Bowling Green University’s eCampus offers an online Food and Nutrition Graduate Certificate (FNGC) program. This is a 15-credit hour certificate requiring graduate-level courses in food and nutrition. Students may take courses in Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Weight Management, Sports Nutrition, Special Topics: Environmental Nutrition, and others. Dietetics interns may classes in Community Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Dietetic Internship, etc. The program is not currently approved by any professional organization and doesn’t carry any licensure privileges.
Applicants need to hold a baccalaureate degree with coursework in anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and nutrition. Additionally, GRE scores are required, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, as well as a resume. Bowling Green is ranked #1 in Midwest universities for student satisfaction by the Wall Street Journal.
Tuft University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy believes in options and has six considerations for its online Graduate Certificates in Nutrition. Among the certificate choices are Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Developing Healthy Communities, Nutrition Science for Health Professionals, Nutrition Science for Communications Professionals, Global Nutrition Programming, or Nutrition for Industry Professionals and Entrepreneurs.
All certificates are designed with the working professional in mind. Each certificate can be completed in 1-3 years and requires 3 courses to gain a Certificate of Graduate Studies from Tufts University. Some courses may require prerequisites. Working with the Program Director, you can even “Build Your Own Certificate,” by choosing courses to fit your needs. Depending on the course, you may need to complete prerequisites to continue.
Online courses at Tufts are interactive and you’ll be expected to participate in virtual classroom discussions. This certificate program has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and courses meet the same academic standards as on-campus programs.
Unless your undergraduate degree includes a nutritionist certification, or if you want to add a specific certification (i.e., dietetics, public health nutrition, etc.), you may want additional certification. The post-baccalaureate, online nutrition certification programs typically are four courses that can be completed in a year or less and provide a concentrated study.
While certification isn’t necessarily required for nutritionists (depending on their work), having a certification can influence your salary.
There are many different types of nutrition certifications available, so it is important to understand what each one entails. Nutrition certifications are a way to show that someone has the knowledge and expertise to work in the field of nutrition.
The most common type of certification for nutritionists is a Registered Dietitian (RD). RDs have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in their area of specialization and passed the exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
There are many different types of nutrition certifications. Some of them, like the holistic nutritionist certification, focus on the whole person and their diet. Others, like the medical nutrition therapy certification, focus on specific diseases or conditions.
Most Common Types of Nutrition Certifications
-Holistic Nutritionist Certification: A holistic nutritionist certification focuses on how diet affects a person’s health and well-being. They also have an interest in natural medicine and alternative therapies. A holistic nutrition certification will teach you how to use these techniques when working with clients who have specific needs such as diabetes or cancer. This type of certification is best for people who want to work with clients to create healthy lifestyles that last long-term.
-Medical Nutrition Therapy Certification: Medical Nutrition Therapy Certification is for people who want to work with people who have a disease or condition that restricts their ability to eat normally. This type of certification is best for people who want to work in hospitals and nursing homes with patients who need help getting enough nutrients in their diet
-Sports Nutrition Certification: A sports nutrition certification provides knowledge in the field of nutrition and health coaching. It is a holistic certification that covers topics such as protein, carbohydrates, fats and more.
In addition, many personal training certifications also focus on nutrition.
Why Should I Get a Certificate in Nutrition?
The world is changing rapidly, and the need for nutrition professionals is increasing as well. With the rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity, there is a growing need for qualified professionals to help people make healthier choices.
Nutrition coaching is a profession that is rapidly growing. It is important to get the proper training and certification in order to be qualified for this career. The certificate program will teach you about the body’s nutritional needs, how to plan healthy meals and the benefits of different foods.
A nutrition certification program can be an excellent choice for those who want to pursue a career in this field. The certificate will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a qualified professional in this field.
There are many reasons why someone would want to get a certificate in nutrition. The main reason is that it can help people who want to become a nutritionist or nutrition coach. But it can also be helpful if someone wants to work in food service or wants to start their own business related to food and nutrition.
A nutrition certification program is a great way to gain knowledge and experience in the field of nutrition. It will provide you with a deeper understanding of the human body and its needs. This will help you make better decisions for yourself and your clients.
Is an Online Nutrition Certification Program a Good Choice?
Nutrition is an important part of our lives, and a certified nutritionist is a professional who can help people with their diet. There are many online certification programs that allow nutrition enthusiasts to become certified in this field.
Many working people don’t have the time or the money to attend conventional on-campus classes and become certified nutritionists. That’s why online nutrition certifications are a great option for those who want to pursue a career in this industry.
Online certification programs offer flexibility, convenience and affordability for those who are interested in pursuing a career as a certified nutritionist. They can be completed from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace, which means that you can work on them around your schedule without having to worry about missing out on important life events or family obligations.
The best thing about these programs is that they are affordable – some cost as little as $99 – which means that anyone can afford them. If you’re looking for more information about these programs, there are plenty of resources available online where you can find reviews, testimonials, and even FAQs about these programs.
Pros and Cons of Online Programs
There are many reasons why someone may want to pursue an online certification program, such as the flexibility and convenience it provides. However, there are also some drawbacks to these programs. For example, many students find that the courses are not as comprehensive as they would like them to be. They often feel that they need more hands-on experience than what is offered by online courses. Other concerns include the lack of hands-on experience and the difficulty in finding a job after graduation.
However, getting an online certification from a reputable organization or school can put your career on track for success. For example, the International Sports Sciences Association offers a legitimate certification that many personal trainers, fitness professionals, and nutritionists add to their resumes. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) also offers the NASM-certified nutrition coach program. Other organizations include Precision Nutrition, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and the American Fitness Professionals Association.
Whether you want to become a senior nutrition specialist, a health coach, or another kind of nutrition specialist, you can get there through the certification process.
Do I Need a Degree to Become a Nutritionist?
Yes and no.
It’s possible to work in the nutrition industry without formal nutrition education. Nutrition is not a regulated word, meaning anyone can call themselves a nutritionist; but depending on what they do, it may not be legal. States have differing laws and may not require nutritionists to be licensed to practice. You may want to obtain specific certification and training to work in a specific area such as sports nutrition or community nutrition. It’s possible to gain knowledge of nutrition through employment or corporate training. For instance, companies that sell nutritional supplements or other health products may offer in-house training on the nutritional benefits of their product.
Yes, there are jobs you can find in dietetics and nutrition and the wellness industry that don’t require a degree. However, to give formal nutrition advice you will need an official credential. Positions in areas such as health coaches, consumer weight loss program coordinators (think Weight Watchers), chefs, food critics/writers, retail food industry, group exercise instructor, wellness consultant, etc. Spas, fitness centers, alternative medicine or holistic health businesses, or nonprofit or for-profit organizations may employ people with knowledge of nutrition.
A degree will provide a comprehensive education through nutrition courses (and a final exam). From helping clients lose weight to teaching healthy eating habits, healthy food choices, positive behavior change, a healthy lifestyle, and meal planning, a nutrition degree program focuses on practical nutrition. In addition to going through a comprehensive curriculum, an accredited certification can add to your marketability and career potential.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dietician?
Becoming a dietician will take four years of undergraduate study from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Dietetic programs will include general education courses in the humanities, English, social science, etc. as well as dietetics-specific coursework. Students will also complete 1200 hours of supervised practice. These requirements will allow students to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. To keep your license, you may also need a periodic continuing education course.
Colleges and universities may offer degrees in nutrition science and dietetics for students who don’t have an undergraduate degree in the field. Usually, students will be required to have coursework in biology, chemistry, microbiology, or other science classes for admission to a nutrition science program. Other prerequisites may also be needed.
Is an Associate Degree in Nutrition Worth It?
Community colleges offer Associate’s degrees in dietetics and nutrition. Dietetic programs should also hold ACEND accreditation and will prepare students to be Dietetic Technicians. These programs will include coursework and a minimum of 450-hour internship under the supervision of a Registered Dietician. University dietetic programs will normally accept transfer credits from a community college and apply them to the hours required for a baccalaureate degree.
Community colleges may also offer Associate’s degrees in nutrition which will include general education courses, with an emphasis on science studies in microbiology, chemistry, etc.
