What Is a Public Health Nutritionist and How to Become One

For many people, the pace of modern life makes maintaining a healthy diet challenging. Public health nutritionists help clients throughout their community develop a positive relationship with food by offering education programs and support groups to teach good nutritional habits. Your duties and responsibilities as a public health nutritionist might also include creating policies to promote proper diet plans through institutions like schools and care facilities and developing meal plans to fit available budgets and cultural standards. This is often a much different career than a standard nutritionist, as your focus is on the public as opposed to private clients.

The qualifications you need to become a public health nutritionist include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in food and nutrition. Since you engage with the community extensively, you also need excellent public speaking skills and a desire to help others. School districts, health and aid organizations, and state or federal government agencies often hire public health nutritionists, so be sure to consider these entities, as well as community groups and agencies, as you begin your job search. You might also consider volunteering at your local food bank or aid organization to gain valuable perspectives on food security, operating procedures for non-profits, and the role nutrition plays in productivity and health.