Yes, dietitians need a degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related discipline to enter this career. Additional credentialing may also be required for certain positions, and a graduate degree may be required to pursue those credentials.¹ However, not all states require nutritionists to be licensed.² According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), Arizona is among the states that do not require formal certification, licensure or occupational regulation for nutritionists.²

Preparing and reviewing the requirements for this career path can be beneficial as you plan to pursue it. This path usually begins with earning a bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field, followed by a master’s degree to gain practical experience and prepare for the credentialing exam. If your bachelor’s degree is in a field other than nutrition or dietetics, you’ll need to pursue a master’s degree in dietetics. Although the coursework can be challenging and covers a range of complex topics, this career can be rewarding, especially if you want to help others understand and improve their health.

If you’re passionate about health, wellness and how our bodies relate to the two, studying nutrition and dietetics might be a good option for you. Through working in this field, you have the opportunity to help people improve their health. You also can gain knowledge that can benefit your life as well. You can make an impact in your community by promoting healthy habits and being a source of education to help support healthier lifestyles and individual health goals for those around you.