How to Become a Nutrition Nurse
If you’re interested in becoming a nutrition nurse, you’ve come to the right place. Nursing offers a wide range of specializations, and nutrition nursing is a valuable one. Nutrition nurses are skilled communicators with strong interpersonal abilities.
They are a significant asset to the medical field and the people they serve. In this guide, we’ll delve into the requirements to become a nutrition nurse, the time it takes to achieve this goal, and the credentials you’ll need to enhance your employment opportunities.
What Does a Nutrition Nurse Do?
A nutrition nurse specializes in providing essential nutritional support to individuals dealing with specific medical conditions. To embark on this career path, you must obtain certification from either the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) or the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC). This certification opens doors to various employment opportunities in fields like:
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- Long-term care and geriatrics
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Outpatient settings
- Wellness programs
Common Nutritional Deficiency for Nursing Students
How Long Does It Take?
Becoming a nutrition nurse typically takes between 3 to 5 years. This duration includes your educational journey and the time required for certification. You can choose to pursue an advanced degree, like becoming a nurse practitioner, which can broaden your career prospects.
How Long to Become:
3-5 years
Degree Required:
ADN or BSN
Job Outlook
7% growth from 2019-2029
Source: BLS
How to Become a Nutrition Nurse
Nurses who choose to specialize in nutrition are typically highly motivated and possess exceptional communication, time management, and interpersonal skills. To embark on the path to becoming a nutrition nurse, you must first obtain a registered nurse credential. Before pursuing certification, you have the option to complete either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
The specific requirements to become a nutrition nurse, including the need for certification and licensure, can vary from state to state. It’s important to understand that certification, while demonstrating your acquired skills, does not grant you the legal authority to practice as a nutrition nurse. For precise information about license requirements in your state, you should reach out to your state nursing board. They can address any questions you may have regarding licensure and certification. To become a nutrition nurse, you’ll need specific educational and certification requirements:
1. Earn a BSN Degree:
– A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a four-year program. Nurses with a BSN have the option to specialize in various areas, including geriatrics, maternal/child care, and nutrition. If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can enroll in an accelerated RN-to-BSN program. Alternatively, if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can complete an accelerated BSN program.
2. Pass the NCLEX Exam:
– The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized test that’s required to obtain a nursing license in all states. You’ll have up to six hours to answer questions in four different categories.
3. Earn Nutrition Certification From NBNSC or AANC:
– The NBNSC and AANC offer certification exams in nutritional support. Opting for certification can demonstrate your expertise to clients and fellow professionals. The AANC exam is based on a specified booklist, and it involves a one-time fee of $400 along with a series of tests. To take the NBNSC exam, candidates must meet eligibility requirements, including holding a current nursing license and having at least two years of experience in nutrition support.
4. Find Employment:
– After meeting the education and certification requirements, you can begin your job search. Nutrition nurses often work in medical settings where proper nutrition plays a vital role in healthcare, such as clinics addressing wound care, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Nutrition Nurse Schooling
Your journey to becoming a nutrition nurse depends on your current educational background and experience. Certification is essential to demonstrate your credibility to clients and future employers. Nurses with a BSN degree may have more employment opportunities available to them.
BSN Degree
Becoming a nutrition nurse starts with obtaining an RN license in your state. To do this, you must pass the NCLEX exam and have either an ADN or BSN degree. Most nurses pursuing advanced degrees typically hold a BSN.
Admission Requirements:
– Meeting the requirements for nutrition nurse schooling involves standard admission criteria, with a focus on sciences. Colleges and universities often seek inquisitive students who can apply their knowledge to professional settings.
Program Curriculum:
– The curriculum for a nutrition nurse degree includes science and writing courses, nursing foundation classes, and clinical rotations. Key learning outcomes encompass analytical thinking, effective communication, and a foundation in social justice.
Time to Complete:
– Most BSN programs can be completed in four years when attending full time. If you’re in an ADN-to-BSN program, you may finish sooner.
Skills Acquired:
– In addition to medical knowledge, students gain insights into the professional nursing role, current trends and issues in nursing, fundamentals of nursing research, leadership and management, and community health nursing.
Nutrition Nurse Credentials
Nutrition nurses hold two vital credentials. The first is a state license that authorizes them to practice as RNs. The second credential is specific to their area of specialization – in this case, certification as a nutrition nurse. This certification showcases their knowledge and skills in the field, although it does not grant legal authority to practice nutrition.
Certifications:
– Certification is an official document awarded after successfully passing a certifying examination, signifying a certain level of achievement.
– While certifications are not mandatory for practicing as an RN or a nutrition nurse, they are highly valued by potential employers as they demonstrate your expertise.
– Two professional associations, the NBNSC and the AANC, provide certification options for nutrition nurses.
– To maintain certification, those certified by the NBNSC or AANC must retake the certification exam every five years. AANC-certified individuals are required to be members of the organization.
Licensure:
– For a career as a nutrition nurse, you must have an RN license. You can obtain this license with either an ADN or BSN degree.
– To get this license, candidates aspiring to be nutrition nurses must first apply to a board-approved school of nursing, graduate, and pass the NCLEX. The state board then issues the license to practice in that state.
– License maintenance involves fulfilling annual continuing education (CE) requirements mandated by the state board of nursing. These requirements are often referred to as contact hours. Meeting these requirements is crucial to maintain continuing competency. In most states, RNs must renew their licenses every two years, which includes submitting the required number of approved CE hours.
Working as a Nutrition Nurse
Once you’ve completed your education, obtained certification, and obtained your license, you can begin your journey as a nutrition nurse. The average annual salary for nutrition nurses in the United States is $64,040. After certification, you can choose to specialize further in areas like geriatrics, wound care, public health, or prenatal care. Additionally, considering certification as a nurse coach can complement your nutrition education.
Nutrition nurses work in diverse settings, including:
Long-Term Geriatric Care:
– Long-term care facilities often employ nutrition managers who oversee the nutritional needs of residents. This role is essential in reducing malnutrition among the elderly and preventing skin issues and health problems.
Wellness Programs:
– Nutrition nurses collaborate with outpatient clients in wellness programs offered by communities, hospitals, or insurance companies. They may serve as general nutrition coaches or specialize in specific medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Nutrition nurses create tailored nutrition plans to promote good health and improve client outcomes.
Schools and Communities:
– In public and private schools and in partnership with community resources, nutrition nurses provide health coaching, preventive nutrition education, and guidance for activities that promote wellness in organizations and communities.
Becoming a Nutrition Nurse: FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a nutrition nurse?
– The journey to become a nutrition nurse can take up to five or more years. This includes four years to earn your BSN and an additional year for education and certification. However, you might opt to pursue a graduate degree as a nurse practitioner, which can offer more job opportunities.
2. What’s the quickest path to becoming a nutrition nurse?
– The fastest route to becoming a nutrition nurse is completing an ADN in two years, followed by an online certification program that allows you to practice as a nutrition nurse. This quicker path may limit your employment options, but it enables you to start working while completing an ADN-to-BSN program.
3. Is it challenging to become a nutrition nurse?
– Preparing to become a nutrition nurse involves taking science and math courses during high school. A BSN program spans four years and includes additional classes, internships, and a certification exam to specialize in nutrition. Nursing licenses must be renewed every two years, and certification exams need to be retaken every five years.
4. Do nutrition nurses earn competitive salaries?
– The average annual salary for nutrition nurses in the United States is $64,040. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and education level, with the majority falling within the range of $39,000 to $81,500.
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