Online Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Information
In a broad sense, plant-based nutrition focuses on eating foods that are derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans, rather than foods that are derived from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, eggs, and cow's milk. Plant-based nutrition professionals can help people with adopting this diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are no standard certifications for plant-based nutrition professionals the way there are for regular nutrition professionals. However, there are plant-based nutrition programs available online for beginners and professionals alike, some of which offer certification upon successful completion.
These online programs may go by a few different titles, such as holistic nutritionist certification, plant-based nutrition certificate, or vegan nutrition health coach certification. While there are differences between these diets, there is quite a bit of overlap, meaning students interested in working in plant-based diet education could benefit from them. These programs can be great for nutritionists, health coaches, fitness trainers, chefs, or anyone who wants to understand plant-based nutrition better. Some programs may offer a certificate of completion instead of a certification, but they might be eligible to fulfill continuing education requirements for existing certifications, such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. The time it takes to complete a program can vary, with some programs lasting a few weeks and others lasting just a few hours. However, many programs are self-paced, so the time to completion can be up to the individual taking the course.
Plant-Based Nutrition Certification Requirements
There are no formal educational or professional prerequisites for plant-based nutrition certification programs unless you're participating in a program to fulfill continuing education requirements or renew a different type of certification. If you're fulfilling continuing education requirements, then you will have to abide by any prerequisites that exist for the certification you're renewing. For example, if a dietician is renewing their RDN credential, the program they're participating in must be approved for continuing education credits by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Programs can vary in cost, ranging from $135 to $900.
Plant-Based Nutrition Career Information
While there are several careers that can benefit from plant-based nutrition certification, one of the most common is dietitians and nutritionists. These professionals work directly with patients and clients to assess their health and nutrition and make recommendations for making healthier food choices. They can work with clients of all backgrounds, but they can be especially helpful to clients who have health conditions that can be worsened or improved by the food they consume. For example, dieticians and nutritionists would create a meal plan for patients who are at risk of heart disease or teach diabetes patients how to schedule meals to balance their blood sugar.
Dieticians and nutritionists usually need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, or another related field. However, many of them have advanced degrees. Most states require dieticians and nutritionists to be licensed, and, although it's usually optional, additional certification can improve job prospects and make you more well-rounded. Dieticians can receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential while nutritionists can receive the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential. Both credentials require 75 continuing education credits every 5 years; this is where plant-based nutrition courses can be beneficial.
According to 2019 numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dieticians and nutritionists was $61,270. Jobs in the profession are expected to increase by 11% from 2018-2028.
While there's no standard plant-based nutrition certification available, there are programs that can give robust knowledge on the topic to nutrition amateurs and professionals alike, some of which do result in certification or recertification. Certification can be earned completely online in a matter of weeks.
