Sports dietetics is an exciting, dynamic practice area. As the marketplace evolves, demand is increasing for those with knowledge and skills that integrate nutrition with physical activity and sport. Although creating your own job continues to be a vital pathway to success, increasingly, sports dietitians are being sought for positions with universities, sports organizations, food corporations, fitness clubs, corporate wellness, cardiac rehabilitation, and with physicians in bariatric surgery or family practice.
Having an advanced degree provides additional options in education, research, and administration. A focus on healthy body weight and treating and preventing obesity offers extensive opportunities to combine nutrition expertise with physical activity. Beyond a strong base in clinical nutrition, exercise science, and counseling, an entrepreneurial attitude and practical experience are keys to establishing a solid career in sports dietetics. Here are some tips.
Become a Registered DietitianObtaining proper education and credentials is an essential professional responsibility. As a registered dietitian (RD) you will be recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the nation's largest organization of nutrition professionals.
Access the AND's website for information on becoming a registered dietitian. As an RD you will be legal to practice and provide nutrition assessment and counseling and other nutrition services. You will be eligible for licensure in states that require nutrition practitioners to meet specific standards.
Become a Certified Specialist in Sports DieteticsCredentials become increasingly important as sports dietetics becomes more specialized. Having a specialty credential beyond the RD will set you apart from those who are less qualified and will be an asset in marketing yourself and your services. Although short certificate courses may look attractive, they are no match for the quality and breadth of education you receive from an academic degree, a dietetic internship, and a specialty credential. Recognizing the benefit of specialty certification, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for AND, established the Board Certification as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential.
As you can see, some of my priorities within dietetics are to work in a sports based setting. I would love to first become a Registered Dietitian and then later down the road become a certified specialist in Sports Dietetics. Other than Sports Dietetics, some more interest in the field of nutrition would be:
Clinical Nutrition: The CNM DPG is a dynamic group of leaders who strive to improve the quality of nutrition care in the health industry. We pride ourselves in offering guidance and sharing resources with one another.
CNM members work in a variety of settings including acute care, community services, long-term care, private practice, and government services among others. It is this varied background that enables our members to offer many perspectives and resources. We are at an exciting juncture for our group.
Pediatric Nutrition: Pediatric nutrition encompasses many developmental phases as well as medical and nutrition diagnoses. These can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time! To help you connect with others who are doing similar exciting work, and to help during the overwhelming moments, we offer 6 Specialty Groups (SGs). Each SG is lead by a Chair and Co- Chair to facilitate members’ professional development. Any member of PNPG can be a member of any or all SGs. SG members have the opportunity to:
- Network with other pediatric dietitians
- Find needed resources
- Share projects and experiences
This SG is for members of the PNPG who work with infants, children and adolescents with any and all chronic health conditions including cerebral palsy, autism, various genetic syndromes, inborn errors of metabolism, etc. This group is a great way to network with colleagues, stay up to date on new resources, and receive technical assistance and professional support.
Eating Disorders, AdolescentsThis SG provides an opportunity to learn more about eating disorders, and other nutrition-related issues in adolescents. We want to help you stay updated on the most current information and resources available in this field of practice!
Infant Nutrition, Breast Feeding & NeonatologyThis SG provides dietetic professionals with a forum for sharing ideas and discussing issues that affect us in our everyday practice of caring for healthy and sick infants. We are instrumental in the promotion, protection, and preservation of breastfeeding and breast milk feeding as optimal nutrition for most all infants, as well as supporting optimal growth during this crucial time in a child's life. Working together through this professional group is a great way to stay current and connected!
AODA- American Overseas Dietetics Association
The American Overseas Dietetic Association (AODA) is the international affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (A.N.D.). AODA provides internationally-focused Academy members, Academy members living overseas, and other interested professionals an opportunity to establish professional contacts and obtain continuing education credits. AODA advocates for the international dietetics community and seeks to optimize global health through food and nutrition. As the field of nutrition and dietetics increasingly appreciates the need for a focus on diversity and a global perspective, AODA is positioned at the forefront of this vision.
Wellness/CV is a sub unit of SCAN that focuses on cardiovascular and wellness nutrition by educating dietetics professionals and the public about wellness and cardiovascular health, providing resources and networking opportunities, and advancing the cardiovascular and wellness RD as a career specialty.
Other than Nutrition and Dietetic related interest, I live an extremely active life style that includes Crossfit, running, sports, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle. I am an active sportsman that loves to hunt, fish, and explore the outdoors.