SCAN Career Tip
Sheet Series
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.
Sports dietitian job description
Read the sports dietitian job description published in ADA's Job Descriptions: Models for the Dietetics Profession, 2nd edition, 2008. American Dietetic Association, ISBN: 978-0-88091-420-8. The job description lists primary duties and responsibilities and knowledge and skill requirements of a sports dietitian. Board Certification as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) is preferred.
Gain an education
Taking one or two classes in exercise science
and sports nutrition will further your knowledge.
However, for those who desire a career in
sports dietetics, an undergraduate degree
is an essential starting point. Although relatively
few academic institutions offer a major in
sports nutrition, many large universities
have departments in both Nutrition and Exercise
Science/Physiology or Kinesiology. A double
major in nutrition and exercise science is
one option. Alternatively, select courses
from the two programs to suit your needs.
Several academic institutions now offer interdisciplinary
programs in nutrition and exercise at either
the undergraduate or graduate levels. To qualify
for high-level positions, pursue a master's
degree in nutrition, exercise science, or
a combined nutrition and exercise science
degree. A doctoral degree will prepare you
for opportunities in education, research,
management, and administration.
Access sports nutrition education programs for a list of academic institutions
that offer courses and degree programs in
sports nutrition and exercise. For a list
of undergraduate programs accredited and approved
by the American Dietetic Association, access
ADA's website: www.eatright.org. For a list
of academic programs in exercise science/physiology
or kinesiology, access the website of the
American College of Sports Medicine website:
www.acsm.org.
Access these links for a list of Sports Nutrition
Professionals Resources and a list of Sports
Nutrition Books authored by SCAN members.
Become a Registered Dietitian
Obtaining proper education and credentials
is an essential professional responsibility.
As a registered dietitian (RD) you will be
recognized by the American Dietetic Association
(ADA), the nation's largest organization of
nutrition professionals.
Access the ADA'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.
Earn the CSSD specialty credential
Credentials become increasingly important
as sports dietetics becomes more specialized.
Having a specailty 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 ADA, established the Board Certification
as a Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) credential.
Eligibility requirements and applications are available on CDR's website: www.cdrnet.org . SCAN members assist CDR in preparing the specialty examinaton for the credential.
Join SCAN and sign-up for Sports
Dietetics-USA
As an ADA member, you are eligible to join SCAN,
the dietetic practice group of the American
Dietetic Association devoted to the nutritional
aspects of sports, cardiovascular, wellness,
and preventing and treating disordered eating.
SCAN offers member benefits, such as the PULSE
newsletter, an annual Symposium, networking
with other sports dietetics professionals,
and the opportunity to volunteer.
SCAN members are the leaders in sports dietetics.
SCAN's Sports Dietetics-USA subunit is focused
on the special needs of sports dietetics professionals,
including attaining the CSSD specialty credential.
Membership in Sports Dietetics-USA is a free
member benefit for SCAN members. To sign-up for Sports Dietetics-USA, go to the Member Login and check the box at the bottom of your Member Profile.
Gain experience in medical nutrition
therapy
Due to the varied skills and competencies
that are required, sports nutrition is not
an entry-level position. Although your career
goals may focus on athletes and other active,
healthy people, essential benefits are gained
by first working in a clinical setting, such
as a hospital or clinic. Competence in medical
nutrition therapy will differentiate you from
those who are less qualified. You will learn
how to counsel individuals with heart disease,
diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis,
food allergies and intolerances, and other
medical conditions that you will encounter
among athletes and other physically active
people. Furthermore, because clients who engage
in disordered practices are encountered in
a sports dietitian's practice, you need special
knowledge and skills to work competently in
this area. Besides knowing the literature
and attending conferences and workshops, working
with a mentor is recommended.
Get involved with sports
While in school or working in a clinical
setting, gain experience in sports nutrition,
perhaps as a volunteer for youth soccer, the
YMCA, local running or biking groups, high
school or college teams-any sport that interests
you. Attend athletic practices and sporting
events. Learn the physical and psychological
demands placed on athletes in various sports.
Listen to athletes, coaches, and trainers.
They will teach you about their sport. Offer
fueling strategies to assist teams in training,
travel, and competitions.
Be physically active yourself. Participating
in competitive or recreational sports will
help you understand the nutritional challenges
faced by athletes.
Develop a business plan
Develop a resume, business cards, and brochures.
Build a portfolio of your experiences and
accomplishments. Network with members of your
local dietetic association and with SCAN members
nationwide. Partnering with a professional
whose skills complement your own will enhance
your marketability. For example, registered
dietitians frequently work in group practices.
Additionally, dietitians partner with coaches,
exercise physiologists, athletic trainers,
or personal trainers. Be aware, though, that
some employers seek a professional who has
training and credentialing in both nutrition
and exercise and is equally skilled in providing
dietary AND exercise prescriptions.
Market yourself
Marketing yourself is an essential component
of a successful business strategy. Contact
sports medicine practices, corporate wellness
programs, health and fitness clubs, food corporations,
athletic departments at college and universities,
YMCA's, and local high schools. When approaching
coaches, trainers, or athletic directors,
emphasize how you will make their job easier
-- and the team stronger -- by teaching athletes
how to use foods and fluids to train more
effectively, stay healthy, and improve performance.
Distribute your marketing materials to individuals
and organizations that work with physically
active people. Become known among coaches,
sports professionals, educators, and the media
as a sports nutrition expert. Write articles
for a local newspaper or sports newsletter.
Being recognized for your expertise and credentials
will position you as the professional to contact
when sports nutrition issues arise. Be creative,
patient, and persistent. Few RD's become full-time
sports dietitians overnight. Use personal
contacts, networking, and partnerships to
advance your career.
The future is bright for sports dietitians.
Set your goals high and attain them by gaining
the education, skills, experience, and credentials
you need.
Authors:
Nancy Clark, MS, RD, CSSD, Sports Nutrition Services, West Newton, MA
Patti Steinmuller, MS, RD, CSSD, Nutrition Instructor,
Burns Technology Center, Montana
State University, Bozeman, MT
