Sports Nutritionist
Bri Wawiorka
Description of Perfession
- Help enhance lifelong health, fitness, and sports performance
- Translate latest scientific evidence into recommendations
- Provide education and counseling to athletes (on-site and travel) and to health/wellness programs
- Maintain professional competency and skills required
Certifications Necessary
- Registered dietitian with active registration by Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association
- Licensing varies state to state
- For Missouri:
- 900 hours clinical experience
- Pass exam (Food and Nutrition, nutritional care processes, counseling and communication abilities, and food service systems managment
Daily Activities
- Meal plans for training table and travel
- Recommendations for pre-, during, and post exercise (fluids & snacks)
- Provide nutrition counseling
- Serve as resource for coaches, teachers, trainers, and parents
Education Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in clinical nutrition, food and nutrition, or related area
- Completion of didactic program in dietetics
- Supervised practice in a program approved by Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Educations (CADE)
- Min 2 years experience in Nutrition counseling
Payday
- Average $49,590
- In Missouri $54,870
- Varies depending on geographic location
Practice setting
- after school programs
- fitness centers
- weight reduction programs
- major sports teams
- military bases
Job Outlook
21% job growth due to general public's increased awareness about the importance of good nutrition.
Skills Necessary
- Communication skills
- Accurately measure height and weight
- Accurately assess body composition and energy balance
- Knowledge of eating disorder's signs and symptoms
- Time management skills
- Knowledge of rules and regulations (NCAA, USADA, and WADA) on banned drugs
Sports Nutrition: Eat like a Professional Athlete | Autumn Fitness