Social media is flooded with “nutritionists” selling detox teas and miracle meal plans, but here’s what most people don’t realize: many of them have zero formal training. Perhaps you want to follow a similar path but have a leg up with some formal training. However, you don’t want to spend four years in university halls, accumulating student debt for a degree that might not even guarantee the career flexibility you crave.  

Here’s the truth that the traditional education system doesn’t want you to know: you don’t need a university degree to build a successful, credible career as a nutritionist. While registered dietitians require formal education for clinical work, the booming wellness industry has created countless opportunities for certified nutrition coaches who can make a real impact—and a real income—without ever setting foot in a lecture hall again. 

The Rise of the Modern Nutrition Coach 

According to the International Coaching Federation’s 2023 Global Coaching Study, the health and wellness coaching sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the number of coach practitioners worldwide increasing by 54% between 2019 and 2022, reaching over 109,200 practitioners globally. 

The wellness and health industry has been going through various revolutions throughout the past few years. Every now and again, we seem to get a new food trend, diet recommendations, etc. to grapple with as a society.   

For many of us we are happy to see those temporary diet fads have for the most part been put to rest. We are aware that they are unsustainable and generally unhealthy. Most people are now reaching out for health practices that they can incorporate easily into their everyday lives.  

These changes have increased the need and rise of modern nutritionists. A nutrition coach is now responsible for more than meal planning or reframing our relationship with food. Now they have to tackle:  

• Provide more information and evidence on how consumers should be eating their meals  

• They also integrate behavioral psychology, habit formation, and holistic wellness 

• There is more digital accessibility which means nutritionists can create apps, run virtual coaching sessions, and so much more. This helps them meet a worldwide audience. 

The role of nutrition coach has become a popular new career path for many who are already active in the wellness industry. For example, a personal trainer may add a nutritionist to expand their current services. Furthermore, health enthusiasts and other career changes may find this field the right choice for them.     

Nutritionists also play a vital role in the healthcare field. They can bridge the gap between the work of clinical nutritionists and what is realistic every day. A nutrition coach can help people who struggle with weight or chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. Feel more in control and empowered.  

One final thought worth mentioning about nutritionists is that the rise of social media has helped them reach a wider audience and make more money by leveraging various platforms. They are able to make fun, relatable and easy nutrition-based content to build their brand.  

Can You Really Call Yourself a Nutritionist? 

So, let’s be honest, anyone can post nutrition advice or wellness advice online and call themself a “nutritionist” or “health coach” etc. But are they actually? The line between a social media influencer and a certified nutritionist has become blurry in the past few years. It can be difficult to discern who is actually trained as a nutritionist, and who just has a good camera and delicious smoothie recipe.  

But beyond the appropriate courses and certificates, let’s consider a few things that would give you the green light to say “I am a nutritionist” 

• Do you feel ready and responsible to understand client needs, goals and challenges? Would you be willing to refer someone elsewhere, if it’s beyond your scope of work. Are you willing to continue learning about nutrition? Not just recycle the same information over and over again?  

• So, a certificate is not enough to consider yourself an expert. Are you able to apply that wisdom with empathy and make a real difference in someone’s life?  

• The term “nutritionist” what does it mean to you? Is it simply a title? Or perhaps it’s a mission to empower people and change their lives.  

So, if you’re ready to build real credibility, gain practical skills, and make a genuine impact — the Kemp Center Nutritionist Certification Course is your next step. Start your journey toward becoming the kind of nutritionist people can truly trust. 

Breakdown of the types of nutrition professionals 

There are different types of nutrition professionals, some of them regulated in Europe and the UK, others are not strictly licensed. Let’s dive into these distinctions, so you can pick a career path that is best for you.  

Registered Dietitian’s (RD) 

A registered dietitian is legally recognized and trusted in medical and public health settings. They must have completed an accredited degree and supervised practice to be a registered dietitian. If you are in the UK, you will be regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).  

You can work in a clinical setting such as NHS or hospitals. Also, you can provide medical nutrition therapy. For example for people who struggle with diabetes or eating disorders.  

This is the most clinically qualified nutrition professionals. 

Certified Nutrition Coaches 

A certified nutrition coach is not regulated. You can gain a certificate through a private organization. As a nutrition coach you can offer general guidance on healthy eating habits, weight management, and lifestyle.  

These professionals cannot work in a clinical setting or in a medical setting. This role tends to overlap with personal training or wellness coaching.  Honestly, this role is great for everyday lifestyle support. But it does not replace clinical care, for those patients that actually need it.  

If you are in the UK, as a credible nutrition coach, you can register with the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN). It is maintained by the Association for Nutrition, which is recognized by Public Health England and NHS Careers as the professional body for nutritionists. 

Holistic Nutritionists 

Once again, a holistic nutritionist, just like a nutrition coach, is not regulated by the law or state. These professionals may have training in integrative or naturopathic approaches to food and health.    

Holistic nutritionists are not recognized in medical settings. This career may be attractive to some, but credibility and standards will vary.  

Health Coaches 

Finally, we have health coaches which all do not have a regulated title. A health coach focuses on behavior change, goal setting, and habit formation. Health coaches have some basic knowledge and basic training. However, their strength is in coaching techniques.  Health coaches often work alongside professionals like trainers or nutritionists. They rarely work alone. May be certified by organizations like IIN, HCA, or others.    

How Can You Start a Career in Nutrition Without Going Back to School? 

The good news is you can start a career in nutrition without having to go back to school. We have broken down your way to becoming a nutritionist in 6 easy steps.  

Step 1: Choose Your Niche Before Anything Else  

When deciding to choose a career in nutrition, choose your niche before anything else. This will help you pick the best path to get there. So instead of just staying under a broad umbrella term of ‘nutrition’ think who do you want to help and how.  

Perhaps you want to:  

• Help busy professionals lose weight?  

• Help women balance their hormones naturally with diet & supplements?  

• Help athletes optimize their performance  

• Or help parents navigate nutrition for their young family 

Getting specific to your niche will help you get the right certificates and create focus to build trust with your target audience.  

Step 2: Select a Certification Program 

Now, it’s time to choose a certification program that can help you become a nutritionist without a university degree. A certification program will help you gain the proper training you need to enter this new field and be successful.  

You want a nutrition course like the one offered by the Kemp Center team to help you learn not only science-based nutrition but also coaching skills. This program is a great fit for aspiring nutritionists.  

The program at Kemp Center is:  

• Recognized in Euro/ UK region  

• Flexible and online friendly  

• Focused equally on theory and practice   

Step 3: Learn Beyond the Curriculum 

Earning a certificate is great, but real growth happens when you start reaching for materials outside the course.  

Our best advice is to stay curious, read books, listen to podcasts, and be open to new knowledge. Try to follow experts who challenge your thinking, don’t just stick to the ones that confirm it.  

The best and most valuable nutritionists are the ones that keep learning even after they have completed their certification. Your clients don’t need just textbook knowledge. They need context, professional insight, and empathy. 

So, as a nutritionist stay engaged, not just qualified.   

Step 4: Practice Coaching — Now 

You don’t have to wait to practice coaching people on nutrition. There is nothing stopping you from being a nutritionist for your friends and family. The best way to become a confident nutrition coach is to practice.  

Some things to keep in mind when practicing is to:  

• Listen without interrupting  

• Ask better questions  

• Test your abilities to explain concepts in simple terms  

• Notice what advice or methods work and what doesn’t  

Every conversation is a test run, that will help become better at coaching people as a nutritionist. Note what you do well, what you can improve, and work toward becoming better. You got this! 

Step 5: Get Legal and Ethical  

Before, you start charging customers for your services, make sure that you are all set in terms of legal and professional responsibilities.  

This will likely mean that you need to:  

• Register your business as a sole trader, unless you are working for someone  

• Have disclaimers for your clients and clear terms of your services  

• You should probably get insurance for nutrition and wellness coaching  

• Understand what is within your scope – and just isn’t 

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but you have to protect yourself and your clients. When you do things the right way from day one, it makes the rest of your journey as a nutritionist easier.  

Step 6: Build Your Online Presence Like a Pro 

So, you don’t need a big following right away, but you do need to start building a trustworthy presence. People need to see who you are, what you do, and how you can help them.  

Here are somethings that you can do to help you build an online presence:  

• You can create a website or even one page that is simple and clean 

• Create a professional Instagram or LinkedIn profile 

• Share real value – don’t just post inspiring quotes or meal plans  

• Maintain a consistent message along with voice and tone 

It’s important to remember that you are building more than just a brand, but you are also building credibility. When you put in the effort to clearly present what you can offer people, the more likely they are going to trust you with their health journey.  

What Are the Biggest Pitfalls on Your Nutritionist Journey Without a Degree? 

Unfortunately, there is never a path without a pitfall – and skipping the degree doesn’t mean that you skipped the work. You can still build a successful career as a nutritionist and make an impact on people’s lives. Here are some common traps that can slow down your progress if you don’t veer away from them:  

1. Imposter syndrome is real! Even with a certificate and skills, you may still wonder if you are legit. Well, guess what? You are! Also, credentials do not define your worth. Your results, ethics, and client trust will build that credibility. Remember, even the International Coaching Federation found that the most successful coaches are those who continue developing their skills—92% of certified coaches continue their practice because they treat it as an ongoing profession, not a one-time achievement. 
2. Getting that certificate does not mean you have reached the finish line. In fact, this is the starting line to enter a new career or side hustle. Don’t treat this certificate like a golden ticket. Stay open to learning, practicing, and building your voice as a nutritionist.  
3. Avoid overstepping and try to stay in your lane. You are going to be tempted to give advice on everything that involves nutrition from weight loss to hormonal imbalances to meal plans for medical issues. But this can be risky. If something is not in your scope, don’t be scared to reference it out. This will be safer for you and your clients.  
4. Waiting for everything to be perfect, before starting. Your website doesn’t need to be perfect; your brand doesn’t need to be perfect…all it needs is action. You can start messy; it will be fine because you will build momentum. Momentum trumps perfection.  
5. Do not treat being a nutritionist as a hobby. If you want to have a real business, then you need to treat it like a real business.  
6. Do not try to talk to everyone and appeal to everyone. You should like we mentioned at the beginning to pick a niche and curate your brand toward that niche. This way you are speaking directly to a target audience’s goals, struggles, and values.    

Do you want to skip guesswork and build a career with clarity and confidence? 

Check out the Kemp Center Nutritionist Certification Course — designed to help you avoid these pitfalls and step into your role as a pro. 

Will you need a degree in the future as a nutritionist?  

The honest answer to this question is it depends on the path you want to take in your career. There are a few factors that may require you to get a degree:  

• If being a nutritionist is somehow regulated in your country  

• The title you want to use  

• And the type of work you want to do 

So, for example if you want to be a registered dietician that works in hospitals across the UK, then you will need a degree from an accredited university.  

However, if you want to be a Nutritionist / Nutrition Coach / Health Coach, there is no degree required. All you need is credible certification, ongoing education, and staying within your scope.   

If you want to work in hospitals, medical settings or public health – you will need a degree. But if you want to work independently, coaching clients on general health habits, you can build a career. Just make sure you are well trained, ethical, and legally compliant.  

Ultimately, a degree is one path but not the only path. You can choose which path is right for you. 

Summary  

Building a credible nutrition career without a degree isn’t just possible—it’s happening right now, all around the world. You just have to be intentional in the steps you take, the key lies in:  

• choosing the right certification,  

• staying within your scope,  

• and treating your practice with the professionalism it deserves. 

But here’s what you get in return—complete career flexibility, faster entry into the field, and the ability to build exactly the nutrition practice you envision.  

You don’t need permission from a university to start that journey, but you do need the right foundation. Choose your niche, get properly certified, practice your coaching skills, and build your presence with integrity—the rest will follow.  

Stop waiting for permission to change lives through nutrition. Join the KEMP Center community and start building your expertise today —because the world needs more nutrition coaches who know what they’re doing.