AAI Q/A: What is Sports Dietetics?

By Laura Smith

For this week Q&A I thought I’d focus primarily on sports dietetics. Since I just started back up on the sports dietitian team here at the University of Nebraska, being around sports dietitians every day has really sparked my interest about what exactly being a sports dietitian means. I love fitness and health, so a sports dietitian is the path I’m heading down. But, how do I get there, and what are some job opportunities once I do? I’ve researched the ADA’s website and here’s what I’ve come up with:

Requirements/Education:

·     Bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, food & nutrition, or related area from accredited college

·     Master’s degree in nutrition or exercise physiology preferred

·     Competition of a didactic program in dietetics (internship)

·     Minimum of 2 years experience in nutrition counseling (emphasis in sports nutrition preferred)

Certification & License:

·     Registered Dietician

·     Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)

Skills/Abilities:

·     Knowledge of measuring height, body weight, body composition

·     Knowledge of evaluating energy balance

·     Knowledge/application of medical nutrition therapy

·     Knowledge of complementary medicine & herbal supplements

·     Knowledge of rules/regulations of athletic governing bodies

Job opportunities:

·     University sports dieticians (for athletic teams)

·     Individual nutrition counseling for athletes

·     Nutrition education for wellness programs

·     Freelance writer for health/fitness publications

There are becoming more and more opportunities for students interested in sports dietetics to have that emphasis as their major or as their dietetic internship. As the health field grows, so will the job openings for dietitians, and specifically sports dietitians. To learn more about dietetic internships related to sports dietetics, or about sports dieticians in general visit the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group website. 

And don’t forget to send me any questions you may have to (laura.smith12@huskers.unl.edu)