If nutrition or physical fitness is important to you, a career as a nutritionist or personal trainer might be the job for you. Everyone loves to eat, but millions of people in America are not eating a healthy diet. Poor eating choices lead to obesity, health problems and even death from heart attack and stroke. How do we know what to eat and how to prepare our food so that it retains its nutritional value? We learn the answers to these questions with the help of nutritionist.

Dietitians, also called nutritionists, are trained professionals who teach good food habits to promote a healthy lifestyle. You will find them in places like hospitals, restaurants and schools. They explain proper nutritional requirements and help prepare menus for those with restricted diets due to health problems. In the United States, the median wage for nutritionists is $44,400 a year.

Dietitians are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree with a coursework in nutrition, biochemistry and statistics. In addition, a nutritionist needs good computer skills, the ability to communicate efficiently with clients and good time management skills. If you do not have a college education, one isn’t required to work as a personal trainer, but your career and earning potential can greatly benefit from completion of a fitness-related program offered at a community college. Some college programs that you should focus on are health education, exercise and sports science, and athletics. You could also consider courses in therapeutic exercise, aerobic instruction, nutrition and fitness.

If you are interested in working at a health club, they may require you be certified. Many schools and learning institutions now offer programs to gain certification as a personal trainer and even an associate’s degree. They offer continuing education courses as well so that you can stay current with advances in this field after you have gained your degree or certification.

When seeking certification as a physical trainer, choose a certifying board that offer exams that are scientifically based and require continuing education credits. Some of the well known, reputable groups that hold certification programs include American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT), and American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Good luck!