You’ve seen “Celebrity Fit Club,” and thought to yourself that you can be the next Dr. David Katz. The nutritionist might be a reality TV star of sorts, but he’s actually recognized as one of America’s top physicians in preventative medicine. The star nutrition guru is also at the forefront of authorities when it comes to nutrition, weight control, health, and the prevention of chronic disease. So just how did Dr. Katz become an expert and how can you follow in his footsteps? You’ll need drive and the knowledge acquired at nutrition schools.
Dr. Katz’s Résumé in a Nutshell
Dr. Katz went to Dartmouth College for his undergraduate studies. He then attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine for MD and the Yale University School of Public Health for his MPH. As a board-certified physician in internal medicine and preventative medicine/public health, Dr. Katz now works as an associate professor of public health when he’s not busy directing the Yale Prevention Research Center, which he co-founded in 1998.
Since then, Dr. Katz has become an associate director for Nutrition Science at Yale University’s Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. And on top of that, provides advice to celebrities struggling with weight issues on the hit VH1 Celebreality series.
Becoming the Next Dr. Katz
Anyone can call himself or herself a “nutritionist” with or without training at nutrition schools. Keep in mind, however, that there are licensing laws in almost every state that require training at nutrition schools, and there are also testing requirements that certify an individual to be a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians need at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. They typically also have to have served in a related, formal internship for about nine months to a year after graduation from nutrition schools.
A national nutrition exam is also required of aspiring qualified nutritionists. Once a registered dietitian is employed, he or she must also maintain ongoing education via nutrition schools throughout his or her career in order to continue practicing.
Now that you’re ready for the next step to become a nutritionist, don’t just head into the career without a nutrition degree. Many people may make the mistake of interchanging “nutritionist” and “registered dietitian,” but bare in mind the nutrition education that’s required. Depending on state and licensure laws, you want to have your nutrition education bases covered before practicing as a qualified nutritionist. And when it comes to pursuing nutrition schools, it’s important to remember that more than half of registered dietitians also have a master’s or doctorate degrees. The competition can be fierce, so strive for a nutrition degree at nutrition schools to be above your dietitian cohorts — one of them might land the next slot you’re gunning for on a future season of “Celebrity Fit Club.”