Answer:
Many organizations market nutrition certifications and the opportunity for fitness professionals, health coaches, and like persons to improve their nutrition knowledge through earning certificates/certification, online diplomas, or taking nutrition courses. Many of these programs advise applicants to review their state laws to determine what nutrition services can legally be offered once the advertised credential is earned.
In North Carolina, a license is required to provide nutrition care services for the purpose of managing or treating a medical condition. A license is also required to use the title “dietitian/nutritionist" or "nutritionist," to use the words "dietitian," "nutritionist," "licensed nutritionist," or "licensed dietitian/nutritionist" or hold oneself out as a dietitian or nutritionist, use the letters "LD," "LN," or "LDN," or any facsimile or combination in any words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia, and a license is required to imply orally or in writing or indicate in any way that the person is a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist..
The requirements for licensure are statutorily defined. One must apply and meet the requirements provided in North Carolina G.S. § 90-357.5 in order to be granted a license to practice in North Carolina. A certificate or diploma, standing alone, is not enough to authorize a person to practice dietetics and/or nutrition in North Carolina, nor use protected titles as noted above.
For more information, please download and review Guideline A.
