University of Minnesota Athletics
FAQ
Becoming a Sports Dietitian
What is a sports dietitian (or performance dietitian)?
A sports dietitian is a Registered Dietitian who works and specializes in working with athletes. Those athletes can be weekend warriors, collegiate, professional, or military/tactical.
How many years of school do I need to become a sports dietitian?
You need to complete a 4 year undergraduate degree to be eligible for the dietetic internship.
Do I have to take a test to become registered?
Yes, you need to sit for a board exam after you’ve completed your 4 year degree and accredited dietetic internship.
What is the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian?
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. There are no requirements to do so, but to be called a Registered Dietitian, you must have received your 4 year undergraduate degree, complete the accredited dietetic internship, and have sat and passed a national board exam. Only then can you call yourself a Registered Dietitian.
What do you recommend a person to do to become a sports dietitian?
If you are new to the field, I would recommend reaching out to a Sports Dietitian and ask to shadow them. Learning what their days are like will give you the initial introduction into whether it is something you are truly interested in pursuing or not.
Becoming a Volunteer
Do I have to be an undergrad student to volunteer? What if I am getting my masters?
We accept both undergraduate and masters level students into our program.
How many hours will I have to work?
We ask for a commitment of no more than 10 hours per week. Shift lengths vary and some opportunities will be outside of your assigned hours so it is up to you whether you’d like to attend those.
Are there opportunities to get paid?
We do not pay our students but there is an opportunity to receive a small scholarship if you demonstrate qualities we are looking for.
Do I have to work weekends?
Most of our needed hours fall on weekdays but there are times, mainly in the fall, when weekends are needed since that is when football games are.
Can I work another job while I volunteer?
Yes, you may work another job while you volunteer. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule but keep in mind that our shifts fall around team activities such as practices, lifts, and games.