How to Become a Dietitian
How to become a dietitian, sometimes also erroneously called a nutritionist, involves intensive education and training, as well as compliance with state regulations and restrictions. There is technically a difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian, although many people consider them synonymous. Nutritionists are well educated in nutrition and perhaps food management, but not every state requires certification or licensing. Dietitians, on the other hand, require extensive education and training as well as compliance with state health and food management regulations and licensing.
State requirements for dietitian licensing differ from state to state. One standard that applies to every state is that of education: You must obtain at least some degree from an accredited offline or online degree. What type of degree and at what level depends on the job title to which you aspire and your state’s requirements.
Dietitian Education Requirements – Reverse Order
To fully understand every benchmark in how to become a dietitian, start your investigation at the end goal and work your way to your starting point. You must fully understand your state’s requirements and the industry standards in your area. You can enroll in a top online university and earn top grades in the best associate’s level degree program, but if your state requires you to have at least a bachelor’s degree for accreditation, you will simply find positions similar to a kitchen preparatory aide, not as a dietitian.
Knowing the licensing requirements and the education standards for your state is the first step in how to become a dietitian.
The second step is a quest for follow-up information: Learn what employers require. They can increase standards, such as requiring at least an online masters degree in food management or in nutrition, and that’s perfectly acceptable. They cannot, however, accept a certificate from a Home Economics course in place of a formal degree required by the state.
Finding out industry standards in your area is the second step in learning how to become a dietitian.
Dietitian Applicable Degrees
To become a dietitian in most states, you must get at least a four-year degree through a program offered by an accredited campus-based or online college. Sample specialties include nutrition, nutrition education, food management, dietetics and food service systems management.
State Requirements
Not every state requires formal licensing for dietitians. If your state requires either registration or certification only, complete those applications and credentials, and you have completed your goal. For the 35 states that do require formal licensing, however, you have one more step involved in your goal: Passing that state licensing exam and maintaining it with proficiency and pursuing continuing education.
Additional Certification
The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association offers special credentialing for dietitians. Although not currently required for any state, having this certification advances your credibility and enhances your professionalism.
This certification is not awarded to every degree-holder, however. This certification can be earned after your bachelor’s degree and requires an approved internship under the supervision and direction of an approved, licensed dietitian.
You can and should pursue your license as quickly as possible to allow the internship, but if you can, don’t overlook this additional mark of expertise.
Know your state’s dietitian requirements and restrictions. Identify the appropriate education path and enroll to get yourself in motion now that you have learned how to become a dietitian.
