The path to become a dietitian and nutritionist is challenging yet exciting. Learn the art and science of helping people achieve their best health through nutrition and wellness. Explore the steps to become a clinician in this rewarding field and you will find the program that’s right for you!
What are my dietetics/nutritionist degree options?
If your passion about health and nutrition lead you to become a dietitian and nutritionist, there are several options. Here are descriptions of the degrees that might be right for you!
- Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Program (NDTR): This degree is typically a two year program to get you on the fast track to your goal. Typically located at community colleges, programs can offer several options to best fit your lifestyle. Programs may be available online, days, evenings, or even weekends! Often, the NDTR program is actually the first two years of a four year registered nutrition and dietitian curriculum. This is ideal for the student considering more advanced degrees. During this program, you will complete at least 450 hours of supervised practice in a variety of settings. This prepares you for real world work experience. You can also work on this certification while earning a bachelors degree.
- Bachelor’s Degree of Dietetics and Nutrition: Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition typically takes 4 years to complete. Coursework usually includes microbiology, biochemistry, foods and nutrition, physiology, psychology, and food systems. These courses can be completed in a traditional university setting or through an online program. In addition to coursework, a supervised 1,200 hour clinical internship with a registered nutritionist is also required. Clinicals are held in hospital, outpatient clinics, community agencies, and food service organizations and companies.
- Masters Degree of Dietetics and Nutrition: This 2 year graduate degree is quickly becoming the gold standard to practice dietetics and nutrition professionally. Over half of all registered dietitian and nutritionists (RDN) hold an advanced degree. Like the bachelor’s degree in dietetics and nutrition, coursework focuses on foods and nutrition, food systems, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, public health, and psychology. Advanced coursework in pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition, oncology, education, and research are also offered as part of this degree. Online programs are available for nontraditional students and offer more flexibility to earn a dietetics and nutrition degree. Similar to the bachelor’s degree program, a 1,200 hour clinical internships are an essential element to your training.
Seek out a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Dietetics and Nutrition (ACEND) to find the program that is right for you.
How do I prepare for a degree in dietetics and nutrition?
- Request information from accredited dietetics and nutrition programs. Find the best fit for you by exploring traditional and online programs. You’ll find out what prerequisites are required for each program, when applications are due, and any additional program requirements. You’ll also learn about resources to pay for your education. By requesting information from several programs you will be able to find the right school for you.
- Hands-on experience is highly recommended. There’s nothing that beats experience! Spend some time doing a job shadow with a registered nutritionist. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the profession and gain valuable insight into working with clients. Accomplish this step by contacting a local dietitian and nutritionist. Most dietetics and nutrition programs require job shadow experience to be admitted. Another way to gain experience is to become a nutrition and dietetics technician (NDTR). This offers you the advantage of earning money while working towards your degree in the profession you love.
- Interview a registered dietitian and nutritionist. Most dietitians and nutritionists would be more than happy to talk to you about their profession. This is also a great way to open doors for future job shadow or volunteer opportunities.
- Keep in contract with professors and dietitian and nutritionists you meet. Most schools require you to have 2-3 letters of recommendation when you apply. Staying connected to these professionals ensures they write a strong letter of recommendation for you. This boosts your likelihood of getting accepted into a program.
- Begin completing prerequisite courses. Undergraduate coursework can vary from program to program but generally includes classes like: chemistry, foods and nutrition, microbiology, psychology, technical writing, and public health. Typically, dietetic and nutrition schools like to see that you’ve taken these courses in the last 5 years and gotten a “C” grade or better.
After completing my dietetics and nutrition degree, what’s next?
Many dietitians receive the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. To become registered, you must pass the national exam for dietitians and nutritionists. In addition, most states require the RDN credential to be licensed. You can contact the Department of Professional Licensing for your state to determine licensing requirements. Currently, all states except for Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, and New Jersey have licensing.
Where will a dietetics and nutrition degree take me?
A degree as a registered dietitian and nutritionist gives you the freedom to work in a setting that you choose. Many find working in schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, government agencies and food manufacturers very rewarding. In addition, you will find a stable work environment unique to your interests. Finally, you can expect to see 8% job growth over the next 10 years, as well as an annual salary of over $61,270 a year or more.