The job duties of dietitians and nutritionists vary greatly. In addition to providing general food and nutrition advice, dietitians and nutritionists plan nutrition programs, supervise meal preparations and control the serving of meals in a variety of different settings, including hospitals, schools and nursing homes. In order to become a dietitian or nutritionist, it you must obtain specific education and qualifications.
Education
In order to become a dietitian or nutritionist, you must obtain a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition, dietetics, foodservice systems management or another closely related field. Required courses include nutrition, food management, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, anatomy, biology and microbiology. You may also wish to take some related electives, including but not limited to mathematics, sociology, psychology, economics and business. As of 2008, the American Dietetic Association approved 279 bachelor's degree programs and 18 master's degree programs in nutrition, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Licensure
Licensure requirements for dietitians and nutritionists differ by state. There are 46 states that have laws controlling the practice of a dietitian or nutritionist. Of these 46 states, 33 require state licensure, 12 require certification and one requires that you become registered. If you are interested in becoming a dietitian or nutritionist, check your state laws and follow the necessary steps to become a legal practitioner.
Internship
To become a registered dietitian, you must successfully complete an undergraduate degree and a supervised internship that offers approximately 900 hours of field work and approved by the American Dietetic Association. As of 2008, there were 243 approved internships available, each one lasting for a period of 6 to 12 months. Once the internship is completed, you will eligible to sit for a national exam to receive the registered dietitian designation upon successful passing the exam. To maintain your registered dietitian designation, you must complete 75 hours of continuing education courses approved by the American Dietetic Association every five years.
Specialization
Some dietitians and nutritionists specialize in certain areas of clinical nutrition, such as diabetic nutrition, renal nutrition, cardiovascular nutrition or pediatric nutrition. In these cases, she may need to advance her education and obtain a master's degree in one of these specialty areas.
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