The American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) accredit programs that meet their requirements for Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP). Coursework required for programs includes food science, nutrition science, food-service systems management, biology, physiology, culinary arts and business. Additionally, all programs must provide students with 900 hours of supervised nutritional practice. All the educational requirements are essential as this will determine if you are eligible to take the licensure exam.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 46 states have laws governing dietary counseling. Of those, 33 require licensure, 12 require certification and 1 requires registration. The differences between these types of regulations are that licensure is the most restrictive, and requires the most education; you can only practice as a dietitian or nutritionist in these states if you are licensed. Certification entails the right to use the title dietitian or nutritionist but if you would like to function as one without certification, you can as long as you don't use that title. Registration is the least restrictive in that unregistered people are allowed to practice as dietitians or nutritionists. The Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR) administers a national exam for registered dietitians.
According to the BLS, dietitians make a median salary of $50,590. The middle fifty percent earn between $41,060 and $61,790. The top ten percent make $73,140. The three largest industries employing nutritionists/dietitians are outpatient care centers, hospitals and nursing care facilities.
Once certified, you must complete 75 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain your license. Continuing education credits can be accumulated by attending conferences and workshops that further your knowledge of the profession.
Once you have obtained licensure, that license will transfer anywhere in the country. Although licensure may be optional in your state, obtaining a national certification will help establish credibility and convey to clients that you are qualified as you have passed a set of qualifiers to become licensed. Once licensed, you will be listed on a national database of dietitians so that potential clients may find you.