According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 46 states now have some laws regarding the licensing of registered dietitians, although specific requirements do vary. According to the bureau, 33 states require that a RD be fully licensed, 12 states require certification, and one state requires only state registration.
A full bachelor's degree prepares professionals to apply dietary sciences to create and oversee nutrition programs. There is course instruction in human nutrition, metabolism, and the role of foods in preventing disease. Professionals also learn how to plan and direct food service activities as well as supervise food storage and preparation. An online bachelor's degree includes dietetics, human nutrition, and food management. Universities.com states that a cooperative plan, which combines online studies with actual work experience, may permit a student to obtain a bachelor's degree in just three years.
An online associate's degree for dietitians typically requires at least two years of full-time equivalent college coursework. Associate's degrees in Dietetics at Penn State's College of Health and Human Development require 67 credits. An associate's degree can advance the career of an individual working in nutrition care or food service operations.
Professionals can earn a dietitian online certificate in six months. Job opportunities with a certificate include working in hospitals or schools. Responsiblities include menu planning and overseeing the preparation of food. According to Salary.com, depending on type of online degree obtained, dietitian salaries range between $25,000 and $72,000 a year.