Requirements for dietitian training vary by state. Only 12 states accept certification, while 35 states require state licensure. Before beginning any online certification program, participants should check the state requirements for dieticians in the state where they plan to practice.
When evaluating potential schools, potential dieticians should confirm that the schools are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, or CADE. The American Dietetic Association's website contains a list of schools that are CADE accredited.
To become a dietician, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required in all states.
Courses in nutrition, physiology, biology, chemistry, alternative medicine and nutrition therapy are common courses required in online dietician certification programs. Following the completion of course work, participants complete an internship lasting six months to a year in a CADE-approved setting and pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam.