A certified dietary manager completes a dietary managers course and passes a credentialing exam from the Dietary Managers Association. You can register for online coursework through an accredited college or university distance education program. The self-paced program usually takes about 12 months. Coursework includes written assignments and hands-on training related to food-service management and medical nutrition. Dietary managers must complete continuing education courses to maintain certification. Dietary managers run food-service operations in organizations such as health-care facilities and school districts.
Dietetic technicians, or DTRs, hold DTR positions in health-care facilities, generally performing basic nutrition assessments and attending to the dietary needs of patients. You must complete a two-year associate degree from an accredited college or university and pass a national exam for DTRs administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration to qualify as a registered dietetic technician. The coursework includes classes in food and nutrition science, food-service systems management and general science. Students must complete 450 hours of supervised practice. Continuing education must be completed to maintain registration.
Registered dietitians work in a wide variety of positions, including clinical dietetics, food-service management, public-health agencies, private practice and corporate wellness. To become a registered dietitians, you must earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, complete supervised practice and pass the national registration exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Coursework includes food and nutrition sciences, food-service systems management, chemistry and general courses. Students complete supervised practice through an internship or a coordinated dietetics program. Continuing education is required to maintain registration.
Graduate programs in nutrition are available through accredited universities nationwide. Admission requirements vary and programs are typically completed in two years. Students may complete a master's in nutrition and dietetics, nutrition education, nutrition and food sciences, nutrition and public health or human nutrition, among other options. Earning a graduate degree in nutrition allows you to accept teaching appointments at colleges and universities as well as conduct research.