Can I Become a Registered Dietitian Online?
Are you interested in becoming a registered dietician? This article explains the role that registered dietitians play in the healthcare system and informs readers of the steps to become one.
Registered dietitians are highly proficient in the topic of food and nutrition. They are provided with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and educate on nutritional plans.
There are many benefits of becoming a registered dietitian. Exposure to various work settings is one of the main benefits, along with job outlook and security.
This article explains the role registered dietitians play in the healthcare system and informs readers about the necessary steps to become one.
What is a Registered Dietitian?
Registered dietitians are experts in the use of food and nutrition. They are responsible for planning and conducting food services to direct people towards healthier lifestyles.
Dietitians are completely hands-on with evaluating the health needs of their clients through the use of nutrition assessments and diagnostic tests.
They also help prevent and support the treatment of health conditions such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and obesity.
The majority of registered dietitians operate on the clinical side and are employed in hospitals and long-term care facilities and clinics.
Some work on the community side. They are primarily seen in government and nonprofit agencies, public health clinics, and other settings. The rest operate in cafeterias, prisons, and school systems.
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What are the Responsibilities?
The day-to-day tasks of a registered dietitian can vary.
Some of the most common duties are:
- assessing clients' nutritional and health needs
- counsel clients on nutrition issues and healthy eating habits
- develop meal and nutrition plans
- creating educational materials about healthy lifestyles
- updating clients on the latest food and nutritional science research
- documenting clients' progress
What are the Educational Requirements
To become a registered dietitian, individuals are required to complete a bachelor's degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, or a closely related field.
The degree program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Candidates will need to graduate from an accredited program to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.
Starting in January 2024, graduates will be required to pursue a graduate degree due to changes made by the credentialing agency.
Is It Possible to Enroll in an Accredited Online Registered Dietitian Program?
It is possible to become a registered dietitian completely online. Several online dietician degree programs are available that allow students to attend online classes at their own pace and study around their schedule.
The following colleges and universities offer online programs for aspiring registered dietitians:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Harding University
- Kansas State University
- Iowa State University
- Eastern Michigan University
What Courses Can a Student Expect to Take in an Online Registered Dietitian Degree Program?
Among the many courses involved in an average dietitian degree program, the most popular topics include the following:
- basic nutrition
- human nutrition
- food science
- nutritional assessment
- financial management in dietetics
- public health nutrition
- counseling strategies in dietetics practice
- life span nutrition
What Steps Do I Need to Take to Become a Registered Dietitian?
The following list explains the necessary steps an individual needs to take to become a registered dietitian.
1. Earn an Accredited Bachelor's or Master's Degree
The first step to becoming a registered dietitian is to earn a nutrition-related degree and obtain a verification statement from an accredited program. This verification statement is required to sit for the certification exam.
Starting in January 2024, graduates will need to have completed a graduate-level degree program to qualify for the CDR exam.
2. Complete a Dietetic Internship
After earning a degree from an accredited degree program, graduates must obtain hands-on clinical experience through an internship. This is required for graduates who have earned a master's or a bachelor's degree.
There are three types of internships available:
- dietitian internship
- coordinated program
- individualized supervised practice pathway
Regardless of the program, students must complete 1,200 hours under the supervision of a licensed professional.
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam
Upon completing an accredited degree program and fulfilling internship requirements, a candidate is required to take the registered dietitian exam.
The test has up to 145 questions and consists of:
- 21% principles of dietetics
- 45% nutrition care for individuals and groups
- 21% management of food and nutrition programs and services
- 13% food service systems
4. Obtain a State License
Before seeking employment, a candidate may need to obtain a state license or certification. The CDR provides information on which states require additional licensure for registered dietitians.
It is recommended to check with each state that you are interested in.
5. Maintain State Licensure and Registration
To maintain their registration with CDR, registered dietitians are required to complete 75 continuing education credits every five years.
Become a Registered Dietitian Today
Becoming a registered dietitian can be a deeply rewarding experience for individuals who have a passion for nutrition. If you are seeking to become one yourself, please reach out to the nearest dietetics degree program today for more information.
