How to Become A Certified Dietician

Learn how to become a certified dietician.

Dieticians plan healthy diets for their clients and help them incorporate healthy eating into their lives. Dieticians tailor their regimens for each individual client according to their tastes and dietary needs such as a low-salt diet or lactose intolerance. They work with their clients to help them reach their optimum weight and to get their bodies healthy. To get certified, perspective dieticians need academic education, as well as many hours of experience.

Instructions

1. Find out what universities have dietetics programs because you will need to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. This information can be found online on CollegeBoard.com and in the Fiske Guide to College book, as well as in other online and printed resources.

2. Apply to the college of your choice. If the application form asks, indicate your interest in the school's dietetics program. Gain acceptance to the college.

3. Meet with your advisor. Find out what your class requirements are and make sure you fit them all in. You will take many science courses including biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Your degree should take about four years to complete.

4. Attend 1,200 hours of supervised practice. Most schools provide assistance in placing you in a work environment where you get accumulate these supervised hours. For example, you can work in a hospital, public school or medical clinic.

5. Pass the exam that is given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Check out their website for information on where and when the test is administered.

6. Take 75 hours of continuing education every five years to keep your certification up to date.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not keep up with your continuing education, you will have to take the CDR exam again.

References

• Degree Directory: Dietician: How to Become a Dietician in 5 Steps
• Eat Right: Registered Dietician

Resources

• Commission on Dietetic Registration