How to Become a Consultant Dietician
As a consultant dietitian, you can work as a contractor for a health care facility, and have the possibility of starting your own private business. To start the journey in becoming a consultant dietitian, you must first gain the required education. Along with obtaining education, you must also take several other measures.
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Instructions
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Obtain a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field to become a dietitian. Enroll in an accredited college that offers a degree in nutrition, food science management or a similar field. Also, you can take classes or major in chemistry, biology, nutrition or institution management. To have a competitive edge, get a master's degree in food service, nutrition or a related field.
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Become a licensed dietitian. Once you have gotten your education, you should become licensed. To become licensed, you will need to take a state exam. More than half of the states in the nation require you to take a state exam for you to become licensed. Check with your state health department or state dietitian association to verify if you need to be licensed and the requirements to become a licensed dietitian. If you desire to, become a registered dietitian. To do so, become registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration or the American Dietetic Association. These associations award a registered dietitian status to those who pass the exam to become a registered dietitian. Become registered after you have taken required coursework and have completed an internship. Get as much dietitian training as possible. Becoming a registered dietitian will make you more creditable while you pursue clients for your career as a consultant dietitian.
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Build you client list. Obtain clients from different places. For example, contact health care facilities, offering your services. These services can include nutrition screenings for health care clients and giving advice on diets and nutrition. Other responsibilities you can take on include working on wellness programs, working with food service managers, implementing food safety measures, budgeting and creating menus.
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Tips & Warnings
Create business cards that detail your title and some information on the services you provide as a consultant dietitian. Advertise your services by giving business cards to different places, such as health care facilities. Also, market yourself on the web and in newspapers. Remember, a little advertising goes a long way and will help you grow your client base for your business in dietary consulting.
