If you have a passion for health and nutrition, you are probably what exactly is a dietitian. Dietitians, better known as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNS) are essentially the food and nutrition professional exerts who know the science of eating healthy food for optimal living. RDNs are employed virtually everywhere. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, schools, universities, corporations and other large community settings. Essentially RDNs are highly qualified healthy eating experts who consult with both people and organizations to provide sound advice on how to use food to optimize human health. If you have ever considered becoming an RDN, here are a few things you must consider.
What Type of Degree is Needed to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
In order to become a licensed RDN in your state, first you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition or human dietetics. You should look for an accredited program offered through a respectable college or university, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Students also do have the option of completing a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition online so long as the program is accredited.
During the first two years of a bachelor’s program, students will have to take a wide variety of general education requirements, i.e. English composition, mathematics, social studies, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, etc. However, since human nutrition is science-based field, most programs will require students to take extra coursework in chemistry, biology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, psychology and physics. Obviously this will vary by college and university. During the last two years of a program, students will then take their major coursework. Some of these classes include community nutrition, carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, fat metabolism, clinical research, etc. Course offerings will obviously vary from college to college. Check with your admissions adviser to see what types of courses are offered at your respective program.
How Long Will it Take to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
Typically, if you include obtaining a bachelor’s and a master’s degree plus doing the required internship, it will take anywhere between five to seven years to become a RDN. After graduating from an accredited dietetics program, it is necessary that prospective dietitians sit for a state licensing exam. All fifty states require that dietitians who work in clinical settings take a statewide exam to ensure that dietetics professionals provide sound advice to patients and other individuals.
What are the Salaries Like for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist?
According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2015 median pay for a RDN is $57,910 per year. Hourly this comes out to around $27.84 an hour. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that field will see a 16 percent growth over the next decade. Obviously salaries will depend highly on geographic location, years of experience, work setting and specialty.
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If you have a sincere passion for human nutrition and would like to help people live healthier lives, becoming an RDN is the right field for you. Just make sure you do your proper due diligence when looking for a reputable, accredited program. Dietetics internships are highly competitive so make sure you that you do your best to graduate within at least the top 25 percent of your program. Hopefully this will better your chances of becoming a dietitian.