I want in the nutrition field

[slenamond]

Can someone out there direct me?

I want to become a nutritionist or dietitian. I am not really sure which. I think Nutritionist.

Where can I go to get good, solid information about becoming one? Who out there is one and can give me some information?

Please help.

My private email is [email protected]

THANKS!!

 

[NY25]

Either of those requires a college degree. I would start with your local college programs. You could also check out your library or perhaps online to find out what schools in your area are best rated for these areas. Schools with good nursing/medical programs are a good place to look. A dietician is actually a more advanced degree, requiring clinical rotations and many programs are Master's degree directed. I've researched this myself, but I don't think it's in the cards for me right now. However, good luck to you!

 

[materialsgirl]

NY25 is correct - you will need a degree for either of these. Registered dietitians are generally more knowledgeable and more respected than nutritionists, because of the certification tests they must pass in order to achieve the registered status. If I was going to choose between the two, I would choose to be a dietitian, but it's really up to you what you want to do. Like NY25 said, first place to look is at your local colleges/universities. Good luck to you!

 

[ColleenM]

You need either a master's degree or to attend an rd program to become a dietician. I can't remember the technical name for the rd program. It was 20 yrs ago when I was looking at them. I have my bachelor's degree in nutrition and I can be a counselor, etc. but am not a registered dietician.

Colleen

 

[YasBeFit]

I got my degree in nutrition & dietetics about 11 years ago and here is some info. to clarify.

A Registered Dietitian(RD)is someone who takes a test administered by the American Dietetic Association. In order to take the test you must have a bachelor's degree in nutrition & dietetics from a certified program and complete a 1,000 hour or so practicum. You have to maintain CEUs to remain certified. Many states also require you to be licensed in order to be called a dietitian.

You can complete an undergraduate program and not take the test to be an RD, but all hospitals, some health clinics (i.e. HMO), and government program only hire RDs.

I think that there are nutritionist degrees that are not from certified programs and are for those who do not want to be an RD.

You need to know what your career goals are in order to decide which to pursue. You will need a solid science background and it will probably take 2-3 years to complete the certified program (including the practice hours)if you already have the prerequisite courses.

For more info I would visit eatright.org the ADA website.

Hope this helps! If you need more personal or detailed info, let me know.

P.S. I am currently an RD but have let registration lapse since I no longer work in the field. I may regret this since I will have to retake test if I want to be a "dietitian" again.