The field of dietetics is a dynamic and essential component of healthcare, promoting well-being through sound nutrition practices. As more people recognize the importance of a balanced diet and its impact on overall health, the demand for qualified dietitians continues to grow. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the meaning of dietetics, the differences between certified and registered dietitians, the qualifications required to become a dietitian, whether a career in dietetics is worth it, and the five best online dietitian certifications.
What does dietetics mean?
Dietetics is the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to one’s diet for the promotion of health and prevention or management of diseases. It encompasses the study of human nutrition and how the body processes and utilizes nutrients from food. Dietitians use evidence-based knowledge to develop individualized meal plans, educate clients on healthy eating habits, and help people manage various health conditions through dietary modifications.
What is the difference between a certified dietitian and a registered dietitian?
The primary difference between a certified dietitian and a registered dietitian lies in their professional credentials and the scope of their practice.
A certified dietitian (CD) is a nutrition professional who has met specific state requirements, including obtaining a relevant degree and passing a state-administered exam. The title “Certified Dietitian” and the scope of practice may vary depending on the state in which the individual is practicing.
A registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a nutrition professional who has completed an accredited educational program, a supervised internship, and passed a national registration exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). RDs/RDNs are recognized nationally and must adhere to ongoing continuing education requirements to maintain their registration.
What qualifications do you need to be a dietitian?
To become a dietitian, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. The coursework typically covers subjects like human physiology, biochemistry, food science, and public health nutrition.
- Complete a Dietetic Internship: After obtaining your bachelor’s degree, you must complete a supervised dietetic internship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). These internships usually last between six months to a year and provide hands-on experience in various dietetics practice areas.
- Pass the Registration Exam: Upon completing your internship, you’ll need to pass the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to obtain the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.
- Maintain Certification and Continuing Education: Once certified, you must engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain your RDN credential.
Is a career as a dietitian worth it?
A career as a dietitian can be incredibly rewarding for those passionate about health, nutrition, and helping others. These are all things a dietitian does. Dietitians have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives and improve public health through nutrition education and intervention. Some benefits of a career as a dietitian include:
- High job satisfaction: Dietitians often report high job satisfaction due to the positive impact they have on their clients’ health and well-being.
- Diverse career opportunities: Dietitians work in various settings, including hospitals, public health organizations, sports teams, private practice, and the food industry, providing diverse career options.
- Competitive salary: Dietitians typically earn competitive salaries, with the median annual wage for dietitians and nutritionists being $63,090 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Job growth: The demand for dietitians is expected to grow as people become more aware of the importance of a balanced diet and its impact on overall health. The employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
- Personal growth and development: A career in dietetics offers continuous opportunities for personal and professional growth through ongoing education and specialization in specific areas of nutrition.
The 5 Best Dietitian Certifications Online
1. Stanford University
The “Stanford SCHE Nutrition Science Online Short Course” is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition science and its impact on health and well-being. The course covers key topics such as macronutrients, micronutrients, energy balance, and nutrient metabolism, and provides an in-depth look at how diet affects various physiological processes.
Students will also learn about the role of nutrition in various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and explore the latest research in the field of nutrition science. The course is taught by experienced faculty from Stanford University, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the program.
The online format of the course allows for flexible learning, making it accessible to students from around the world. The course is structured in such a way as to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, while also allowing them to focus on specific areas of interest.
Additionally, students will have access to a range of online resources, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, which will help to reinforce their understanding of the material. Upon completion of the course, students will have a solid understanding of nutrition science and its impact on health and well-being, and will be well equipped to make informed decisions about their own diets and the diets of those they care for.
2. University of New England
The “Applied Nutrition” program offered by the University of New England is a comprehensive course that provides students with a deep understanding of the science of nutrition and its impact on health and wellness. The program covers a wide range of topics, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy balance, and nutrient metabolism, and provides an in-depth look at how diet affects various physiological processes. The program also explores the role of nutrition in various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and examines the latest research in the field of nutrition science.
The online format of the program allows for flexible learning, making it accessible to students from around the world. The program is taught by experienced faculty from the University of New England, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the course. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, while also allowing them to focus on specific areas of interest.
Students will have access to a range of online resources, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, which will help reinforce their understanding of the material. Upon completion of the program, students will have a solid understanding of nutrition science and its impact on health and wellness, and will be well equipped to make informed decisions about their own diets and the diets of those they care for.
3. NASM's Nutrition Coach Program
The “Certified Nutrition Coach” program offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a comprehensive course that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to become a successful nutrition coach. The program covers a wide range of topics, including macronutrients, micronutrients, energy balance, and nutrient metabolism, and provides an in-depth look at how diet affects various physiological processes.
The program also explores the role of nutrition in various health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, and examines the latest research in the field of nutrition science.
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, while also allowing them to focus on specific areas of interest. The program is taught by experienced faculty from NASM, who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the course.
Students will have access to a range of online resources, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and discussion forums, which will help reinforce their understanding of the material. Upon completion of the program, students will be well equipped to provide nutritional coaching services to clients and help them achieve their health and wellness goals. The program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a successful nutrition coach, and the NASM certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field.
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers two programs in Clinical Nutrition: a MS in Clinical Nutrition and a Capstone Certificate in Clinical Nutrition. The MS program is 100% online, allowing students to balance work and life obligations while earning a highly ranked degree. The program covers relevant topics in clinical nutrition and provides project-based activities, led by world-class faculty. The program prepares students to lead professional teams and recognize developments in the field.
The Capstone Certificate is a 9-credit program, also offered online, that provides advanced training in gastrointestinal nutrition therapy, nutrition support, complex nutritional assessment, advanced nutrition counseling, and more. Both programs are taught by registered dietitians with extensive experience in clinical nutrition.
5. University of Arizona Online
The University of Arizona offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences program that focuses on the impact of nutrition and food on health and disease throughout the lifespan. Course topics include nutritional biology and metabolism, food science and safety, nutrition assessment, and therapeutic diets. As a student in this program, you will specialize in either Dietetics or Nutrition.
The Dietetics emphasis provides the first step towards becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or a nutrition and dietetics technician, registered (NDTR), and includes a strong foundation in the sciences and a variety of food and nutrition courses. The Nutrition emphasis prepares students for careers or graduate studies in fields such as nutrition, food science, nutritional biochemistry, dentistry, nursing, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine.
The Dietetics emphasis at the University of Arizona is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Dietitian and Nutrition Certification Types
1. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR): The RDN credential is the gold standard for dietitians in the United States. This national certification requires completion of an accredited educational program, a supervised internship, and passing the registration exam. Maintaining the RDN credential involves ongoing continuing education
2. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS): The CNS certification is designed for advanced nutrition professionals, including those with a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field. The certification requires completion of a supervised practice experience and passing the CNS examination.
3. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE): The CDE certification is ideal for dietitians who wish to specialize in diabetes education and management. Candidates must have professional experience in diabetes care and pass the CDE exam.
4. Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR): The CSSD certification is for dietitians who specialize in sports nutrition. This certification requires prior RDN certification, professional experience in sports dietetics, and passing the CSSD examination.
5. Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR): The CSP certification is designed for dietitians who specialize in pediatric nutrition. Candidates must have prior RDN certification, professional experience in pediatric nutrition, and pass the CSP examination.
Final Thoughts on the Best Dietitian Certifications Online
Dietetics is a fascinating and rewarding field that offers various career opportunities for those passionate about health, nutrition, and helping others achieve their wellness goals. The difference between a certified dietitian and a registered dietitian lies in their professional credentials, with registered dietitians often being recognized nationally and adhering to more rigorous continuing education requirements.
Becoming a dietitian requires dedication and a strong educational foundation, but the positive impact you can have on others’ lives makes it well worth the effort. With numerous online certifications available, you can specialize in different areas of dietetics and enhance your career prospects. Pursuing a career in dietetics can lead to a fulfilling, impactful, and successful professional life.
