Dietitian Schools

What Kind of Degree do you need to be a Dietician?

For most people a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics obtained from a school that is accredited by the American Dietetic Association is the typical entrance into a career as a dietician, but there are those who choose to pursue a Master’s in Nutrition after having obtained a Bachelor’s in a different subject. Whichever path an individual chooses though in order to work as a registered Dietician a person  must complete a 900 hour internship (between 9 months and a year in duration)  

Nutritious Apple

What Kinds of Courses are taught in a Dietetics Degree Program?

The courses focus on all aspects of the function of the human body as related to nutrition. Some of the required study subjects include:

  • Biology and Microbiology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • Food Science
  • Food and lifecycle (studying the nutritional requirements  of individuals from birth to old age)

Can a Dietician Specialize?

Some dieticians do indeed choose to specialize in a certain area of dietetics practice. Some may deal only with sports nutrition and work primarily with athletes while others seek a position working exclusively with children and babies. In fact, there are a number of different specialist certifications that an individual can choose to pursue once they have completed their degree and internship. These include:

  • Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
  • Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
  • Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
  • Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
  • Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
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