How to Become a Registered Dietitian in California

If you're looking to become a registered dietitian, or registered dietician, in the state of California, you will need to obtain a degree from an American Dietician Association, also known as the ADA, approved college program. You will then need to take and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians. Becoming a registered dietitian will not qualify you to work as a nutritionist (required certification), that is a separate field. A dietician requires specific training, while a nutritionist can be anyone who labels themselves as such.

Instructions

Step One: In order to become a registered dietician, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college. Some of the courses that you will have to take include microbiology, psychology, nutrition, anatomy, diet therapy, food science, physiology, biochemistry, computer sciences and food service management. Some of the top schools you can consider include Berkley, David or California State.



Step Two: Once you have obtained a degree as a registered dietitian, you will need to complete an internship of 900 hours minimum. In order to get certification from the CDR, you will have to complete a supervised internship.

Step Three: After completing the internship, and pass the exam, the CDR and ADA will award you with credentials as a California dietician.

Step Four: In order to maintain your dietician registration in California, you will need to obtain 75 continuing education units every five years.

Step Five: Some of the places you will be able to work in as a registered dietician include outpatient care centers, surgical and general medical hospitals, nursing care facilities and private physician offices. Your job tasks require you to plan food and nutrition programs that will assist with illness treatments and prevention, like diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Step Six: Now, that you're all set to go - hopefully all will go well in your new career!