Arizona is a state with a long commitment to living healthily. For instance, it was the first state to ban public smoking. However, Arizona is also home to the longest stretch of Route 66, which provides ample opportunity for fast, unhealthy food. Fortunately, many dietitians work in Arizona to help make sure its citizens eat right and stay in tip-top shape.
Unlike some other states, Arizona does not require dietitians to have a state license to work in the field. However, all registered dietitians must meet the requirements set out by the Commission on Dietetic Registration in order to practice professionally.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Arizona
Here are the requirements for registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Basic Requirements
- Age: 18 years or older.
- Education: You have to receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Degree: Your degree should be in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics.
- Experience: 1200 hours of supervised work experience is required under the guidance of a registered dietitian. This can be done through the course of your degree or in an internship.
- Citizenship: You can be a US citizen, an alien allowed to work or an alien who has registered with a dietetic organization in another country.
Additional Requirements
- Exam: You need to achieve a passing grade in the exam administered by the CDR.
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Application Process
- Licensure: Arizona has no licensing procedure. Once your registration with the CDR has been approved, you can begin working as a dietitian in Arizona.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
If you’re interested in becoming a registered dietitian, there are many degrees that could be useful in addition to the standard dietetics programs. Nutritional science degrees cover many of the same areas as a dietitian degrees, as do clinical nutrition program. Another similar degree path is food management services. All of these degrees will cover proper human nutrition and related subjects like biology and chemistry.
Major Cities in Arizona
- Phoenix is the largest state capitol in the country. It is home to over 1.5 million people, providing prospective dietitians plenty of career opportunities.
- Mesa is Arizona’s next biggest city, and is where the Chicago Cubs hold their spring training. This means tons of hot dogs, a very unhealthy food.
- Tempe is the home to Arizona State University. Since many unhealthy eating habits get their start in college, Tempe is a great place for a registered dietitian to work.
Discover health and nutritionist programs in Arizona that are a match for you!
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Primarily, dietitians and nutritionists work to examine their clients eating behaviors and help them to develop healthier habit.
- Nutritionists and dietitians will construct detailed meal plans. These plans will take into account both their clients health needs and their financial stability.
- Educating their clients and the communities where they work is a big part of being a nutritionist or a dietitian.
- Dietitians also need to stay abreast of the latest nutritional science.
Related Careers
The closest related career to a dietitian is a nutritionist. They study the same areas and perform many of the same tasks. Other related careers include dietetic technicians, clinical nutritionist and careers in food management.
Employment Numbers in Arizona
There are large number of dietitians working in Arizona. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that 1,180 dietitians were employed in Arizona in 2015.
Salary Ranges in Arizona
There are a range of salaries for dietitians in Arizona. In Phoenix, the average yearly salary is $50,850. For Tucson dietitians, the average pay is $57,660. In non-metropolitan areas, the pay is $56,250.
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Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Arizona
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Arizona
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Qualified nutritionists and dietitians often pursue a bachelor’s degree before attempting certification. Though both deal exclusively with nutrition, food, and dietary choices, nutrionists and dietitians do have different roles. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!