Although it is one of the smallest states in the country, Delaware is still big on food. Nearly 40 percent of Delaware’s available land is dedicated to farming. You can tell Delaware’s commitment to food based on its state flag, which features pictures of both a sheaf of wheat and an ear of corn. Just like any state, Delaware’s citizens may need help sticking to the right nutritional habits, which is a good reason to consider a career as a registered dietitian.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Delaware
Basic Requirements:
- Age: Applicants should be over the age of 18.
- Education: Delaware requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The degree must be from an accredited institution and your major course of study needs to have been focused on dietetics, nutrition education or human nutrition.
- Experience: 900 hours of work experience supervised by a registered dietitian is required. Your supervisor must meet the qualifications outlined by the Delaware Board of Dietitians/Nutritionists and will have to verify your work experience.
- Exam: You need to have received a passing grade in a certification exam as outlined by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Citizenship: Aliens allowed to work in the US and US citizens can become registered dietitians in Delaware.
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Additional Requirements:
- CDR Registration: Anyone who has become a registered dietitian with the CDR can provide proof of registration and will be granted a Delaware dietitian license.
- Reciprocity: In some circumstances, you can receive your Delaware dietitian license if you are licensed in another state. However, the licensing state must have commensurate requirements to Delaware.
Application Process
- Licensure: When you’ve met the requirements, you can submit your application to the Board. Include educational transcripts, proof of work experience, your certification exam verification and a $194 fee. When your application is verified and approved, you will receive your license.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
All degrees that focus on the principles of proper human nutrition are related to dietitians. A few of these degrees include food management, clinical nutrition and food and nutrition. Many dietitians will also study subjects like chemistry and biology.
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Major Cities in Delaware
- Wilmington is Delaware’s largest city. It is also situated between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Dietitians who work in Wilmington will tremendously benefit from being near these two major metropolitan areas.
- Dover is the capital of Delaware and is home to the Dover Air Force Base, which is beneficial to dietitians looking to work in the government sector.
- Newark is the home of the University of Delaware. If you’re a dietitian primarily focused on education, this can be a great location to start your career.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Nutritionists and dietitians analyze the nutritional needs and habits of their clients. By using this information, a nutritionist will develop a healthy eating plan and then monitor their client’s progress.
- Dietitians can provide nutritional educational and counseling to their communities.
- Dietitians and nutritionists can work in the healthcare industry or in schools to develop health meal plans meant to serve large groups of people.
- Continuing education about nutritional health is a large part of being a dietitian or nutritionist.
Related Careers
The most common careers that are related to dietitians include dietetic technicians, clinical nutritionists and food management professionals.
Employment Numbers in Delaware
Compared to other states, Delaware has a relatively small number of dietitians. 170 dietitians worked in Delaware in 2015, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary Ranges in Delaware
The average salary for a Delaware dietitian working in the Salisbury area is $58,610.
Delaware Dietitian Links
- Delaware Board of Dietitians/Nutritionists
- Dietitian License Application
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Delaware
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Delaware
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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!