Florida is home to some of the most interesting food you’ll find anywhere in the country. It’s access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico means Floridians can enjoy a wide variety of delicious seafood. In addition, Florida grows a large amount of produce, including its signature oranges. With food being so plentiful, many Floridians need help learning to eat the right way, which is why becoming a registered dietitian is such an enticing career in this state.
If you’re interested in become a registered dietitian in Florida, there are a few simple requirements you’ll have to meet to receive a Florida license.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Florida
Basic Requirements:
- Age: You must be eighteen or older before applying for a dietitian license in Florida.
- Education: The minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree. The degree should have a major course of study in dietetics, human nutrition or food management.
- Experience: 900 hours of supervised dietetic practice.
- Exam: A passing grade in the certification exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Citizenship: US citizens and legal immigrants are allowed to be licensed as dietitians in the state of Florida.
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Additional Requirements:
- Background Check: In your application, you must detail any criminal history and provide documents to back-up your claims.
- Forms of Endorsement: If you can provide verification that you are a registered dietitian with the CDR or are a licensed dietitian in a state with similar requirements to Florida, you can receive your license without examination. Nutritionists certified with the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists can have the requirements other than the examination waived.
- Temporary Permits: You can receive a temporary permit while your application is being reviewed, if you have met all other requirements besides examination. This permit allows you to work as a dietitian under the supervision of a licensed dietitian.
Application Process
- Licensure: When you’re ready, you can submit your application to the Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council. Whether you’re seeking licensure by exam or endorsement, you will need to submit proof of your qualifications, including education records and proof of experience. All applicants will pay an $80 application fee, an $80 license fee and a $5 unlicensed activity fee. Temporary permits are $50. Endorsement costs an extra $75.
- Continuing Education: After your license is granted, you will have to complete 30 hours of continuing education.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Any degree program that strongly emphasizes theories and practices of human nutrition is related to dietitians. For instance, degrees such as food and nutrition, food management and dietetics are all related to being a dietitian.
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Major Cities in Florida
- Jacksonville is home to nearly 850,000 people and is the state’s largest community.
- Combined, the Miami and Tampa areas are populated by close to 5 million people, offering dietitians impressive career prospects.
- Orlando, a popular tourist destination, is a great place for dietitians to serve both Florida residents and visitors.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- When you work as a dietitian or a nutritionist, you will interact with your clients to determine their eating habits and to help them alter these habits to better meet their nutritional needs.
- Nutritionists keep track of their client’s progress, write regular reports and adjust dietary plans as needed.
- Dietitians make short and long term meal plans for both individual clients and groups.
- Nutritionists also educate the public about proper human nutrition.
Related Careers
Careers where you seek to promote healthy eating habits through education and developing meal plans are similar to dietitians. This includes working as a certified nutritionist, in a hospital in clinical nutrition or in food management.
Employment Numbers in Florida
In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there were 3,050 dietitians working in Florida.
Salary Ranges in Florida
Orlando dietitians can make $52,850 annually. In Miami, a dietitian’s salary can be as high as $60,930 per year. Tallahassee dietitians may make $53,930 per annum.
Florida Dietitian Links
- Florida Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Job Outlook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Florida
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Florida
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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!