Known as the Peach State, Georgia and its people have a close relationship with food. From regional favorites like grits and Brunswick stew to locally grown crops like peaches and peanuts, Georgia and food go hand in hand. If you’re the type of person in Georgia who likes to develop healthy meal plans and help those around them improve their nutrition, then a career you need to consider is that of a registered dietitian.
If you’re interested in becoming a dietitian in Georgia, it’s important that you follow the right steps for licensure.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Georgia
Basic Requirements
- Age: A licensed Georgia dietitian must be at least 18 years of age.
- Education: You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The focus of your degree should be in dietetics, human nutrition, food and nutrition, or food management.
- Experience: Before licensure, you will need 900 hours of supervised work experience. Your work experience must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
- Exam: You will need to sit for the exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and receive a passing grade.
- Citizenship: Only legal aliens and US citizens are allowed to become licensed dietitians in Georgia.
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Additional Requirements
- Background Check: On your application, you will need to disclose any felonies or misdemeanors, a letter of explanation for these crimes and a record release form. You will also need to detail any disciplinary action taken against you by any professional Dietitian boards, as well as documents supporting these claims.
Application Process
- Licensure: Once you have met all of the requirements, you will send your application and a $75 license fee to the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians. Include your academic transcripts, background test release form and verification of your CDR exam score. After your approval, you will receive your license and be allowed to work.
- Endorsement: You can also submit an application for endorsement if you are already registered with the CDR or are a licensed dietitian in a state whose licensing requirements match Georgia’s. With your application and fee, you should also include your professional credentials.
- Continuing Education: Licenses expire on March 31st of even years. To be approved for renewal, 30 hours of continuing education are required.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
In seeking a career as a Georgia dietitian, there are numerous degree programs that you could enroll in. A few of the most useful degrees for a prospective dietitian can include food management and services, human nutrition, nutrition education and dietetics.
Discover health and nutritionist programs in Georgia that are a match for you!
Major Cities in Georgia
- Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city, and all of its people—over 4 million—can benefit from the services of a dietitian.
- Augusta has been named one of the most senior citizen friendly communities in the country. Since nutrition is very important for older persons, this is an ideal location for a dietitian.
- Savannah was the state’s original capital.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- The main responsibility of dietitians and nutritionists is to gain an understanding of their client’s nutritional needs and then develop a plan to help them achieve these needs. This can be done in a one on one basis or in a clinical setting.
- A large number of nutritionists work as educators. They will inform groups and communities about proper human nutrition and provide information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Keep client records and engaging in continuing education related to nutrition are also duties of nutritionists and dietitians.
Related Careers
A few of the most similar careers to dietitians include clinical nutrition, some types of nursing, working in food services and dietetic technicians.
Employment Numbers in Georgia
Dating back to 2015 as recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 1,810 dietitians working in Georgia.
Salary Ranges in Georgia
If you work as a dietitian in the greater Atlanta area, your yearly salary will be an average of $55,880. Savannah dietitians may make $49,940 and those in Athens can make $53,640.
Georgia Dietitian Links
- Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians FAQ
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Georgia
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Georgia
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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!