Kansas is the largest producer of wheat in the entire nation, with about 22,400 farmers of the grain across the state, spread over 8.8 million acres of farmland dedicated to wheat production. It’s the home of the Stayman Winesap apple, and has cities designated the catfish, pancake, peach, pecan, pinto bean, and sunflower capitals of the state, among others.
When people need expert help with food and nutrition in this state, they turn to the dietitians whose job it is to help individuals develop healthy diets and nutritional habits, working with individuals or institutions. If this career sounds exciting to you, here’s everything you need to know to become a Kansas dietitian.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Kansas
Basic Requirements
- Age: A licensed Kansas dietitian must be at least 18, and the education requirement usually means at least 21 years of age.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is needed from an accredited college.
- Licensure: Licensure is required to provide therapeutic nutritional care in Kansas.
- Degree: A bachelor’s degree in an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics-approved field is a requirement for licensure.
- Experience: You must complete a supervised program of experience in the dietetic field comprising at least 900 hours.
- Citizenship: A dietitian in Kansas must be a citizen or legally able to work in the U.S.
- Examination: The Commission of Dietetic Registration test must be successfully completed.
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Application Process
- Licensure: Applying for your dietitian license carries a $140 fee for your initial license, as well as your college transcripts, proof of passing your examination and proof of experience completion. Every two years, you must renew your license which requires 15 hours of continuing education.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
A dietitian must complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field in order to qualify. This degree can be in a field such as dietetics, food and nutrition, nutritional planning or another similar field as approved by the AND.
Major Cities in Kansas
- Wichita, the largest city in Kansas, has a population of 386,552 people.
- Kansas City boasts a population of 148,483 and is the county seat of Wyandotte County.
- Topeka, the state capital, hosts 127,679 souls
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Dietitians and Nutritionists perform almost identical functions. They make sure that people understand that food is a vehicle to enhance a person’s health.
- They seek to educate and increase awareness about proper food choices and nutrition.
- Nutritionists and dietitians offer private and group consultation to promote healthy eating, and can work with restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools and other institutions to develop nutritious meal plans for patrons.
Discover health and nutritionist programs in Kansas that are a match for you!
Related Careers
Nutritionists and dietetic technicians are the two most closely-related careers to dietitians, with nutritionists performing an almost identical function and dietetic technicians serving to provide counseling and develop meal plans for those with special needs.
Employment Numbers in Kansas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas employs 500 dietitians, with the profession expected to grow by 19% by 2020.
Salary Ranges in Kansas
The annual average wage for dietitians in Kansas is $54,690.
Kansas Dietitian Links
- Commission of Dietetic Registration
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services
- Dietitian Career Outlook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Kansas
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Kansas
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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!