How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Louisiana

The Creole State of Louisiana is the home of New Orleans, Jazz and outstanding culture. It’s also a state where people love their food. Gumbo is the official cuisine of Louisiana, the Creole Tomato is the official state vegetable and the Louisiana strawberry is the official fruit of the state. Milk is the state drink. Of course, with all the rich cuisine available across the state, proper advice and education on good dietary choices is essential to the residents.

It’s licensed dietitians who have this responsibility, and it can be a rewarding career. Learn the important steps to take to become a Louisiana licensed dietitian.

Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Louisiana

Basic Requirements

  • Age: You must be at least old enough to have completed college to be a dietitian.
  • Education: You must either be registered by the CDR, have a doctorate dated pre-July, 1988, or have at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Licensure: Licensure is required to provide nutritional counseling and assessment in Louisiana.
  • Degree: A bachelor’s degree or CDR registration is required to get licensed.
  • Experience: You must work for 1,200 supervised hours in a dietetic practice or under a licensed dietitian.
  • Citizenship: If not a U.S. citizen, you must be a legal resident alien or be otherwise able to work legally in the United States.
  • Examination: The CDR dietetics examination is required.

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Louisiana Nutritionist Degree

Application Process

  • Licensure: Along with the license application, you will need to provide evidence of meeting the educational requirements, documentation of your completed supervised experience, and proof of passing the CDR exam. Your license will need to be renewed every year, and carries a requirement of 15 continuing education credit hours.

Degrees Related to Dietitians

Degrees most closely related to dietitians, and those that fulfill licensure requirements, include food and nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition, or food systems management.

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Major Cities in Louisiana

  • New Orleans is the largest city in the state, and has 378,715 residents.
  • Baton Rouge, the state capital, has 229,426 residents.
  • Shreveport is home to 200,327 people.

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

  • Nutritionists and dietitians provide nutritional counseling, dietary recommendations and planning for individuals and organizations. They are experts in food and nutrition and focus on education and planning of nutritional requirements through healthy living practices.
  • Most work one-on-one with individuals, but some work with large institutions, businesses and non-profits to create and implement meal plans.

Related Careers

Dietetic technicians who handle the practical aspects of implementing solid diet and nutrition plans, and nutritionists who fulfill nearly identical job functions, are closely related to dietitians.

Employment Numbers in Louisiana

According to the U.S. federal government Bureau of Labor Statistics, 780 people are employed as licensed dietitians in Louisiana. Nationwide, this career is expected to grow by a full 16% by the year 2024.

Salary Ranges in Louisiana

The average annual salary made by Louisiana dietitians is $49,760.

Louisiana Dietitian Links

Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Louisiana

Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Louisiana

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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!