No matter the type of food that you enjoy, you’ll find something to eat in Massachusetts. This is a state with many signature food products, including cranberries and clams, both of which are plentiful in Massachusetts. Although the people in Massachusetts love their food, they also want to make sure they’re eating healthy, which is what makes dietitians so important to this state.
Anyone considering becoming a dietitian in Massachusetts must first meet the requirements outlined by the Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Massachusetts
Basic Requirements
- Age: Over the age of 18.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, dietetics, or food and nutrition from an accredited university recognized by the Department of Education. For degrees in other fields, you must provide a course summary to prove you have met the minimum educational requirements for a dietitian.
- Experience: 900 hours of work experience in an internship that has been approved by the board. Depending on your education, employment experience can also fulfill this requirement (3 years professional work experience for a BA, 2 years for a Master’s degree and 1 year for a doctorate degree).
- Exam: Applicants must receive and demonstrate a passing grade in the registration exam administered by the Commission Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Citizenship: You should be US citizen or a legal alien eligible to work in the state of Massachusetts.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: You will need to disclose any felonies or misdemeanors in your application. Submitting your application entitles the Board to perform a background check. Applicants must also detail any professional disciplinary action taken against them, any licenses they have been denied and any licenses they have voluntarily resigned.
- Fees: Your application will not be approved without the required $196 application fee.
Application Process
- Licensure: Fill out an application for a dietitian license. Include your academic records, proof of CDR registration, your work experience and approval for a criminal background check. The Board will review your form and credentials, and will grant approval if you meet the previously listed requirements. Your application must be notarized.
- Reciprocity: If you hold a certification, license or registration as a dietitian or nutritionist, the exam requirement can be waived and you will receive your Massachusetts dietetic licensure if you can provide documentation of your credentials.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
A dietetics degree or program is the most common educational path for those seeking to become a registered dietitian. However, degrees in human nutrition, nutritional science, nutritional education, and food and nutrition are also useful.
Major Cities in Massachusetts
- Known for delicacies like its signature Cream Pie, Boston is the state’s largest city and a great place for dietitians to seek employment.
- Worcester is located in the center of the state and is home to the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
- Springfield is another large city in Massachusetts, and is the birthplace of the game of basketball.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Through direct interaction, a nutritionist will analyze client’s nutritional requirements. After analysis, a nutritionist will develop a nutritional plan for their client to follow. They will keep track of their client’s progress and make alterations to the nutritional plan if it is necessary.
- Writing reports about their client’s nutritional goals and progress is also a duty of a nutritionist.
- Nutritionists will engage in continuing education to learn about the latest developments in nutritional health and care.
Related Careers
Many careers in the field of nutrition are similar to working as a dietitian. Nutritionists, nutrition educators, dietetic technicians and food management professionals are responsible for similar job duties as dietitians.
Employment Numbers in Massachusetts
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded that there were 1,760 registered dietitians employed in Massachusetts in 2015.
Salary Ranges in Massachusetts
Boston and Cambridge dietitians can expect a yearly salary of $63,700. In Springfield, the yearly salary is $61,430. A Worcester dietitian may make $54,260.
Massachusetts Dietitian Links
- Massachusetts Dietitian Licensing Procedure
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Dietitian Career Profile
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Massachusetts
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Massachusetts
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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!