Michigan has long been known as a leader in the automotive industry, but it is also a leader in food. Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of tart cherries and the fourth biggest supplier of sweet cherries. This state is also a leading producer for certain types of dried beans. If you’re a Michigander that cares about healthy living, then a career you might be considering is working as a dietitian.
After a repeal in 2014, Michigan has no licensing requirements to be a dietitian in this state. However, before becoming a registered dietitian, you will have to follow the guidelines set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Michigan
Basic Requirements
- Age: 18 or older
- Education: A program in Didactic Program in Dietetics that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Licensure: Michigan does not require or provide licenses for dietitians.
- Degree: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Experience: Supervised work experience of 1,200 hours that takes place in either an accredited coordinated program or an accredited dietetic internship program.
- Citizenship: You must be legally allowed to work in the United States, whether as a citizen or a legal alien.
Additional Requirements
- Examination: After meeting the previous requirements, you will need to receive a passing grade in the certification exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Application Process
- Licensure: Because Michigan has repealed all licensing requirements for dietitians in the state, there is no licensure procedure. Once you have taken the CDR exam and earned a passing grade, you can begin working in Michigan as a registered dietitian.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Degrees that have an overwhelming focus on human health and nutrition are related to a career as a dietitian. While studying dietetics is the normal choice, potential dietitians may enroll in degrees or programs like food and nutrition, nutritional science and food management systems.
Major Cities in Michigan
- Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. Although it has experienced recent setbacks, it is still a great location for dietitians.
- Grand Rapids is the second biggest Michigan city. However, it is only a third of the size of Detroit.
- Lansing is the Michigan state capitol.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- The majority of nutritionists and dietitians will work directly with clients to help them meet their nutritional needs. Dietitians will develop a nutritional plan for clients to follow and will adjust that plan depending on their client’s progress.
- Nutritionists can also work in larger setting like schools, hospitals and nursing homes. These nutritionists will develop nutritional plans on a much larger scale.
- Some nutritionists work in education, informing communities of proper nutritional health.
- Nutritionists must also keep client records and stay up to date on the most recent nutritional guidelines.
Related Careers
There are a wide variety of careers that are related to dietitians. For example, nurses can perform many of the same duties as a dietitian, as can a clinical nutritionist. A few of the most similar professions include certified nutritionists, food management workers and dietetic technicians. Working in multiple areas of the food industry can also be similar to working as a registered dietitian.
Employment Numbers in Michigan
The total number of dietitians working in Michigan in 2017 was 1,780 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary Ranges in Michigan
Many of the state’s dietitians will work in the Detroit and Dearborn areas, and their annual salary will average $51,430. If you’re a dietitian employed in Warren, you can expect an average salary of $55,360. Grand Rapids dietitians may make $55,300.
Michigan Dietitian Links
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Michigan
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Michigan
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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!