Minnesota was the birthplace of some of the most recognizable food brands in the country, including Wheaties and Bisquick. In addition, Minnesota produces large quantities of both wheat and long grain rice. In fact, one of Minnesota’s nickname is ‘The Wheat State’. Health eating is important to every citizen in Minnesota, and this is why you should think about becoming a registered dietitian.
The Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice maintains requirements for becoming a licensed dietitian in this state. Once you meet these requirements, you can begin your dietetic career.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Minnesota
Basic Requirements
- Age: To be a Minnesota dietitian, you must be over the age of 18.
- Education: Completion of a regionally accredited program in nutrition education, food and nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition or food services management.
- Licensure: Upon application approval, you will be able to use the title of licensed dietitian.
- Degree: A bachelor’s or postgraduate degree.
- Experience: At least 900 hours of pre-professional experience in dietetic practice. This experience should be supervised by a licensed nutrition professional, a registered dietitian or a someone with a doctorate in an approved field.
- Exam: Dietitians in Minnesota must have received a passing grade in the certification exam given by the Commission of Dietetic Registration.
- Citizenship: US citizens and legal aliens can become licensed dietitians.
Additional Requirements
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Background Check: On your application, you must disclose and explain anything that might interfere with your ability to be a dietitian. This includes any past disciplinary measures taken against you, substance abuse issues or mental conditions.
Fees: You must pay a $100 application fee and a $150 initial license fee.
Application Process
- Licensure: You will submit your application to the Minnesota Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice. Applications must include experience verification, academic transcripts, a copy of your CDR exam score and information about other professional licenses you hold.
- Endorsement: If you are already registered with the CDR, you can provide the board with a copy of your registration to waive other requirements and receive your Minnesota license.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Degrees that offer a major focus in human nutrition are related to dietetic practice. This includes nutritional science degrees, clinical nutrition degrees, food management degrees and food and nutrition degrees.
Major Cities in Minnesota
- Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota, serving as home to over 400,000 residents.
- Close by Minneapolis is St. Paul. Nearly 300,000 Minnesotans live in St. Paul.
- Over 100,000 people live in Rochester, making it the largest city outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul. It is also home to the Mayo Clinic.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Nutritionists work with individual clients to develop nutritional plans. These plans help clients meet their recommended nutritional needs and can be altered depending on how a client is progressing.
- Nutritionists and dietitians are also focused on education, and will work to inform people and groups about human nutrition.
- Nutritionists must write regular reports about their client’s progress to be used in medical records.
Related Careers
Dietetic technicians, nutritional educators, clinical nutritionists and those who work in areas of food management are responsible for similar tasks as dietitians.
Employment Numbers in Minnesota
Minnesota is home to 1,230 registered dietitians as of 2015 according to the records maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary Ranges in Minnesota
Most dietitians in Minnesota will find employment in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and may receive an annual average salary of $58,300. Dietitians in Rochester have a slightly higher average pay of $60,900.
Minnesota Dietitian Links
- Application for Licensure
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Dietitian Employment Numbers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Minnesota
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Minnesota
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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!