How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Missouri

Missouri is one of the most important states in the country when it comes to food. Of all the land in Missouri, 66 percent is dedicated to agriculture. The state is the fifth largest producer of rice in the entire country. Missouri also grows a large amount of soybeans, which are the biggest cash crop in the state.

Like citizens across the country, Missourians are committed to eating healthy, which is why working as a registered dietitian is an attractive career in this state. The Missouri Committee of Dietitians requires that anyone seeking to become a licensed dietitian in Missouri first become registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Missouri

Basic Requirements

• Age: Dietitians in Missouri must be over the age of 21.
• Education: A degree or program with a major focus in dietetics, food and nutrition, human nutrition or food management.
• Licensure: When your application is approved, you will earn the designation of a licensed dietitian.
• Degree: A bachelor’s degree that you have earned from an institution that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
• Experience: 1200 hours of dietetic experience under the direction of a registered dietitian.
• Citizenship: Before you apply, you will need to be a US citizen or a legal alien who can legally work in Missouri.

Additional Requirements

• Background Check: In the licensure application, you will detail any criminal convictions, professional discipline, or revocations or denials of licensure in other states.
• Fee: There is a $50 application fee.

Application Process

• Licensure: You will submit your application to the Missouri Committee of Dietitians. The application should include your CDR registration, information about your education and professional experience and disclosure of any other licenses you may hold along with professional references. After approval, your license must be renewed in April on even years for a $20 fee.

Degrees Related to Dietitians

Becoming a successful dietitian depends on enrolling in the right degree programs. A few of the degrees that are related to working as a dietitian include nutritional education, nutritional science, dietetics and human nutrition.

Major Cities in Missouri

• Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri with a population of 459,787
• The second largest city in Missouri is St. Louis, which has a population of 319,294.
• Springfield has a population of 159,498.

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

• A nutritionist’s primary responsibility is to help their clients achieve their nutritional goals by examining their requirements and developing easy to follow guidelines. This nutritional plan can be changed as needed, which is another responsibility of a nutritionist.
• As their client is following a nutritional plan, a nutritionist will record their progress for inclusion in medical records.
• Nutritionists can work in community education. They will give talks so that individuals and groups understand proper nutrition and can incorporate these guidelines into their daily lives.
• Continuing education is a responsibility of all dietitians and nutritionists.

Related Careers

Dietetic technicians perform almost the exact same responsibilities as a dietitian, and often work in support of registered dietitians. Other similar careers include nutritionists, nutrition educators and anyone in the food industry working to develop meal plans.

Employment Numbers in Missouri

1,320 dietitians were employed in Missouri as of May 2015. These are the most recent numbers provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary Ranges in Missouri

$46,860 is the average yearly salary for dietitians working in St. Louis. $52,640 is the annual salary for Kansas City dietitians.

Missouri Dietitian Links

• Missouri Committee of Dietitians
• Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Dietitian Outlook

Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Missouri