Montana subsists on an economy primarily based on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cereal grain farming. Recently, they have also become a hub for craft beer breweries and microbreweries. A hard working and healthy state, Montana continually has one of the lowest rates of obesity in the United States.
Dietitians and nutritionists can help to further promote healthy lifestyles and eating habits. In order to become a registered dietitian in Montana, you must complete the requirements set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Montana requires that licensed nutritionists, as defined by the Montana Code Annotated 2015, first qualify as registered dietitians and then apply through the Montana Board of Medical Examiners in order to receive their license.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Montana
Basic Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to be a dietitian in Montana.
- Education: In order to be a dietitian, you must receive a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in dietetics, food and nutrition or public health, as well as a master’s or doctoral degree in these fields.
- Registration: In order to be a registered dietitian, you must complete the academic, exam and experience required by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and receive registration credentials from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Licensure: The Montana Board of Medical Examiners licenses nutritionists who complete the application for licensure and are registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Exam: You must complete the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Experience: In order to take the exam required for licensure and registration, you must complete at least 900 hours of documented, supervised practice experience.
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Application Process
- Licensure: Once you are a Registered Dietitian, you can apply to be a licensed nutritionist through the Montana Board of Medical Examiners. You must submit your application along with your $100 application fee, current CDR card and National Practitioner Data Bank self query. Routine applications are processed within 10 days, while non-routine applications may take up to 60 days to process.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Many of those pursuing a career as a dietitian obtain a degree in dietetics. However it is also possible for dietitians to obtain bachelor’s degrees in fields related to clinical nutrition, public health nutrition or foods and nutrition.
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Major Cities in Montana
- Billings is Montana’s largest city and the nearest city to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, dedicated to the battle that took place there in 1876.
- Bozeman is home to Montana State University and was once known as the “Sweet pea capital of the nation” because of its abundance of pea crops.
- Missoula is home to the University of Montana and was one of Meriwether Lewis’, of Lewis and Clark, stops on his return expedition in 1806.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Nutritionists stay up to date on and contribute to the research that contributes to our knowledge of food and nutrition.
- Nutritionists address patients’ issues with nutrition and eating habits and help them to improve such as by developing meal plans.
- Nutritionists may even help keep the overall public informed about the latest news in diet, nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Related Careers
Nutritionists and dietitians perform many of the same functions and often work closely together. They also work with dietetic technicians who support them and perform many of the same duties. Nutritionists and dietitians that work with the public may work closely with and perform similar duties to health educators and community health workers.
Employment Numbers in Montana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 200 dietitians and nutritionists employed in Montana in May 2015.
Salary Ranges in Montana
Nutritionists and dietitians in Montana make an average of $47,870 a year. Those working in the West Montana nonmetropolitan areas are on the lower end of the range at $45,150, while those working in the Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area are on the higher end at $50,810 per year.
Montana Dietitian Links
- CDR Registered Dietitian Eligibility Requirements
- Montana Board of Medical Examiners Licensed Nutritionist Application
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Montana
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Montana
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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!