As The Cornhusker State, Nebraska has firm roots in the food and nutrition sector. Their main economy is based on agricultural production, mainly that of beef, pork, soybean, sorghum and, of course, corn. While many Nebraskans maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s difficult in this place and time to continually eat healthy and stay fit. This leads quite a few Nebraskans to become dietitians or nutritionists.
In order to become a registered dietitian, you must complete accreditation through the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nebraska requires that nutritionists complete the proper training and apply to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to be a licensed medical nutrition therapist.
How to Become a Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist in Nebraska
Basic Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 19 years old to be a dietitian in Nebraska.
- Degree: You must have a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from an accredited college or university in dietetics, human nutrition, food and nutrition or an equivalent realm of study approved by the Board. If you received your degree outside the United States, your degree will have to be validated as being equivalent to a bachelor’s or higher degree.
- Experience: If you only have a bachelor’s degree, you must have at least 900 hours of continuous experience in dietetics, human nutrition or food and nutrition under the supervision of a licensed medical nutrition therapist.
- Registration: In lieu of an academic degree, you must be a registered dietitian under the American Dietetic Association or an equivalent entity approved by the Board in order to apply for a license in medical nutrition therapy.
- Exam: Unless you are a registered dietitian, you must take and pass the medical nutrition therapist licensure examination.
- Licensure: In order to be a licensed medical nutrition therapist, you must submit an application to Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services for approval.
- Citizenship: It must be legal for you to work in the United States.
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Additional Requirements
- Evidence of good character: Nebraska also requires that you provide evidence of your character, including any relevant credentials, disciplinary actions and conviction information.
Application Process
- Licensure: In order to become a licensed medical nutrition therapist in Nebraska, you must submit an application to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. The application must include proof of the applicant’s qualifications as well as the $114 application fee. The Department will respond to your application within 150 days of your submission.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
While many who choose to become a registered dietitian obtain a degree in dietetics, similar degrees that are often acceptable include human nutrition, food and nutrition or public health and nutrition.
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Major Cities in Nebraska
- Omaha, Nebraska’s most populated city, was founded with a treaty and a picnic in the place where the city’s Central High School now stands.
- The city of Grand Island is home to the Nebraska State Fair, and its prolific agricultural economy prevented the area from succumbing to the 2008 recession.
- Kearney, the “Heart of Nebraska” has deep historical roots as being a major city along the Oregon Trail, the Pony Express and the Transcontinental Railroad.
- Kool-Aid was created in the city of Hastings and is therefore the state’s official soft drink.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Nutritionists council their patients and develop appropriate meal plans based on the patient’s’ health and nutritional needs.
- Nutritionists also conduct research and contribute to and stay up to date on current nutritional science research.
- Nutritionists may even promote better health and nutrition to the public by giving speeches about diet, nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.
Related Careers
Dietitians and medical nutrition therapists perform many of the same work functions. Dietetic technicians assist dietitians and conduct a lot of the same work. Certain health educators and community health workers may also participate in activities similar to those of a dietitian or nutritionist.
Employment Numbers in Nebraska
As of May 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there are 520 dietitians and nutritionists employed in the state of Nebraska. They are employed throughout the state, but the majority of them are in the Omaha area.
Salary Ranges in Nebraska
The annual mean wage of dietitians and nutritionists in Nebraska as of May 2015 is $53,220 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lower end of the salary range is in the Central Nebraska non-metropolitan area at $45,840, while the higher end of the range is in the Omaha area at $55,990 per year.
Nebraska Dietitian Links
- Commission on Dietetic Registration Requirements for Dietitians
- Department of Health and Human Services Licensure of Medical Nutrition Therapist Regulations
- Department of Health and Human Services Medical Nutrition Therapy Statutes
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Nebraska
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Nebraska
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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!