New Mexico is a land of plenty, home to many interesting crops and foods. For example, 55.7 percent of New Mexico is reserved for agriculture, and produces crops unique to the region. The state vegetables in New Mexico are chiles and frijoles, and the oldest ever recorded ear of popping corn was discovered in this state in 1989. Because food is so valued in New Mexico, many of its citizens choose to use the services of registered dietitians to make sure they’re eating healthy.
Anyone interested in becoming a registered dietitian in New Mexico must first fulfill the requirements maintained by the New Mexico Board of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in New Mexico
Basic Requirements
- Age: Applicants in New Mexico should be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
- Licensure: New Mexico requires licensure by the Board of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Degree: Successful completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Experience: 1200 hours of supervised work experience in an accredited internship or an accredited coordinated program.
- Exam: Sit for and pass the certification exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Citizenship: US citizens and legal aliens are eligible to apply to be a licensed dietitian in New Mexico.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: A professional and criminal background check is required for licensure. If you have been subject to professional discipline or have a committed a misdemeanor or felony, you will need to attach a notarized affidavit to your application.
Application Process
- Licensure: Submit a filled-out application to the New Mexico Board of Nutrition and Dietetics. Be sure to include a copy of your CDR registration and verification of licenses you hold in other states. A $50 application fee and a $150 license fee is also required. Your license will last for one year, after which you must prove you are still registered with the CDR and pay a $75 fee.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Becoming a registered dietitian requires enrolling in the right degree program. Fortunately, there are several degrees related to dietetic work. These include food and nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition, food management and nutritional science.
Major Cities in New Mexico
- The largest city in New Mexico is Albuquerque, which is home to 555,417 persons.
- Las Cruces is the second most populous city in the state, and is home to 101,000 residents.
- Rio Rancho is home to 90,000 New Mexicans, and is third on the list of most populated New Mexico cities.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Those working as a nutritionist or a dietitian will work directly with clients to develop healthy meal plans that will effectively meet nutritional requirements. Nutritionists can also make alterations to these meal plans based on their client’s progress.
- A dietitian and a nutritionist will keep records on their clients that will be used for their medical history.
- Nutritionists can work in hospitals, prisons, nursing homes and schools to develop meal plans for larger groups of people.
- Nutritionists must stay informed of the most recent nutritional recommendations so that they can educate their clients and the public about these recommendations.
Related Careers
Certified nutritionists are similar to registered dietitians. Nutritionists will also develop meal plans and educate their clients about proper nutrition. Dietetic technicians are also related to dietitians, usually working directly with dietitians and their clients.
Employment Numbers in New Mexico
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there were 320 registered dietitians employed in New Mexico in May of 2015.
Salary Ranges in New Mexico
The average annual salary for a dietitian employed in New Mexico is $53,480.
New Mexico Dietitian Links
- New Mexico Board of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- BLS Job Outlook for Dietitians
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in New Mexico
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in New Mexico
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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!