Most people recognize Rhode Island for its world class seafood. In Rhode Island, you’ll find such popular seafood choices as the signature Quahog clam and Striped Bass. Rhode Island is also home to the Rhode Island Red Chicken and the greening apple. To the people of Rhode Island, almost nothing is more important than following healthy eating habits and nutritional guidelines, which is why working as a dietitian is a popular choice in this state.
Like the majority of states, Rhode Island has specific requirements you must meet to be granted a license to work as a dietitian. In this state, these rules are constructed and maintained by the Rhode Island Board of Dietetics Practice.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Rhode Island
Basic Requirements
- Age: You must be a legal adult over the age of 18 to apply for a license in Rhode Island.
- Education: Applicants should have completed a baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate degree from an institution that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE).
- Licensure: Upon application approval, you will be legally allowed to use the title of a licensed dietitian/nutritionist (LDN).
- Degree: Qualifying degrees will have a major course of study in dietetics, food and nutrition, food management services and human nutrition.
- Experience: Either 900 work hours supervised by a Rhode Island LDN or 900 work hours supervised by a dietitian registered with the American Dietetic Association.
- Exam: Prior to receiving your designation as an LDN, you need to have passed the certification exam offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Citizenship: Rhode Island residents who are US citizens or legal aliens may apply for licensure.
Additional Requirements
- Background Check: All applicants must undergo a background check.
Application Process
- Licensure: You will file your application with the Rhode Island Board of Dietetics Practice. Included in your application must be a clear photograph of your face, a $75 fee, proof of your registration with the CDR and official academic transcripts. Your license must be renewed every two years after earning twenty hours of continuing education.
- Temporary Permits: A temporary will be granted to applicants who have completed their educational and experience requirements but not the certification exam. If you are granted a temporary permit, you will use the title ‘graduate dietitian’ instead of LDN.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Many degrees are related to dietitians, including dietetics, clinical nutrition, food and nutrition, nutritional education and food management services.
Major Cities in Rhode Island
- Providence is the most populated city in Rhode Island, with its residents numbering 178,000.
- Warwick is Rhode Island’s second largest city with a population of 82,670.
- Coming close behind Warwick, Cranston has 80,300 citizens.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Nutritionists develop health meal plans that help their clients to more easily meet their nutritional guidelines. Although these plans will follow standard nutritional recommendations, they can be tailored to an individual client.
- Nutritionists will write reports about their client’s nutritional progress.
- Nutritionists also provide nutritional education to their clients, groups and communities.
- Nutritionists can develop meal plans for prisons, hospitals and other medical institutions and schools.
Related Careers
Two careers that are closely related to dietitians include nutritionists and dietetic technicians. Both of these careers involve promoting proper nutrition and developing meal plans for individuals and groups.
Employment Numbers in Rhode Island
The number of Rhode Island dietitians as of 2015 was 280 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary Ranges in Rhode Island
The average salary per annum for a dietitian working in Rhode Island is $63,590.
Rhode Island Dietitian Links
- Rhode Island Board of Dietetics Practice
- Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Numbers
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Rhode Island
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Rhode Island
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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!