How to Become a Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian in South Dakota

Agriculture is the core of South Dakota’s identity. It’s the state’s top industry, grossing $25.6 billion each year, which is 20 percent of South Dakota’s annual economic activity. According to the Department of Agriculture, production agriculture and its related industries employ over 122,000 of the state’s residents.

With such a heavy dependence on crop production, it’s clear that food is closely tied to South Dakota’s culture. If you are interested in promoting healthy living and proper nutrition as a registered dietitian in South Dakota, you must meet the requirements outlined by the state’s Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners.

Requirements to Become a Dietitian in South Dakota

Basic Requirements

  • Education: At minimum, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college is required.
  • Age: Registered dietitians in South Dakota must be 18 years or older.
  • Licensure: The South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners issues licensure to qualified dietitians in the state.
  • Degree: Your degree program must focus on studies in dietetics, food and nutrition, food service management, nutrition education or human nutrition.
  • Experience: Completion of supervised practical experience of no less than 900 hours is required. The supervisor must be a registered dietitian or a nutrition professional.
  • Examination: Applicants must pass the registration exam by the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).
  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens and legal aliens are eligible to become registered dietitians in South Dakota.

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South Dakota Nutritionist Degree

Additional Requirements

  • Background Check: Criminal and professional background checks are required to obtain dietitian licensure in South Dakota.

Application Process in South Dakota

  • Licensure: All initial applications are submitted to the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. Proof of your academic credentials, practical training, and passing examination should accompany the application, along with the specified application fee.

Degrees Related to Dietitians

Relevant degrees closely related to dietitians may include the following subjects: dietetics, food service management, food and nutrition, human nutrition and nutrition education.

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Major Cities in South Dakota

  • The largest city in South Dakota is Sioux Falls with 164,676 residents.
  • Rapid City is second at 70,812 people.
  • The third most populous city is Aberdeen, which is the home to 27,333 South Dakotans.

What Does a Nutritionist Do in South Dakota?

  • A nutritionist’s main role is to encourage healthy eating habits by constructing diet plans and educating the population about food. This education can take place in community groups and organizations or in one-on-one settings.
  • Another large part of a nutritionist’s jobs includes consultations with doctors and healthcare professionals during diet-planning.
  • Nutritionists are often present during the implementation of planned diets to ensure health needs and food safety requirements are being met.

Related Careers

Other professionals who help clients develop and maintain healthy eating habits include certified nutritionists and dietetic technicians.

Employment Numbers in South Dakota

South Dakota’s registered dietitian numbers are relatively low compared to other states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 190 dietitians were employed in the state in 2015.

Salary Ranges in South Dakota

The annual mean wage for registered dietitians in South Dakota is $53,570.

South Dakota Dietitian Links

South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

Dietitian Employment Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Commission on Dietetic Registration

Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in South Dakota

Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in South Dakota

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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!