Utah has such a strong connection with food that the beehive is the official State Emblem. The Dutch oven is the official cooking pot of the state, the cherry the official fruit, and the Spanish onion the official vegetable. When people in Utah want expert advice on making the right nutritional choices and dietary habits, they turn to licensed dietitians for help. Learn how you can take part in this rewarding career by becoming a licensed dietitian in Utah.
Requirements to Become a Dietitian in Utah
Basic Requirements
- Age: All licensed dietitians have to be at least 18, though completing the educational requirements usually means you will be at least 21.
- Education: A bachelor’s degree is required to fulfill dietitian licensure requirements.
- Licensure: In order to identify as a dietitian in Utah, you must become certified, and only licensed individuals can obtain insurance reimbursement.
- Degree: The bachelor’s degree must be in a related field approved by AND, such as food sciences, food and nutrition, food planning or dietetics.
- Experience: At least 1,200 hours of supervised internship or clinical experience is required.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen, resident alien, or other person legally qualified to work in the U.S.
- Examination: Applicants should complete the CND exam to become nationally registered.
Application Process
- Licensure: There are two levels of dietitian in Utah. One must be certified as a dietitian in order to practice in the occupation, but full licensure is required to gain insurance reimbursement. Along with your application, you must include a $60 application fee and supporting documentation demonstrating completion of requirements. Your license must be renewed biannually, but does not require continuing education.
Degrees Related to Dietitians
Food science, food and nutrition, food planning and dietetics all are degree fields which will fulfill certification and licensure requirements.
Major Cities in Utah
- Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, is home to 191,180 people.
- West Valley City has 133,579 people.
- 116,288 souls call Provo home.
What Does a Nutritionist Do?
- Dietitians and nutritionists help their clients to live a healthier lifestyle and make proper choices in eating habits. They develop and implement eating and meal plans.
- Some Nutritionists focus on providing nutritional education, either one on one or in formal and informal group settings.
- Some choose to work in large institutional settings such as schools, hospitals or care facilities, developing and implementing meal plans.
Related Careers
Most closely related to dietitians are nutritionists, who are equally concerned with education and implementation of healthy diet and living, and dietetic technicians, who work to implement and evaluate the programs established by dietitians.
Employment Numbers in Utah
As of 2015, there were 610 dietitians employed across the state, with opportunities expected to grow by 16 percent across the nation by the year 2024.
Salary Ranges in Utah
On average, a dietitian in Utah can expect to earn around $47,480 per year.
Utah Dietitian Links
- Commission of Dietetic Registration
- Dietitian Certification Requirements in Utah
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Dietitian Career Outlook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Utah
Nutritionist and Dietitian Programs in Utah
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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!