Become a Nutritionist in New York
Nutritionists, also known as certified dietitians, promote healthy eating habits by planning and supervising meal preparations in hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. The State of New York requires you to have at least an associate's degree in dietetics, dietitian work experience and to have passed an exam to become a certified dietitian.
Instructions
1. Graduate from an accredited college with a major in nutrition or dietetics. According to the New York State Department of Education, you can be certified as a dietitian with only an associate's degree, but this path is much more difficult. If possible, get your bachelor's degree in nutrition or dietetics. For a list of accredited schools, visit the American Dietetic Association (see Resources).
2. Intern under a certified dietitian for 800 hours, assessing the nutritional needs of clients, planning and directing meals and counseling individuals.
If you only have an associate's degree, the work experience requirement is more rigorous. You must complete 10 years of full-time work experience in assessing nutritional needs, planning and directing meals and counseling clients under the supervision of a certified dietitian.
3. Obtain the endorsement of three certified dietitians who are members of a national dietetic or nutrition association.
4. Take and pass either the Registered Dietitian (RD) examination or the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam. Take the RD exam, if you only have a bachelor's degree. The CNS exam requires a master's or doctoral degree.
Tags: certified dietitian, associate degree, work experience, assessing nutritional, assessing nutritional needs