A dietician is a professional that gives
nutritional advice to clients looking to manage their weight, improve
physical performance or mitigate the effects of disease. Though entry
into the field typically necessitates completion of a bachelor's
curriculum, online certificate programs can help maintain state
certifications and licenses.
Online Dietician Certificate Programs
Online certificates provide both refresher courses to working
dieticians as well as auxiliary knowledge to those working in related
fields. Other working professionals may use these programs for
continuing education, including personal trainers and medical
professionals.
A typical dietician certificate program entails four to ten classes.
Though some are graduate-level certificates requiring a bachelor's
degree for admission, most are autonomous programs without
prerequisites. Delivery typically takes the form of self-paced study,
with lectures and homework delivered through online class forums and
digital repositories.
A List of Common Dietician Courses
Most programs accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for certificate and continuing education in
nutrition follow a similar course path. Topics cover nutrition as it applies to aspects of sports, weight management and more.
Nutrition and Wellness Course
This introductory class shows students the effects of a well-balanced
diet, including decreased incidences of metabolic syndromes, diabetes,
cancer and heart disease. The course uses the latest health research on
different foods to discuss nutrition as a tool for overall health.
Weight Management Course
This program looks at the causes and effects of obesity, as well as
exploring nutritional approaches to weight loss. Topics of discussion
include fad diets and the importance of nutritious foods at different
ages.
Public Education in Nutrition and Wellness course
Disseminating knowledge about the importance of nutrition is a
challenge when dealing with large populations. This course addresses the
tools necessary to affect the overall health of a population through
nutrition education.
This course focuses on nutrition as it applies to athletes and those
engaged in intense fitness regimens. Topics of discussion include the
safe application of nutritional supplements, game-day meals and the
importance of meal plans in athletic training.
According to the American Dietetics Association (ADA), certification
as a dietician requires a bachelor's degree and completion of an
accredited 6- to 12-month internship program (
www.eatright.org).
Dietician certificate programs are not adequate for entry-level careers
in dietetics, but can augment the skills of doctors, personal trainers
and others.
Continuing Education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45 states require either a license or certification to work as a
registered dietician.
Although requirements vary by state, certification and licensure
generally require that students earn a certain amount of continuing
education units (CEU) to maintain their credentials. Online certificate
programs accredited by the ADA can count for as much as 120 CEUs per
course.
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