Nutritionist Certification and License in Illinois

If one is interested in becoming a nutritionist or dietitian then he/she must know of all the nutritionist certification in Illinois, registration and licensure procedures. These necessary steps are actually the precautions that need to be taken to ensure that an individual is a capable health practitioner. Dietitians or nutritionists advise individuals over food intake to lead balanced and healthy life.

Registration

In the state of Illinois, one has to be registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration which is the American Dietetic Association’s governing body.

This commission requires that all students fulfill requirements as:

• One must have passed the registration examination for dietitians. This exam consists of subject like food sciences as well as the various compositions of food. One has to prove their understanding of various food nutrients that support physical and mental health.
• One also has to prove their abilities in assessment, evaluation and research.
• One is tested on his/her nutritional diagnostic abilities along with the knowledge of sanitation and safety protocols.

One has to complete a dietetics internship which takes about 1200 hours supervised practical experience. The internship has to meet the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. This accreditation agency also has to accredit the education program in nutrition acquired.

Commission on Dietetic Registration Address

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000 Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995

Phone: 312-899-0040 Ext. 5500 Toll Free: 800/877-1600 Ext. 5500 Fax: 312-899-4772

Licensure in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations issues licenses for dietitians.

1. They require students to have a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree in:

• Nutrition Education
• Food and Nutrition
• Human Nutrition
• Food Systems Management

1. The program must have accreditation from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
2. The examination requirements are according to the laws of the Commission of Dietetic Registration.

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

320 West Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois 62786, Phone: 217 785 – 0820

Nutritionist Education in Illinois

There are various accredited schools which offer degree programs in nutrition and fitness. Apart from online schools, the Illinois State University also offers majors in the field of food, nutrition and dietetics. This program aims to train an individual to do an internship in dietetics. One learns subjects such as:

• Positive food choices.
• Nutrition
• Over all Well Being of Communities
• Sports Nutrition

Employment for Nutritionists and Dietitians in Illinois

In the year 2011, there were approximately 2,140 employed dietitians and nutritionists in the state of Illinois. They earned an annual mean income of $51,240 in 2011. This calculates out to be $24.64 on an hourly basis (BLS).