The appropriate amount of nutrients consumed might prevent diseases and promote overall health and well being of a person. Nutrition is not limited to having healthy food rather it is about knowing which food to eat in which condition to attain good health. The definition of nutrition is the sum of all processes required in consuming, absorbing and using nutrients.
As a nutritionist one studies about various processes that a body utilizes to convert food into energy for development. A nutritionist could identify the nutritional substances food contains to promote strength and health. Poor nutrition could result in several deficiencies which eventually affects the health of a person.
Licensure Requirements in Texas
The Texas State Department of Health Services supervises the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians. To issue a licensure of dietitian or nutritionist one has to understand certain requirements.
Academic Requirements
One must complete educational training in nutrition and dietetics in a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degree from a college or university which has accreditation from one of the regional accrediting agencies approved by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Major courses of study that must be completed in this degree include:
- Dietetics
- Human nutrition
- Food and nutrition
- Nutrition education
- Food systems management
This educational program must meet the requirements of the Commission of Dietetic Registration curriculum criteria. One has to gain the ability to pass the examination offered by the CDR.
Pre-Professional Experience Requirements
One has to complete the requirement of supervised experience.
This has to be a:
- Dietetic internship
Or
- Coordinated program in dietetics
Or
- Preplanned professional experience program in dietetics
This supervised experience program has to be supported by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians or the association. After completion of the program proof has to be provided in the form of an endorsement by the director of the program. The internship has to be designed by a licensed or registered dietitian.
The program must be of at least 45 hours of practical experience under the supervision, direction and evaluation of a registered dietitian.
Licensure Examination for Dietitian
The Texas State Board of Examiners for Dietitians accepts the examinations provided by the Commission for Dietetic Registration in the form of a Registration Examination. These requirements have to be fulfilled to gain nutritionist certification in Texas.
Education for Nutritionists and Dietitians in Texas
The Texas State University provides comprehensive coursework to become a dietitian or nutritionist through Master of Science in Human Nutrition program. The degree aims to provide knowledge of nutrition and food sciences. This program is designed to have an understanding of various supportive nutrients needed for human health. Subjects studied in this program include:
- Nutrition and Disease
- Nutrition in the Lifespan
- Nutrient Metabolism
- Biochemical Nutrition
This program includes a dietetic internship track for individuals that desire to gain registration as dietitian from the Commission. This degree program along with the internship has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Recently, many nutrition programs are available online which have ACEND accreditation and will train you for registration by the Commission.
Salary for Dietitians in Texas
The annual mean income earned by dietitians and professional nutritionist in the state of Texas as of January 2023 is $66,100.
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