Nutritionist Programs in North Carolina
Nutrition and dietetic practice in North Carolina covers various areas. Some of the services which nutritionist provide include, assessing and determining nutritional needs of individuals, as well as groups. This assessment also involves the determination of a person’s resources, financial constraints and how their needs may vary in a practical setting. Nutritionists also assist in the development, implementation and management of nutrition care systems. Apart from that, they also evaluate and recommend changes, or the maintenance of quality food standards. In North Carolina, it is important to note that sale of foods and vitamins, in retail, is not included as part of nutrition care services.
Legal Criteria for becoming a Nutritionist
Becoming a nutritionist or a dietitian in the State of North Carolina requires that you meet a certain criteria. Anyone who wants to be a nutritionist in North Carolina must obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or any science-related course. For your coursework, ensure that you cover important areas such as Food Science, Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy, Microbiology, Nutrition, Business and Chemistry. In North Carolina, there are eight universities which offer degree courses in nutrition. These include the University of North Carolina, East Carolina University and the North Carolina A & T State University.
You will also have to do an internship, which is usually coordinated by your university. Normally, internships cover a period of 6 to 12 months, and they are supervised. You can do your internship at any hospital in the state or any food or community agency which is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
After your internship you will have to study for, and pass a national exam. The national examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which is the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association. After passing the exam, you will receive the Registered Dietician credential. Anyone who takes the exam, and fails the first round, has the option of retaking the online exam after 45 days.
As per the law, professionals who practice nutrition and dietetics in the state must be licensed. Being licensed is a crucial condition which every practitioner must fulfill, unless they are duly exempted. The licensing authority for nutritionists is the American Dietetic Association. Any licensed nutritionist in the state has the title of RD, which stands for Registered Dietitian. The North Carolina Board of Dietetics/ Nutrition’s website is the best site to visit if you need information on which license to apply for. There are five categories under which you can obtain a licence to practice within the state.
After getting their licence to practice, nutritionists acquire the title of “nutritionist,” “dietitian,” or “licensed dietitian/nutritionist.” With their state licensure, nutritionists can work in hospitals or nursing facilities that offer skilled nutritional care. They can also work in food service companies, doctor’s offices, schools and government agencies. Licensed nutritionists can also start their own private practice and offer consultation services. In North Carolina, professional nutritionists are usually called upon to offer their knowledge and make recommendations on policies concerning food and nutrition.