A career in food and nutritioninvolves researching, processing, and preserving the nutritional components of food, helping people improve patients’ diets, and promoting a balanced, healthy, lifestyle.
Idaho students interested in pursuing a career in nutrition must choose an appropriate college and degree. We have curated this guide where you’ll find all the information you need about Idaho food and nutrition colleges, majors, and more…
Table of Contents
What Is A Food And Nutrition Course?
In a food and nutrition course, one learns about the nutritional components of food. These components are vitamins, proteins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and fibers. The scope in this sector is rather wide, and you can choose from degrees in food microbiology, nutrition and genetics, sports and exercise nutrition, and more.
Basic Subjects In “Food And Nutrition” Degrees
- Public health
- Food science
- Human nutrition
- Diet therapy
- Food microbiology
- Project formulation
- Community nutrition
What Does A Food Nutritionist Do?
Food nutritionists help their clients customize meal plans for their various health goals and needs, like weight loss, maintaining blood sugar levels, preventing PCOD/PCOS, etc. Usually, this is what the job requirement of a food nutritionist looks like:
- Explaining the nutritional components of food and promoting a nutritious diet to the client
- Customizing meal plans, keeping the client’s preferences and budget in mind
- Analyzing the effects of the suggested diet and making amendments as and when required
- Creating awareness about the advantages of healthy eating
As such, a food nutritionist earns an annual salary of $57,523-$69,439 in Idaho
How To Become A Registered Dietician In Idaho
#1. Complete Registered Dietitian Education In Idaho
Dietitian nutritionists must complete any of the accredited programs under the auspices of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The said programs/degrees must be recognized by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Some of these educational and internship programs are as follows:
#2. Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
The course includes education and internships, thereby adhering to the CDR requirement. To pursue this program, you can apply for a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition at the University of Idaho, Moscow.
#3. Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
By opting for this route, you’ll only be able to complete the required coursework, so for internships, you will have to apply separately. As such, you can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Idaho State University, Pocatello, and then find suitable internships to meet the CDR requirement.
We suggest looking for different types of scholarships and financial aid offered by the colleges you wish to apply for.
#4. Pursue A Dietetic Internship (DI)
Next, you must finish a Dietetic Internship (DI) from an ACEND-approved location. In Idaho, however, there is only one such accredited location, i.e., Idaho State University, Pocatello.
#5. Pass A CDR Registration Examination For Dietitians
Prospective Idaho registered dietitian nutritionists in Idaho must clear the Registration Examination for Dietitians. For effective preparation, you can check out the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates or the Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide.
This 180-minute exam tests your expertise in food and nutrition sciences, management of food and nutrition, nutrition care for individuals and groups, etc. Questions are in MCQ format, and you’ll be required to attempt at least 125 out of 145 questions. You cannot change or review the answers after submission, nor can you skip questions.
You will have to register online and pay $200 to appear for the exam. Thereafter, Pearson VUE Exam Centers will notify you regarding the selection of the exam venue, date, and time. Boise-9183 W Black Eagle Drive is the only Idaho center holding the online examination.
Finally, you will need a copy of the aforementioned email and a photo ID government-issued card to enter the exam hall. Your score will be revealed right after finishing the exam. Out of 50, you will need to score at least 35 to pass the exam. If you fail, you can retake the exam after 45 days.
On passing the exam, you will be able to use the credentials RD (Registered Dietitian).
#6. Apply For Dietitian Licensure In Idaho
To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, the Idaho Board of Medicine Dietetic Licensure Board mandates applying for licensure, so here’s how to do that:
- Download and fill out the Application for Dietitian Licensure
- Attach a passport-sized photo of yourself
- Get the application notarized and sign it
- Pay $100 via money order or cheque payable to the Idaho State Board of Medicine
- Your school (wherein you completed your Registered Dietitian course) must fill out the Certificate of Professional Education and send it to Idaho State Board of Medicine, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0058
- Your Internship Director must complete and send the Certificate of Dietetic Internship/Pre-Professional Program form to the same address
- Two representatives should fill out the Certificate of Recommendation form and mail it to the aforementioned address
#7. Recertifying Your Licensure And Registration In Idaho
Renewing your Idaho RDN license and CDR Registration is essential to maintain your post as a licensed dietician in the state. As such, if you receive the RDN license before March 30, you must renew it before June 30 of the same year. However, if you receive your initial license after June 30, it remains valid till June 30 of the following year.
For the annual renewal, you must submit the Request for Renewal form, a copy of your current CDR registration card, and the specified renewal fee. On the other hand, you must recertify your CDR Registration as a Registered Dietitian in Idaho every five years.
Dieticians must meet 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every five years to maintain your CDR registration. We recommend checking CDR’s online CPE database for professional opportunities. Alternatively, you can specialize in specific areas of dietetics and nutrition and gain specialty certifications to fulfill your CPE requirements.
Overall, pursuing food and nutrition college degrees can open the doors to various lucrative career opportunities. Remember – people are becoming more and more health conscious, so your expertise as a food nutritionist will always be marketable!
