Become a Nutritionist in Maryland

How to Become a Nutritionist in Maryland

To become a nutritionist in Maryland, will require you to have a Master's or Doctoral degree, 900 hours of pre-professional training, and proof of certification through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Once you’ve become certified, you must maintain your license by participating in continuing education programs, which are offered through the American Dietetic Association.

Nutritionists begin their journeys by obtaining a Bachelor's degree from one of Maryland's online or campus based nutrition programs. Students spend up to six years in school if they go full-time, and eight years if they go part-time.

When students research Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, they should look for programs that give them ample field training for a strong practical background in their field. Students typically go through their pre-professional training programs in their last two years of college, and often go through additional field training while in their Master's degree programs as well.

Pre-professional training programs usually take place in hospitals, clinics, schools, or institutional settings. Unique to Maryland is the fact that internships take place in some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Franklin Square Hospital Center, Holy Cross Hospital, and Prince George’s Hospital Center.

In the beginning of a nutrition internship, much of an intern's time is spent observing professionals in their working environment and reporting back to an assigned faculty member. As interns progresses and gain more skills, they should be allowed to participate in more interactions with clients.