Nutritionist School in Connecticut
Connecticut Nutrition Schools
Nutritionist certification in Connecticut begins with obtaining a Bachelor's degree in human nutrition, community nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. A Master's degree is also necessary, and a Doctoral degree may also count toward nutritionist certification in Connecticut.
The entire process for nutritionist certification in Connecticut can take five to ten years. A majority of this five to ten year period is spent in Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, which give students a strong theoretical foundation. The remaining time is spent collecting 900 hours of pre-professional training in a hospital, clinical, government/welfare or school environment (e.g., Bridgeport Hospital, WIC, New Haven Hospital, or Central High School).
Many nutritionist Bachelor's degree programs in Connecticut follow a traditional, four-year course plan with on-site courses and perhaps a few online courses here and there. In these degree programs, students spend eight to ten semesters studying human nutrition, metabolism, community nutrition, geriatric nutrition, and other nutrition-related course matter. Students also gain ample knowledge of the liberal arts, which complement the skills they will use every day.
If a student cannot afford to move away from his hometown, he is still at an advantage. Unlike most states, which require students to go through a program recognized by that state's Department of Health, Connecticut only requires its nutrition students to attend schools accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. This makes it possible for Connecticut's nutrition students to obtain a nutrition degree anywhere.
The ability to obtain a degree online or in another state can be especially helpful when students go to graduate school. Since they will be devoting a majority of their time to a specific field of study—human nutrition, geriatric nutrition, community nutrition, etc—studying for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) certification exam, and working in a long-term internship or externship, they will need to have some malleability in their schedules.
Once they have completed their degree programs and obtained 900 pre-professional hours, they can apply for certification by taking the CDR exam. To take the exam, aspiring nutritionists should be ready to provide the State of Connecticut with college transcripts, a $190 initial licensure fee, and proof of pre-professional training, citizenship and moral character.
After they pass the exam, nutritionists can practice in schools, hospitals, retirement communities, community centers, and government institutions for up to one year before they have to renew their licenses. To renew their licenses, nutritionists in Connecticut must pay a $100 renewal fee before the expiration date.