Nutritionist School in Mississippi

Mississippi Nutrition Schools

Since the state of Mississippi requires that all nutritionists must be registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), students should only enroll in academic programs that will enable them to qualify for registration. For example, students will need to earn at least a bachelor degree from a college or university that offers curriculum that has been accredited and approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Currently, there are four recognized Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) in Mississippi.

Therefore, students looking for nutrition schools that provide DPD programs should focus their search exclusively on state universities. The four programs endorsed by the CADE in Mississippi will offer the following degree paths: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition, Master of Science in Nutrition and Food Systems, Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition and Food Systems, Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/Dietetics, Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Services. Although specific coursework will vary between programs, students can expect relatively similar classes in nutrition and dietetic theory. Here are some examples of actual courses found in some of these DPD programs: Nutrition and Exercise in Health and Disease Management, Health Facilities Management Statistics, Theoretical Applications for Nutrition Education, Health Promotion Planning, Nutritional Biochemistry of Foods, and Introduction to Vitamins and Supplements. If commuting is an issue, students should contact their school of interest and inquire about distance learning options.

Another education and training requirement prior to CDR certification is for students to complete a supervised CADE approved practice program that instructs in hands-on theory application of dietetic/nutrition education. This practical experience should be gained in setting where nutritionists and dietitians typically work, such as a community health agency, health care facility, or food service organization. If such training is not offered by a chosen academic degree program, it is the student's responsible to seek it elsewhere (volunteer or paid work positions). Most CADE accredited academic and training programs in Mississippi will intend to prepare students to sit for a national examination in nutrition and dietetics administered by the CDR that will result in nutritionist certification.