According to Tulane University
public health researchers, the state of Louisiana has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the nation. Nationally, 15.8 percent of children are obese. In 2016-17, 19.1 percent of Louisiana’s children were obese. Two of the ways that childhood obesity can be prevented are through a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Many parents are unclear on what comprises a “nutritious diet.” Registered dietitian/nutritionists in Louisiana can help parents, and others, to learn more about dietary choices through nutrition education.
The Louisiana Dietitians/Nutritionists Practice Act requires all dietitians/nutritionists to be licensed. Licensure involves first becoming a registered dietitian by Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. If you want to be a licensed, registered dietitian/nutritionist in Louisiana, there are certain criteria you must fulfill. We will explore these requirements further here.
Education and Experience Louisiana’s Licensed Dietitians Need
The Louisiana Dietitians/Nutritionists Practice Act follows the CDR’s mandates when it comes to educational programs and experience required of registered, licensed dietitians. Under Louisiana law, you must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, dietetics, food and nutrition or food systems management. You must log at least 900 hours of supervised experience, and pass the CDR’s examination for dietitians.
The CDR’s requirements in order to become a registered dietitian involves completion of a program in nutrition and dietetics that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND). Choices in Louisiana include the following types of programs (but remember, you may take an approved program in any state):
- Didactic Program in Dietetics: Also referred to as a DPD, this program provides coursework only and no experience component. There are four such programs in Louisiana in 2022.
- Dietetic Internship: A DI is taken after completion of a DPD, and gives you a minimum of 1000 hours’ supervised practice experience. Louisiana is home to seven DIs in 2022.
Examination for Louisiana’s Licensed Dietitians
Just as is the case regarding education and experience needed for dietitians, the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition agrees with the CDR that prospective licensed, registered dietitians must pass the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians. Examine the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates closely to learn more about the test and procedures for applying online and paying the $200 exam fee. You may pick from Pearson VUE test centers in Louisiana located in Baton Rouge, Metairie, New Orleans and Shreveport.
Your exam score will be given to you immediately upon finishing the exam. Your CDR registration card, however, will be mailed to you some weeks after you take the exam.
Licensure Application Process for Louisiana Dietitians
Louisiana’s Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition requires that you apply for dietitian/nutritionist licensure online. They will instruct you on the appropriate application fees, as well as any documentation you must provide during the licensure application process.
After you get your dietitian/nutritionist license in Louisiana, it will expire each year on June 30. You will be required to renew online, paying all requested fees, and proving that you are still registered with the CDR. Louisiana accepts the CDR’s continuing education requirements for their licensed dietitians.
Salaries Earned by Licensed, Registered Louisiana Dietitians
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the 720 dietitians and nutritionist employed in the state of Louisiana earn an annual median wage of \$60,130 (statistics are circa May 2021). Dietitians working in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas scattered across Louisiana may make salaries that are higher or lower than the state average. Some examples of areas of Louisiana in which dietitians earn salaries that are higher than the state average follow.
Dietitians working in the Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area make the highest wages in the state, at $61,710 annually. Those working in Alexandria earn the next highest wages in the state, making $61,150 per year. Dietitians working in Baton Rouge earn $60,860 annually. Those working in the New Orleans/Metairie area make $60,390 per year.
Jobs for Registered, Licensed Louisiana Dietitians
A better way to see what dietitians in Louisiana are actually making is to scan the help wanted ads. A search in August 2022 found the following opportunities for licensed, registered dietitians in Louisiana:
- Fraud and Management Evaluation Monitor – Southeast Louisiana AHEC, Baton Rouge, LA
- Salary: $48,880- $72,280/year
- Must have a bachelor’s degree
- Credential as an RD preferred
- Licensure as an LD in Louisiana preferred
- Dietitian – US Veterans Health Administration, Alexandria, LA
- Salary: $66,214 -$86,074/year
- Must have a bachelor’s degree
- Credential as an RD required
- Licensure as an LD in Louisiana required
- Minimum of one year of related experience necessary
- Registered Dietitian – Mercy Medical Health Center, Jonesboro, LA
- Salary: $43,600- $55,200/year
- Must have a bachelor’s degree
- Credential as an RD required
- Licensure as an LD in Louisiana required
- Registered Dietitian – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Baton Rouge, LA
- Salary: $52,300-$66,300/year
- Must have a bachelor’s degree
- Credential as an RD required
- Licensure as an LD in Louisiana required
- CPR required
- Minimum of a year of nutritional care of oncology patients experience required
- WIC Registered Dietitian – Access Health Louisiana, Chalmette, LA
- Salary: $33,300 – $42,100/year
- Must have a bachelor’s degree
- Credential as an RD required
- Licensure as an LD in Louisiana required
- Two years of experience in public health nutrition or clinical or hospital dietetics required