Laws defining the practice of
dietetics and nutrition in Washington, District of Columbia are quite restrictive. A license is required in the district for anyone who intends to practice nutrition and dietetics. The terms “nutritionist” and “licensed nutritionist” may not be used by anyone who does not have a license.
A non-licensed nutritionist in District of Columbia is walking a thin line because they cannot legally refer to themselves as a nutritionist. Such a person may work under the supervision of a licensed dietitian, licensed nutritionist, or other licensed health care professional. But like Delaware and Alabama (among other states), the District of Columbia uses both terms “dietitian” and “nutritionist” interchangeably in its written municipal regulations.
We will now delve into how to become a licensed nutritionist in the District of Columbia and if it is even possible for non-licensed nutritionists to practice in the municipality.
Education and Experience for Licensed Nutritionists in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Municipal Regulations for Dietetics sets forth requirements that nutritionists must meet to become licensed to practice there. You must have completed certain education and experience before you can apply for licensure as a nutritionist in Washington, DC.
The law states that you must have at least a bachelor’s degree with a major in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food systems management. Additionally, you must complete an American Dietetic Association-approved and supervised experience in dietetic practice consisting of at least 900 hours and supervised by a registered licensed dietitian.
If you complete the requirements set forth by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Dietetic Association to become a registered dietitian, your education and experience requirements for licensure as a nutritionist in the District of Columbia will be met. That process is detailed in this article (Becoming a Registered Dietitian in the District of Columbia).
Other Requirements for Nutritionist Licensure in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia has mandated that, prior to receiving a license to practice nutrition in the municipality, you must pass the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians (link to exam article). Effectively, then, you will be known as a Registered Dietitian if you wish to become a licensed nutritionist in the District of Columbia.
After passing the examination, you must apply for licensure online and pay licensure fees through the District of Columbia Department of Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration’s DC Health Portal. Once you have completed your application and submitted the necessary documentation, your license will be sent to you via email.
If you require assistance from the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition, contact them at dcbodn@dc.gov or (877) 672-2174. You may also call this number for any updates on your pending licensure application.
Once licensed, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years and renew your license online.
Should Non-Licensed Nutritionists Practice in the District of Columbia?
As mentioned above, you must have a license as a dietitian or nutritionists in order to practice nutrition in the District of Columbia. If you are not licensed and want to work in the field of nutrition, you cannot legally call yourself a nutritionist. It is possible to work under the supervision of a licensed, registered dietitian nutritionist or other health care professional, as long as you do not refer to yourself as a nutritionist.
Working in Nutrition Without a License in the District of Columbia
If you want to work in nutrition in the District of Columbia but do not want to be a licensed nutritionist, there are some other options. Here are some examples of nutrition-related jobs that are available as of July 2022 for those without a license:
- Nutrition Technician – Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Salary: not specified
- Requires: high school diploma or GED. Associate degree preferred
- Requires: three years of healthcare or foodservice experience
- AmeriCorps Liaison with Whidbey Island SWES Nutrition Program – Washington, DC
- Salary: not specified
- Requires: associate degree
- Nutrition Educator – Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington, DC
- Salary: $62,700 to $79,500 per year
- Requires: five years’ experience in nutrition/health education
- Master’s degree preferred but not required
- RD/LD preferred but not required
- School Nutrition Manager – DC Bilingual, Washington, DC
- Salary: $50,600 to $64,000 per year
- Requires: two years of experience in food service industry
- Requires: ServSafe certification
- Requires: ability to communicate in Spanish and English
- Food Service Director/College Dining Hall- Washington, DC
- Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 per year
- Requires: retail management experience and foodservice experience