When taking dietician courses, it is important to determine whether the courses will assist you in establishing or advancing in your career as a dietician. You should ensure that the courses that you take will be credited toward your degree or certification program so that you can obtain any necessary licenses to practice. If you are considering continuing education courses, you should likewise ensure that they meet the standards of your employer, certification board, or licensing agency. Other considerations include whether a course teaches a topic in which you are interested, the cost of the course, and whether you can fit the course into your schedule.
In many countries, including the United States, a dietician must have a license to practice. To obtain a dietician license, you typically have to earn a degree in nutrition or dietetics from a recognized school, serve an internship, and pass a licensing exam. Any dietician courses that you take while earning your degree should be a part of the academic program in which you are enrolled. If you decide to take a course at another school, check with your own school first to make sure that the course will transfer.
Once you become a dietician, you may need to complete ongoing training in the form of continuing education classes. Your employer may require you to take these courses, or the agency that issues your license to practice may make the completion of continuing education courses a condition of renewal. In addition, if you hold any professional certifications, the certifying organization may likewise require you to complete continuing education dietician courses on a regular basis. Some of these authorities may require you to take dietician courses that cover certain topics, while in other cases you can choose the courses that most interests you.
When looking at different schools and course providers, pay attention to whether the course will actually fit into your schedule. If you have significant work or family responsibilities, online courses may be a good option, provided that distance learning is recognized by your licensing or certification agency. Other options include taking continuing education classes during professional conventions and conferences or participating in weekend and evening seminars. Ask your colleagues and superiors for their recommendations as well. They might be able to steer you toward a good instructor or school. Finally, don't forget to look at the cost of available courses. Unless your employer is willing to reimburse you for the cost of the course, you should select courses that are within your budget.
