The Role of a Dietician in Long Term Care

Dietitians focus on healthy eating and proper nutrition. They prepare meal plans, offer nutritional guidance, and oversee meal service or diet programs. Dietitians typically have at least a bachelorā€™s degree. Education, training, and licensing requirements vary.

How to Become a Dietician

Dieticians must complete a nursing program and meet state licensing requirements.

Applicants must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States with a major course of study approved by the Board of Licensed Dietitians in human nutrition, dietetics, foods and nutrition, or food systems management.

More about the education requirements on theĀ Licensed Dietitian Application Form.

Experience

Applicants must complete a planned, continuous program of dietetic experience approved by the Health Licensing Office (HLO) of 900 hours under the supervision of a licensed dietitian.

Examination

Applicants must take and pass the examination administered by theĀ Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR).Ā The board recognizes the examination administered by CDR and the passing score set up by CDR as the board’s examination.

HLO may waive the examination requirement and grant a dietitian license to an applicant who:

  • Presents satisfactory evidence of current registration as a dietitian with a credentialing body approved by the board, such as the CDR
  • Holds current licensure under the law of any other state or territory in the United States, if the requirements for licensure of dietitians in the state or territory in which the applicant is licensed are not less than those required under Oregon law.

Find a Dietician Job in Long Term Care

Our job board shows openings at long term care providers throughout Oregon.

View Job Openings Here

Wage Expectations

View wage data for Oregon long term care dieticians here.

Education for Dieticians/Food and Dietary Professionals

OHCA also offers an in-person Food Show every summer in July. View the OHCA education calendar for more details.