Louisiana requires nutritionists to be Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDN), meeting the same requirements as registered dietitians: a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, a 1,200-hour dietetic internship, and passing the CDR exam. Average salary is $72,790 annually.
Louisiana is a great place to be a nutritionist. The Pelican State is one of the U.S. states that require nutritionists to be licensed, giving the profession greater prestige and credibility while ensuring government and private insurance payments for services rendered. Louisiana’s unique approach requires Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDN) to meet the same rigorous standards as registered dietitians, creating enhanced career opportunities for qualified professionals.
The state faces significant health challenges that create a strong demand for nutrition professionals. Nearly one out of four adults in Louisiana is considered obese, with 35.9 percent of the population meeting obesity criteria. This ranks Louisiana among the top ten states for adult and childhood obesity, making qualified nutritionists essential for addressing these health trends.
View how to become a registered dietitian in Louisiana to understand the complete certification pathway.
Career Pathway Overview
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Louisiana
- Gain Required Supervised Experience
- Pass the Required Examination
- Submit Your Certification/License Application
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Maintain Certification/License and Continuing Education
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Louisiana
Complete Nutritionist Education Requirements in Louisiana
The Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition regulates nutritionists’ practice through the Louisiana Dietetics and Nutrition Act. Two types of licensure are available:
Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (LDN) – Full practice license
Provisional Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist (Provisional LDN) – Temporary license while awaiting examination
To become an LDN in Louisiana, you must earn a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The degree must be in one of the following areas:
- Human nutrition
- Food and nutrition
- Dietetics
- Food systems management
Critical Requirement: 24 semester hours of this degree must be in nutrition courses under Board rules.
ACEND-Accredited Program Options
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Gain Required Supervised Experience
Louisiana requires 1,200 hours of supervised professional work experience under the supervision of a registered dietitian or Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist. The Board has designated ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs (Dietetic Internships or DIs) as the approved work experience pathway.
Louisiana Dietetic Internship Programs
| Institution | Program Type | Duration | Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, Baton Rouge | Full-time, Graduate Credit | 17 months | Community Nutrition |
| Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge | Full-time, Non-degree | 10 months | Nutrition Therapy, Food Service |
| North Oaks Health System, Hammond | Part-time, Non-degree | 12 months | Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| McNeese State University, Lake Charles | Full-time, Master’s Degree | 18 months | Clinical and Community Nutrition |
| Tulane University, New Orleans | Full-time, Non-degree | 10 months | Community Nutrition |
| Louisiana Tech University, Ruston | Full-time, Graduate Certificate | 11 months | Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| Nicholls State University, Thibodaux | Full-time, Graduate Certificate | Variable | Community Nutrition, Clinical |
Each program provides 1,200+ hours of supervised practice covering clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management competencies required for LDN licensure.
Pass the Required Examination
Louisiana requires passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). This is the Board-approved exam for LDN licensure in Louisiana.
The CDR exam covers four domains:
- Principles of Dietetics (15%)
- Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (40%)
- Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services (15%)
- Food Service Systems (30%)
Exam Details:
- 125 scored questions plus 25 pretest questions
- 3 hours to complete
- Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE centers
- Scaled score of 25 required to pass
- Available year-round by appointment
Submit Your Certification/License Application
Once you’ve completed education, supervised practice, and passed the CDR exam, apply for LDN licensure through the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition.
Application Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts from an ACEND-accredited program
- Verification of completed dietetic internship
- CDR exam passing score verification
- Application fee (varies annually)
- Background check (if required)
Provisional LDN Option: If you’ve completed education and supervised experience but haven’t yet taken the CDR exam, you may apply for a Provisional LDN license. This allows supervised practice for up to five years while preparing for the examination.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDNs) in Louisiana have diverse career opportunities across multiple sectors. Common job duties include:
- Writing, adapting, and modifying menus or diets to meet client needs
- Developing and implementing specialized diet and nutrition plans
- Scheduling food and supply purchasing for institutions
- Teaching nutrition classes to professionals and community members
- Conducting nutrition assessments and counseling
Recent Louisiana Job Opportunities
Healthcare Settings:
- Clinical Dietitian – Healthcare Services Group, Lafayette
- Registered Dietitian, Clinical Nutrition – North Oaks Health System, Hammond
- Research Dietitian – Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge
Government and Public Health:
- Dietitian – Department of Defense, Leesville
- Public Health Nutritionist III – Mission Orleans Healthcare, New Orleans
Corporate and Sales:
- Registered Dietitian, Clinical Sales Liaison – CVS Health, New Orleans
Explore comprehensive information about nutritionist careers and salary expectations to understand the full scope of opportunities available.
Maintain Certification/License and Continuing Education
LDN licenses in Louisiana require renewal and continuing education to maintain active status. Stay current with professional development through:
Professional Organizations:
- Louisiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Louisiana Dietetic Association
- Baton Rouge Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics
- School Nutrition Association of Louisiana
Continuing Education Requirements:
- Complete 15 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) annually
- Maintain professional liability insurance
- Renew license according to the Board schedule
- Participate in professional development activities
Louisiana Nutritionist Salary and Job Market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for nutritionists in Louisiana are projected to increase about 5.4% in the ten-year period leading up to 2032. This growth rate reflects the increasing recognition of nutrition’s role in preventive healthcare and chronic disease management.
Salary by Region (May 2024 Data)
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Employment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Statewide | $72,790 | High demand |
| Shreveport Metro Area | $74,510 | Growing market |
| Baton Rouge Metro Area | $72,530 | Stable growth |
The strong job market reflects Louisiana’s commitment to addressing public health challenges and the state’s recognition of nutrition professionals as essential healthcare providers.
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Louisiana
Three out of ten adults in Louisiana report getting little to no physical exercise, giving the state the third-highest rate of physical inactivity in the nation. The state also holds fourth place for adult obesity rate at 34.9 percent, creating significant opportunities for health coaches to make a meaningful impact.
Education and Certification Requirements
Health coaching is largely unregulated in Louisiana, meaning no licensing requirements exist. However, employers typically require degrees and professional certifications for entry-level positions. The following degree options are available through online programs or out-of-state institutions:
Associate Degree Options:
- General Studies (Allied Health concentration)
- Instructional Coaching
- Health and Wellness Promotion
- Wellness Coaching Certificate
Bachelor’s Degree Options:
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Kinesiology with Health Promotion concentration
- Health Studies
- Health Coaching
Graduate-Level Options:
- Graduate Certificate in Health Coaching
- Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion
- Master of Arts in Health & Wellness Coaching
Professional Certifications
The following national certification programs are available to Louisiana residents through online and out-of-state training:
Duke Integrative Medicine – Offers Certified Integrative Health Coach certification, requiring a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Training includes both on-campus (North Carolina) and online components.
Wellcoaches School of Coaching – Provides an 18-week Core Health Coach Training Program leading to Health and Wellness Coach certification, followed by an optional 10-month Professional Health Coach training. Training is primarily online with live workshop components.
Career Opportunities
Health coaching positions in Louisiana often require specialized credentials depending on the employer and setting. Recent opportunities include:
Healthcare-Integrated Positions:
- Health Coach Dietitian (requires Louisiana LDN license)
- Readmissions Preventionist (requires RN license + health coach certification)
- Corporate Health Coach (bachelor’s degree in a health-related field)
Community-Based Roles:
- Corporate Wellness Coordinator
- Community Health Educator
- Workplace Wellness Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, there is no difference. The state requires all nutritionists to be Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionists (LDN), meeting the same education, internship, and examination requirements as registered dietitians.
Can I practice as a nutritionist in Louisiana without a license?
No. Louisiana law requires all nutrition professionals providing dietary counseling or nutrition therapy to hold an LDN license. Unlicensed practice may result in legal penalties.
How long does it take to become a licensed nutritionist in Louisiana?
Typically 4-5 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree plus 12-18 months for a dietetic internship. Some accelerated programs allow concurrent completion of requirements.
Do I need to be a Louisiana resident to get licensed?
No. Louisiana accepts applications from out-of-state candidates who meet education and examination requirements. However, you must obtain Louisiana licensure before practicing in the state.
What continuing education is required to maintain my LDN license?
Requirements vary but typically include annual continuing education hours and license renewal. Check with the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition for current requirements.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a nutritionist in Louisiana requires commitment to rigorous education and professional standards, but offers rewarding career opportunities in a state with significant public health needs. The LDN license provides professional credibility, insurance reimbursement eligibility, and diverse career pathways across healthcare, public health, and private practice settings.
Louisiana’s approach of requiring LDN licensure ensures that nutrition professionals are well-prepared to address complex health challenges while maintaining high professional standards that protect public welfare.
Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s growing recognition of nutrition professionals creates excellent opportunities for qualified practitioners. With proper education and licensing, you can make a meaningful impact on the state’s health challenges while building a rewarding professional career.
Explore accredited nutrition degree programs to begin your journey toward becoming a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist in Louisiana.
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
