The field of nutrition and dietetics is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide array of career opportunities for those passionate about promoting health and well-being through food. In Los Angeles, California, aspiring dietitians can find numerous avenues for professional growth, from clinical settings to community programs and private practice. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the qualifications, educational pathways, and career prospects for dietitians in the Los Angeles area.
Understanding the Role of a Dietitian
Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in the science of food and nutrition. They play a crucial role in helping individuals and communities make informed food choices to improve their health and manage various medical conditions. Dietitians work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals, HMOs, or other health care facilities, educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team.
- Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries, working in communications, consumer affairs.
- Private practice, working under contract with health care or food companies, or in their own business.
Educational Requirements for Dietitians in Los Angeles
To become a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) in Los Angeles, a specific educational path must be followed. The requirements are set by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). As of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree is required to be eligible to take the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree
The first step towards becoming an RDN involves completing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college with coursework accredited by ACEND. This step occurs in a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), where students complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in course work accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the credentialing agency of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at CSULB fulfills this step in the path to becoming a NDTR.
Several universities in California offer ACEND-accredited undergraduate DPD programs, including:
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- University of California, Berkeley - Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science: Dietetics
- University of California, Davis - Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition
- California State University, Fresno - Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences
- California State University, Long Beach - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Food Administration
- Pepperdine University, Malibu - Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science
- California State University, Northridge - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Science
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Dietetics Option
- California State University, Sacramento - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food
- California State University, San Bernardino - Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences
- Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
- San Diego State University - Bachelor of Science in Foods and Nutrition
- San Francisco State University - Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition Science
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo - Bachelor of Science in Applied Nutrition
Step 2: Obtain a Master's Degree
As of January 1, 2024, a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral level) is required to be eligible for the CDR Registration Examination. This represents a significant shift from previous requirements and affects all candidates seeking initial registration. The master’s degree requirement means prospective RDs must complete graduate-level coursework in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field from an ACEND-accredited program.
California offers two primary educational pathways:
- Coordinated Programs (CP), which integrate coursework with supervised practice at the graduate level.
- Graduate Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD), which provide required academic preparation followed by a separate internship.
Graduate Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
Coordinated programs combine educational coursework with supervised experiential learning at the graduate level, allowing you to complete both requirements simultaneously. These programs typically last 2-3 years and culminate in a master’s degree, along with eligibility for the CDR exam upon graduation. This integrated approach is often the most efficient pathway to RD credentials under the new requirements.
Examples of Graduate Coordinated Programs in California:
- Loma Linda University, Loma Linda:
- Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (Coordinated Program)
- Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field)
- Master of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics (post-Didactic Program)
- Master of Public Health in Nutrition, Community Nutrition emphasis
- California State University, Los Angeles: Master of Science in Nutritional Science (Coordinated Program)
- University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Los Angeles: Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity
Graduate Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
Graduate didactic programs provide the required academic coursework at the master’s level, meeting the 2024 education requirement. After completing your graduate DPD, you’ll need to complete a separate dietetic internship. This sequential approach offers flexibility in timing and location for your supervised practice experience.
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Examples of Graduate Didactic Programs in California:
- California State University, Chico: Master of Science in General Dietetics (for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field)
- California State University, Los Angeles: Master of Science in Nutritional Science
Step 3: Complete a Dietetic Internship
After completing the required graduate coursework, the next step is to complete a dietetic internship. In order to become an RDN, students require an ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree (Step 1) and to competitively apply and be matched to an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship (also called supervised practice programs) which are typically completed in 9-12 months. While the word “internship” may sound casual, a dietetic internship is a rigorous residency-type program which offers a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised experiences across a range of dietetic practice sites (i.e.
These internships are competitive, and students are encouraged to gain paid, volunteer, and shadowing nutrition-related experience across various disciplines to become competitive candidates. Most dietetic internships prioritize grade point average (G.P.A.) in both the sciences and across all DPD-related coursework when selecting candidates.
California offers 29 dietetic internship programs with diverse specializations, from mental health nutrition to community nutrition management. Application processes are highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 40% to 60%. Many California programs prefer candidates with Spanish language skills, given the state’s diverse population.
Step 4: Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam
Upon completing your graduate education and supervised practice requirements, you’re eligible to take the CDR registration exam. You have one year from your eligibility date to schedule and complete the exam. The CDR exam is a computer-adaptive test that assesses your competency across four domains:
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- Food and Nutrition Sciences
- Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups
- Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services
- Foodservice Systems
A scaled score of 25 or higher passes the exam. If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you may retake the exam no sooner than 45 days after your test date.
Step 5: Maintain Registration
Maintaining your RD certification involves completing 75 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) during each five-year period, with at least one ethics course required per cycle. The CDR’s Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) Guide helps you select appropriate continuing education activities aligned with your practice area and career goals.
Career Opportunities for Dietitians in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a wide range of career opportunities for registered dietitians, reflecting the city's diverse population and healthcare landscape. Some common job roles include:
- Clinical Dietitian: Providing medical nutrition therapy to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
- Community Dietitian: Developing and implementing nutrition programs for community organizations, schools, and public health agencies.
- Sports Dietitian: Working with athletes to optimize their nutrition for performance and health.
- Private Practice Dietitian: Providing individual nutrition counseling and meal planning services to clients.
- Consultant Dietitian: Providing nutrition expertise to food companies, restaurants, and other businesses.
One example of a clinical dietitian position in Los Angeles is at UCLA Health, where Clinical Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy to patients with complex medical needs in a large, fast-paced academic healthcare setting. They conduct comprehensive nutrition assessments and reassessments, develop individualized care plans, perform Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams (NFPE), and document in the electronic health record. They work with patients across all age groups, including NICU, pediatrics, adults, and geriatric populations, and collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams.
Another example is at Metropolitan State Hospital-Located in Norwalk, Los Angeles County, where the Department of Nutrition Services is looking for a Permanent-Fulltime position for a passionate Dietitian to join the team. Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Nutrition Services, the Registered Dietitian will be responsible for meaningful nutrition assessments, provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) integrated with the patients’ treatment plan goals and provide nutrition counseling/education to patients. Function as an integral member of the clinical interdisciplinary team.
Salary and Job Outlook for Dietitians in Los Angeles
California has one of the highest levels of compensation nationally for RDNs, with an annual mean wage of $72,000. RDNs working in larger cities and urban areas tend to be more highly compensated. The annual base salary range for a Clinical Dietitian position at UCLA Health, for example, is $68,640.00 - $112,370.00.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, RDNs face an excellent job outlook, with new positions expected to grow by 16% by 2024 (much faster than the average growth for other jobs). Employment opportunities are being influenced by the nation’s changing demographics and the increased dietary consciousness of the general public. The Department of Statistics projects an increasing population of retiring senior citizens which are expected to result in an increased demand for nutritional services in hospitals, retirement homes, and senior citizen nutrition programs.
Alternative Career Path: Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR)
In addition to preparing students to be eligible for continued education towards becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutrition, the DPD at CSULB also prepares graduates to immediately be eligible to become a Nutrition & Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR or DTR), often called a “diet tech” in the field. Students must earn a “C” or better in all relevant DPD coursework. After completing the degree and dietetics coursework, successful completion of the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians, a national credentialing examination, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is required.
Additional Certifications and Specializations
Some RDNs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through CDR and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required.
The Importance of Professional Organizations
Joining professional organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) can provide numerous benefits, including access to continuing education, networking opportunities, and resources for professional development.
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