The practice of dietetics and nutrition is a health-related discipline that includes the integration and application of scientific principles in achieving and maintaining health and in providing nutrition care services for the prevention, management, and treatment of disease. The public interest requires the regulation of the practice of dietetics and nutrition and the establishment of clear licensure standards for competency and integrity for nutritionists and dietitian nutritionists to properly protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents of the State.
To become a registered dietitian in New Jersey, you need to complete several steps: earn an ACEND-accredited nutrition degree, complete a dietetic internship of 1,200 hours, pass the CDR exam, and obtain state licensure. A master’s degree is required for all candidates taking the CDR exam after January 1, 2024. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of each step.
Licensure and the New Jersey State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
It's important to note that licensure for dieticians and nutritionists in New Jersey is required. Under Statute 45:168-1, effective January 2021, all dietitians must be licensed to practice legally in New Jersey. However, holding a current CDR registration as an RD/RDN automatically qualifies you for state licensure. The New Jersey State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition is responsible for drafting regulations that outline the licensure process.
Educational Requirements
Both the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the New Jersey State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition have educational requirements for aspiring registered dietitians. All candidates taking the CDR examination after January 1, 2024, must hold a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program.
ACEND-Accredited Programs in New Jersey
Several universities in New Jersey offer ACEND-accredited programs. These programs fall into two main categories: Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP) and Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD).
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Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
Coordinated programs combine academic coursework with supervised practice experience, totaling at least 1,200 hours. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the CDR examination without additional internship requirements.
- Rowan University, Glassboro: Offers a Bachelor’s to Master’s in Nutrition and Dietetics with specializations in Exercise Science and Dietetics.
Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
Didactic programs provide the academic foundation but require separate completion of a dietetic internship. New Jersey offers several accredited DPD programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Montclair State University: Offers a BS/MS in Nutrition and Food Science with a Dietetics Concentration.
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick: Offers a BS in Nutritional Sciences with a Dietetics Option.
- Saint Elizabeth University, Morristown: Offers a BS/MS in Foods and Nutrition with a Dietetics Concentration.
Alternative State Education Requirements
New Jersey also recognizes degrees in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, or related fields from regionally accredited institutions. However, this path only qualifies for state licensure, not CDR registration.
Dietetic Internship (DI)
Following completion of your didactic program, you must complete a supervised practice experience totaling at least 1,200 hours. New Jersey offers several ACEND-accredited dietetic internship programs with different specializations and formats. Competitive application processes typically require strong academic performance, relevant experience, and professional references.
Available Dietetic Internships in New Jersey
- Komplete Business DI, Turnersville: Offers a distance education format with variable duration and student-identified practice.
- Montclair State University: Offers a full-time, 10-month program with a specialization in nutrition therapy.
- NutraSource DI, Holmdel: Offers a full-time, 9-month program with a specialization in advanced medical nutrition therapy.
- Saint Elizabeth University: Offers a full-time program with a degree over 24 months, specializing in entrepreneurial nutrition practice.
Each internship program requires completion of rotations through clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.
Read also: RD Credential Information
Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
Upon completing your education and supervised practice requirements, you become eligible to sit for the CDR registration examination. This computer-based exam is administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout New Jersey.
Exam Details and Preparation
The exam consists of 125-145 scored questions plus 25 non-scored questions. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the examination and must achieve a minimum score of 25 on a scale of 0-50 to pass. The current exam fee is $225.
The exam covers four main components:
- Principles of Dietetics (25%): Nutrition Science, Research Methods
- Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (40%): Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention
- Management of Food and Nutrition Programs (21%): Program Planning, Quality Management
- Foodservice Systems (14%): Food Safety, Service Management
New Jersey Testing Locations
- Princeton Testing Center
- Piscataway Testing Center
- Atlantic City Testing Center
- Jersey City Testing Center
Maintaining Registration and Licensure
After successfully passing the CDR exam, you’ll receive your RD/RDN credential and must apply for New Jersey state licensure. Current CDR registration automatically qualifies you for New Jersey dietitian nutritionist licensure under state statute 45:168-1.
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain your RD/RDN registration, you must complete 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every five years. New Jersey may implement additional state-specific continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.
Read also: Your Guide to Dietitians
Popular Specialty Certifications
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): Advanced diabetes management
- Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC): Specialized nutrition support
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD): Sports nutrition expertise
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP): Pediatric nutrition specialization
Professional Organizations
Professional organization membership provides networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and advocacy support for registered dietitians practicing in New Jersey.
Key Professional Organizations
- New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: State affiliate providing local networking and advocacy.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: National organization offering resources and certifications.
- New Jersey Center for Nutrition Advocacy: Policy and advocacy organization.
- Community Food Bank of New Jersey: Community nutrition focus.
- New Jersey School Nutrition Association: School-based nutrition programs.
The NJAND has been an invaluable resource in my career, offering me leadership, educational, and networking opportunities that have significantly contributed to both my personal and professional growth. Being a member of the NJAND has given me the opportunity to meet other dietitians and make valuable professional connections that have furthered my career tremendously. Being a member has also given me opportunities to get CEUs from engaging speakers on relevant topics that have kept me abreast of new research, and made getting 75 credits every 5 years really easy. NJAND’s 1,600+ members are highly qualified nutrition professionals including Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN), Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR) and dietetic student members of AND.
Salary and Job Market in New Jersey
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, there were 3,456 registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists in New Jersey as of 2024. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dietitians and nutritionists in New Jersey earned an average annual salary of $79,240 as of May 2024, ranking among the top-paying states nationally.
New Jersey RD Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): $65,000 - $72,000 ($31.25 - $34.62 per hour)
- Mid-Career (3-7 years): $75,000 - $85,000 ($36.06 - $40.87 per hour)
- Experienced (8+ years): $88,000 - $102,000 ($42.31 - $49.04 per hour)
Popular Employer Types in New Jersey
- Hospitals and healthcare systems (Robert Wood Johnson, Atlantic Health)
- Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Outpatient clinics and private practice
- School districts and universities
- Corporate wellness programs
- Government agencies and WIC programs
Additional Information and Services
Nutrition Counseling and Personalized Treatment Plans
Many dietitians in New Jersey offer personalized treatment plans to address various health issues. For example, Barbara can help you get to the root cause of your health issues and provide you with the solutions that you need to be able to enjoy life again!
Tired of confusing nutrition advice and unsure where to start your health journey? Jillian Buckley, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Southern New Jersey, is here to help you cut through the noise and find a personalized path to wellness.
Vita Nutrition Services has a passion for making nutritious food delicious and fun, regardless of your health concerns. Vita Nutrition Services understand your situation is unique, and we will make every effort to help you creatively and sustainably add healthy food to your everyday life.
Through Medical Nutrition Therapy paired with motivational interviewing techniques, Elisa has helped individuals sustain positive behavior changes and achieve their personal wellness goals.
Elysa Dinzes Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPA, RD, CDN, CLT will meet you wherever you are in your journey to good health. All appointments and plans are customized to your individual needs. Face to face and virtual appointments are available, so we can work together no matter where you live!
I use a very personalized functional and precision nutrition approach to your care. I help you set goals and meet them to improve your health.
I am passionate about helping clients struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and/or negative body image. I find genuine connection with each of my clients and support them in reestablishing a new relationship with their bodies, food, and exercise.
My goal is to make healthy eating second nature. You have a busy lifestyle, and I can provide you with the tools to maximize your health and performance while fitting your schedule.
I specialize in metabolic health and disordered eating recovery, using firm compassion - a blend of empathy and real-life tools - to guide you toward freedom, confidence, and lifelong habits that actually stick.
My personalized approach explores all areas of life that may be impacted by restrictive diets: nutritionally, socially, psychologically. I believe: with education and guidance comes empowerment.
Together, we work step-by-step to untangle stress, simplify eating, and build sustainable changes that support both physical and emotional health.
Energize Your Life is where science and clinical nutrition meet the psychological aspect of eating and staying energized. We consider all the details of our client's lifestyle to help ignite major changes over time. We provide evidence-based, realistic techniques to help clients meet personalized health goals!
I offer individualized, one-on-one counseling to help clients meet there unique nutrition goals. Whether you are trying to lose weight, enhance sports performance or improve overall health, let me help you achieve your goals.
I have a passion for helping individuals and families develop their own unique set of healthy lifestyle changes. I have over 14 years of experience in pediatrics and eating disorders as well.
Not only will I focus on what you eat but why you eat. Emotional eating has become a much more prevalent issue for many people. My clients will have the opportunity to explore the triggers that perpetuate these unhealthy eating habits.
We work together to create a customized plan based on your schedule, lifestyle and goals so you feel that you are reaching your goals week by week! I specialize in sports nutrition, disordered eating, gastrointestinal issues, bariatric surgery, weight management, autoimmune disorders, pediatric nutrition and other medical nutrition therapies.
Holistic Nutrition
Holistic nutrition professionals may work within their scope of practice providing individualized nutrition counseling that does not target a medical condition or practice Medical Nutrition Therapy.
Featured Nutritionist Programs
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in New Jersey?
The typical timeline is 5-6 years, including a bachelor’s degree (4 years), a master’s degree (1-2 years), and a dietetic internship (6-24 months, depending on format). Some coordinated programs can reduce this timeline by combining education and supervised practice.
Can I practice as a nutritionist in New Jersey without RD credentials?
Yes, but with restrictions. Nutritionists in New Jersey can practice under different credential requirements, but registered dietitians have a broader scope of practice, especially in clinical settings and insurance reimbursement.
Does New Jersey require state licensure in addition to CDR registration?
Yes, New Jersey implemented mandatory licensure in January 2021. However, current CDR registration (RD/RDN) automatically qualifies you for state licensure as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist.
What’s the job outlook for registered dietitians in New Jersey?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth for dietitians and nutritionists nationally through 2032, faster than average for all occupations. New Jersey’s aging population and focus on preventive healthcare create strong demand.
Can I complete my dietetic internship outside New Jersey?
Yes, ACEND-accredited internships from any state meet New Jersey requirements. Many students apply to multiple programs nationwide to increase acceptance chances.
Are there online nutrition degree programs that meet New Jersey requirements?
Yes, several regionally accredited online programs meet educational requirements. However, ensure the program is ACEND-accredited if you plan to pursue CDR registration for the broadest career opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Master’s Degree Required: As of 2024, all CDR candidates must hold a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program.
- State Licensure Mandatory: New Jersey requires licensure for all practicing dietitians, but CDR registration automatically qualifies you.
- Strong Job Market: New Jersey ranks among the top-paying states for registered dietitians, with diverse employment opportunities.
- Multiple Pathways Available: Choose from coordinated programs, didactic programs with separate internships, or distance education options.
- Continuing Education Essential: Maintain registration with 75 CPEUs every five years and stay current with state requirements.