Registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) play a crucial role in promoting health and managing disease through nutrition. They work in diverse settings, providing nutritional care to individuals and communities. As the population ages and the prevalence of diseases like diabetes rises, the demand for these professionals is expected to grow. However, dietetics is a highly regulated profession, and aspiring RDs must meet specific education, training, and licensure requirements.
Educational Foundation
The first step toward becoming a registered dietitian is to earn a degree in nutrition. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredits programs that provide the necessary knowledge and skills. Completing an ACEND-accredited program is essential for obtaining a verification statement, which is required for the next steps in the process.
Degree Options
Several degree options can lead to a career as an RD:
- Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD): This undergraduate program provides the core science, nutrition, foods, and food management courses required by ACEND. A Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a Pre-dietetics concentration is one example of a DPD program. After completing a DPD program, graduates receive a verification statement and can apply for a dietetic internship.
- Coordinated Program (CP): This program combines DPD coursework with supervised practice, allowing students to complete both requirements simultaneously.
- Future Education Model Graduate Program: This program combines classroom learning with supervised practical experience, similar to a CP. An example is a Master of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics (MPH/RD).
The Master's Degree Requirement
Effective January 1, 2024, a master's degree became the minimum requirement to be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Those wishing to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist must hold a master's degree in order to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialing exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This change ensures that RDs have advanced knowledge and skills to meet the evolving demands of the profession. If you have a bachelor’s degree in required fields, you can complete a DPD program, receive a verification statement and move on to the next steps.
Essential Coursework
Both undergraduate and graduate nutrition programs include coursework in various subjects:
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- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology
- Nutrition Science: Basic Human Nutrition, Nutrient Metabolism, Life Span Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Nutrition Assessment
- Food & Management: Food Science, Food Production Management, Financial Management in Dietetics
- Research & Statistics: Statistics, Research Methods in Dietetics, Evidence-Based Practice
- Communication: Public Speaking, Counseling Strategies in Dietetics, and Professional Communication
Supervised Practice: The Dietetic Internship
After completing a nutrition program, aspiring RDs must gain hands-on clinical experience through a supervised practice program, such as a Dietetic Internship (DI). You must obtain hands-on clinical experience through an internship after completing your nutrition program to become a registered dietician.
Internship Options
There are several options for completing the supervised practice requirement:
- Dietetic Internship (DI): A traditional internship that provides supervised practice in various settings, such as hospitals, community agencies, and food service facilities.
- Coordinated Program (CP): As mentioned earlier, CPs combine coursework and supervised practice into a single program.
- Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP): This option is for individuals who have a DPD verification statement but did not match with a dietetic internship. It provides supervised practice through ACEND-accredited dietetic programs. There are ISPP options for DPD graduates and doctoral degree graduates.
Applying for a Dietetic Internship
To apply for a Dietetic Internship, you will use the online dietetic internship centralized application services (DICAS). Internships range in duration from eight to 24 months and may be part-time or full-time. Many prospective RDs earn a degree and then pursue an internship separately.
Internship Rotations
The internship experience typically includes rotations in:
- Clinical Nutrition: Hospitals and long-term care facilities
- Community Nutrition: Public health agencies and WIC programs
- Foodservice Management: Healthcare facilities and schools
Interns work with experienced registered dietitians (preceptors) and gain hands-on experience in nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, patient counseling, and community education.
Read also: RD Credential Information
Passing the CDR Exam
Passing the CDR exam is the most crucial step to earning the RD credential and becoming a registered dietitian. Upon completing your degree and fulfilling internship requirements, you can become validated by the CDR and then take the registered dietitian exam. The exam is two and a half hours long and consists of up to 145 questions.
Licensure and Certification
Before seeking employment in your desired state of practice, you may need to obtain a state license or certification. The CDR provides information on which states require additional licensure for registered dietitians. In some cases, you may be eligible for a license based on your degree, internship, and exam result.
State-Specific Requirements
Nutritionist requirements vary significantly by state. Some states require licensing through RD credentials, others allow various certifications, and many have no specific requirements. It is essential to research your specific state regulations before starting your career path.
Example: Kansas Dietitian Licensure
Kansas requires all dietitians to be licensed through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Health Occupations Credentialing. To maintain your license, you must:
- Complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each two-year period
- Renew your license online through the KDADS renewal portal
- Pay the renewal fee
- Maintain documentation of all CPE activities
Career Paths and Opportunities
One of the benefits of pursuing a career as an RD is the array of professional opportunities it can offer. Employment of registered dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists a number of different career paths for registered dietitians.
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Work Settings
Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals and other medical facilities
- Public health agencies
- Private practice
- Schools and universities
- Food service companies
- Corporate wellness programs
- Research institutions
Specializations
Although many dietitians and nutritionists do similar tasks, there are several specialties within the occupations. Clinical dietitians and clinical nutritionists provide medical nutrition therapy. Community dietitians and community nutritionists develop programs and counsel the public on topics related to food, health, and nutrition. Management dietitians plan food programs.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was $73,850 in 2024. The highest 10% of earners made more than $101,760 per year. Employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034.
Distinguishing RDs from Nutritionists
Compared to nutritionists, dietitians function within a highly regulated industry that requires specific education, training, experience, and licensure. The term "nutritionist" is not protected in all states, and the requirements for practicing as a nutritionist vary widely. In some states, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, while others have specific licensing requirements.
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