How Long Does It Really Take to Become a Registered Dietitian? Discover the Timeline!

For individuals passionate about health and wellness, a career as a Registered Dietitian (RD) is a popular and rewarding choice. RDs play a vital role in communities, assuming diverse responsibilities in various settings. As an RD, one might work in a hospital or medical facility, providing essential nutritional care to patients.

One of the significant benefits of pursuing a career as an RD is the wide array of professional opportunities available. With an aging population and an increasing number of individuals at risk of diseases such as diabetes, the demand for these professionals is steadily growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth in employment for registered dietitians and nutritionists from 2021 to 2031.

However, it's important to recognize that dietetics is a highly regulated profession where training and higher education are paramount. Most states mandate licensure or certification to practice, which requires a postsecondary degree. Moreover, by 2024, a minimum of a graduate degree in a related field will be required to sit for the registered dietitians examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Educational Path to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

Earning a Degree and Obtaining a Verification Statement

The first crucial step toward becoming a registered dietitian is to earn a degree in nutrition and obtain a verification statement from an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program. This verification statement is essential to be eligible to sit for the CDR exam.

Currently, individuals interested in pursuing RD licensure can hold either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited school. However, it is important to note that this requirement will change in 2024, mandating a minimum of a graduate degree.

If graduating before 2024, one can pursue a bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, or foods and nutrition. For those seeking a master’s degree, options include an ACEND-accredited master’s in nutrition or a coordinated degree program, such as a Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian (MPH/RD).

Gaining Hands-On Clinical Experience Through an Internship

After completing a nutrition program, obtaining hands-on clinical experience through an internship is mandatory to become a registered dietician. There are several pathways to fulfill this requirement:

Traditional Dietetic Internship (DI): A standalone internship program.
Coordinated Program (CP): A program that combines Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework with supervised practice.
Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP): A supervised practice program for individuals who have already completed a DPD program or hold a doctoral degree.

To apply for a Dietetic Internship, the online dietetic internship centralized application services (DICAS) system is used. Internships vary in duration from eight to 24 months and can be pursued on a part- or full-time basis. Choosing an internship should align with individual interests and career goals.

Many prospective RDs opt to earn a degree and then pursue an internship separately. However, there is also the option of applying to a Coordinated Program, which provides both the essential Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework and supervised practice.

Another pathway is pursuing an ISPP, which offers supervised practice through ACEND-accredited dietetic programs. There are two ISPP options:

ISPP for Didactic Program in Dietetics graduates (DPD): This option is for graduates who did not match with a dietetic internship but have a DPD verification statement. The DPD provides the required dietetics coursework leading to a bachelor’s or graduate degree.
ISPP for doctoral degree graduates: Individuals with a doctoral degree can also apply for an ISPP without a DPD verification statement.

Passing the CDR Exam and Obtaining Licensure

Passing the CDR exam is the most crucial step to earning the RD credential and becoming a registered dietitian. After completing a degree and fulfilling internship requirements, validation by the CDR is required before taking the registered dietitian exam. Numerous testing locations are available. The exam is two and a half hours long and consists of up to 145 questions.

Before seeking employment in a desired state of practice, it may be necessary to obtain a state license or certification. The CDR provides information on which states require additional licensure for registered dietitians. In some cases, eligibility for a license may be based on a degree, internship, and exam result.

Time Commitment to Becoming an RD

The path to becoming an RD typically takes four to eight years or more, depending on individual career paths and state requirements. The length of time largely depends on whether one holds or plans to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. If one has a bachelor’s degree in a required field, completing a DPD program, receiving a verification statement, and moving on to the next steps is possible.

Registered Dietitian vs. Nutritionist

Compared to nutritionists, dietitians operate within a highly regulated industry that demands specific education, training, experience, and licensure. However, the profession can be rewarding, offering the opportunity to pursue a passion for helping others.

Salary and Job Outlook for Registered Dietitians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for dietitians and nutritionists was $66,450 in 2022. The highest 10% of earners made more than $95,130 per year. Dietitians and nutritionists working in outpatient care centers earned a median annual wage of $75,860, followed by those working for the government with $66,370, those employed by hospitals with $66,170, and those at nursing and residential care facilities with $64,310.

The BLS also notes that most RDs work full time, but working hours are flexible.

Becoming a Nutritionist: An Alternative Path

While the terms "nutritionist" and "dietitian" are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences in education, credentials, and scope of practice. Becoming a nutritionist generally requires less formal education and training than becoming a registered dietitian.

Education Needed to Become a Nutritionist

Employers of nutritionists typically seek candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Most certification agencies also require a bachelor’s degree to fulfill their qualifications. A bachelor’s degree should be from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Potential bachelor’s degrees in nutrition include:

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

A master’s degree in nutrition may open more employment options, as some institutions only hire masters-educated nutritionists, and some certification agencies require a master’s degree for qualification.

Examples of master’s degree programs in nutrition include:

Master of Dietetics and Nutrition - Medical Dietetics
Master of Clinical Nutrition
Master of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology
Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences

Certification for Nutritionists

There are various options for nutritionists to become certified, depending on their intended focus and clientele. Some popular certification choices include:

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR): While a bachelor’s degree is the minimum level of education required for most nutritionist positions, the CDR will require candidates for certification to hold a minimum of a master’s degree as of January 1, 2024. Certification requires passing the CDR examination, giving the nationally-recognized credential Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) (also known as Registered Dietitian, or RD).
National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC): This organization is geared towards nutritionists who wish to educate others and offers two certifications: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).
National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC): To earn their Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credential, one must be registered or licensed as a dietitian nutritionist and have two years of experience, as well as pass an examination.
Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB): The Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) offers the Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential. In addition to a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, candidates for certification must complete the organization’s Post Graduate Studies in Clinical Nutrition Program and pass an examination.
Board of Certification for Nutrition Specialists (BCNS): An arm of the American Nutrition Association, the Board of Certification for Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Its main credential, Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), requires that the applicant holds a master’s degree or higher in nutrition, complete 1000 hours of supervised practice, and pass an examination.

State Licensure for Nutritionists

Not all states require nutritionists to be licensed. However, if one wishes to practice as an RDN, they must pass the CDR exam, regardless of the state in which they wish to work. Some states go an additional step and require that, if one wishes to be called a nutritionist, they must be licensed or certified by the state.

Career Paths for Registered Dietitians

Registered Dietitians (RDNs) work across various sectors, including healthcare, community health, research, and private practice. They can specialize in various areas, including:

Clinical Dietitian: Work in healthcare settings like hospitals, providing medical nutrition therapy to treat conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, renal failure, and cancer.
Pediatric Dietitian: Specialize in nutrition for infants, children, and adolescents, working in hospitals, private practice, or community health settings.
Sports Dietitian: Work with athletes and active individuals to optimize performance through tailored nutrition plans.
Community Dietitian: Focus on public health nutrition, promoting wellness and preventing diseases through educational programs and interventions.
Renal Dietitian: Specialize in nutrition for individuals with chronic kidney disease, tailoring dietary plans to manage kidney health and delay disease progression.
Geriatric Nutrition: They specialize in the nutrition needs of older adults. They create nutrition plans to help prevent and treat some of the common conditions that can affect this population, like osteoporosis.
Oncology Nutrition: A dietitian who specializes in the nutrition needs of people in treatment for or recovering from cancer.
Eating Disorders: A dietitian who focuses on nutritional rehabilitation for people with eating disorders.
Diabetes Nutrition and Care.
Management Dietitians: Management dietitians oversee meal planning, menus and food service programs for organizations, like correctional facilities or restaurant chains.
Consultant Dietitians: Consultant RDs work in private practice. They help their clients design eating plans for their specific needs and goals.
Research Dietitians: Some dietitians work as researchers. They study how food affects certain groups of people. Some might specialize in one topic, like food allergies.

The Step-by-Step Process to Becoming an RD in Alabama

Here's a detailed overview of the steps to become a licensed Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist in Alabama:

Step 1: Finish Registered Dietitian Education in Alabama

Must be at least 19 years old.
Have a reputation of a good moral character.
Earn at least a bachelor’s degree from a Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-regionally accredited institution with a major in a nutrition-related field.
Complete a 900-hour internship.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration requires completing one of the following programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) before taking the examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).

Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)

The University of Alabama, Birmingham: Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences- Dietitian Education Program Track (online)
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition - Dietetics Management and Communication
University of Montevallo, Montevallo: Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Nutrition Science- Nutrition and Wellness (Dietetics)

Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)

Auburn University, Auburn: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition - Dietetics
Samford University, Birmingham: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Oakwood University, Huntsville: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences - Dietetics
Alabama A&M University, Normal: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences- Dietetics
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa: Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition - Dietetics
Tuskegee University, Tuskegee: Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Sciences - Dietetics

Step 2: Apply for Dietetic Internship (DI) in Alabama

Complete a Dietetic Internship (DI) after fulfilling undergraduate coursework in dietitian studies. The program must be accredited by ACEND and provide a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised work.

DI Programs in Alabama:

Samford University, Birmingham: 16-month full-time program with an emphasis on Community and Public Health Nutrition Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham: 12-month full-time program with an emphasis on Medical Nutrition Therapy
Oakwood University, Huntsville: 10-month full-time program with an emphasis on Medical Nutrition Therapy

Step 3: Take and Pass the (CDR) Examination

Both the state of Alabama and CDR require passing the CDR Examination for Registered Dietitians prior to registration and licensing to practice in Alabama. You have one year from the time of receiving eligibility to take the test.

Step 4: Apply for Licensing as a RD/Nutritionist in Alabama

Complete the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetic/Nutrition Practice Application for Licensure. Submit a copy of the identification card from CDR showing that you are a Registered Dietitian, as well as a copy of the current government-issued photo identification card with the application. Include the application fee of $100 plus the license fee of $150 via check or money order payable to the Alabama Board of Examiners for Dietetic/Nutrition Practice.

Step 5: Maintain License - Apply for Specialty Certifications

Renew the Alabama license to practice as a Dietitian/Nutritionist biennially. During each two-year period, complete 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) that meets the Board guidelines. Renew registration as a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) every five years, taking 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs).

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