How do I become a Registered Dietitian?
To become a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) an individual must complete a process as outlined (and listed below) on the Academy website:
- Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Graduate degree must be completed either before or during the dietetic internship in order to be eligible to take the exam. Applicants who have already completed a graduate degree upon entering the program may elect to do the supervised practice portion only. More information is available on the CDR website.
- Completed an ACEND® accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies.
- Pass a national examination administered by CDR. For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website.
- Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Please visit this webpage to learn more about the pathways to becoming a registered dietitian (RD):
https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend/students-and-advancing-education/information-for-students/registered-dietitian-nutritionist-fact-sheet
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
Accreditation Information
The NHC Dietetic Internship Program is currently granted accreditation status by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, 800-877-1600, Ext. 5400. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend ; email ACEND@eatright.org). ACEND is the only accrediting agency for dietetics education recognized by the USDE.