Dietitian Requirements

To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Complete a minimum of a graduate degree (such as a master’s degree) from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college. The program must include coursework accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)^[1][7][5].
• Supervised Practice: Successfully finish an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, such as a dietetic internship or coordinated program. This typically requires at least 1,000 to 1,200 hours of hands-on training in health-care, community, or foodservice settings^[1][2][5].
• Examination: Pass the national registration exam for dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Eligibility to take the exam is confirmed once education and supervised practice requirements are met^[1][3][8].
• State Licensure: Obtain state licensure or certification if required by the state in which you intend to practice, as regulations vary nationwide^[1][3][6].
• Continuing Education: Maintain your registration and/or licensure through ongoing professional education, fulfilling continuing education requirements set by the CDR and/or your state^[1][5].

Some dietitians pursue additional certifications in specialized practice areas, although these are not required for entry-level practice^[1].

References

• [1] Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet – eatrightPRO.org
• [2] Registered Dietitian Certification and Licensure – nutritioned.org
• [3] How to Become a Registered Dietitian (RD) – Public Health Degrees
• [5] How To Become an RD – Texas State Dietetic Internship
• [6] How to Become a Dietitian – Coursera
• [7] RD examination eligibility requirements – Commission on Dietetic Registration
• [8] registered dietitian (RD/RDN) – Commission on Dietetic Registration