How to become a dietitian
Do you want to help people live longer, healthier lives with a career as a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)? Whether you're looking to begin or change your career, this guide will walk you through the steps required for all registered dietitians in the U.S.
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What does a dietitian do?
Dietitians are food and nutrition experts who design meal plans, promote healthy eating, and educate individuals and communities on dietary habits that improve overall well-being or address specific medical needs. They work in hospitals, school cafeterias, long-term rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, and public health settings.
Steps to become a dietitian
Becoming a dietitian requires you to meet many national- and state-level educational, training, and licensure requirements.
Step 1: Earn a master's degree from an accredited institution
As of January 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires dietitians to hold a minimum of a master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or closely related field from an accredited institution, such as a master's in nutritional science or online master's in public health.
These formal degree programs provide foundational coursework for your career, with courses in biology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, food service management, psychology, and clinical nutrition therapy.
Step 2: Complete an accredited dietetic internship
The next step is to complete an accredited dietetic internship (DI) with a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice in clinical, community, and food service settings. These internships are 1-2 years long and are typically part of your degree program, although they can also be done separately. Internships allow you to apply what you have learned and gain critical hands-on experience in the field.
Step 3: Pass the Registered Dietitian (RD) exam
Once you've completed your internship, you must pass the Registered Dietitian exam. This 180-minute exam administered by the CDR covers topics like food and nutrition sciences, food service systems, and counseling. Passing this national exam certifies you as a registered dietitian and allows you to seek licensure in your state.
Step 4: Get licensed in your state
In addition to the national requirements to become a registered dietician, you will most likely need also to obtain a state license. With the exception of Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey, each state has its own requirements and regulations to practice legally as a dietitian.
Step 5: Consider specializations and continuing education
The CDR requires a registered dietitian to complete at least 75 hours of continuing education every five years to maintain their national license, although some states may require additional hours. This required education ensures that dietitians stay current on the latest scientific research and trends in nutrition and healthcare. These hours can be earned through various professional learning opportunities, including:
- Academic coursework
- Self-paced online courses
- In-person training or workshops
- Lectures, seminars, and webinars
- Certification programs
- Boot camps
- Book studies
- Conferences
Many dietitians pursue apprenticeships in niche practice areas, like nutrition for sports, pediatrics, gerontology, or specific medical conditions, such as irritable bowel disease or eating disorders.
Get Started on edX
If you're ready to become a registered dietitian, explore edX's multiple degree options, such as an online master of science in nutritional science or an online master's in public health.