How to become a registered dietitian

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How to become a Registered Dietitian

To become a registered dietitian (RD) or a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you must follow a specific pathway that includes education, supervised practice, and passing a national examination.

  • Complete a Bachelor's Degree: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Dietetics, Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Science, or a related field such as Human Nutrition, provided the program is accredited and meets the requirements for RD eligibility. Ensure that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
  • Complete an Accredited Dietetic Internship: Apply and gain acceptance into an accredited dietetic internship program. Dietetic internships are typically full-time programs that provide supervised practice experiences in various areas of dietetics, such as clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and foodservice management. Internship programs vary in length but typically last around 8 to 12 months.
  • Fulfill Supervised Practice Requirements: Complete the required supervised practice hours as part of the dietetic internship. During this time, you will gain practical experience in different aspects of nutrition care, including clinical settings, community settings, and foodservice management.
  • Pass the Registration Examination: After completing the dietetic internship, you are eligible to take the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The exam assesses your knowledge and competency in various areas of dietetics. Upon passing the exam, you become a registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist.
  • Obtain State Licensure (if applicable): Some states in the US require additional licensure or certification to practice as a dietitian or nutritionist. Research the requirements of your state to determine if you need to obtain any additional credentials or licensure.
  • Maintain Registration: To maintain your status as a registered dietitian, you must fulfill continuing education requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Continuing education helps you stay updated with the latest research, advances, and best practices in the field of dietetics.
  • Optional: Pursue Advanced Degrees or Certifications: While not mandatory, obtaining an advanced degree, such as a Master's or Doctorate in Dietetics, Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Science, or a related field, can enhance knowledge and career opportunities.

Certifications
Registered dietitians (RDs) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have several certifications available that allow them to specialize or demonstrate advanced expertise in nutrition.

Board Certified Specialist (BCS) Certifications
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) offers specialty certifications for RDs/RDNs in different areas of practice. These include:

  • Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP): Focuses on nutrition care for infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD): Focuses on helping athletes and active individuals with nutrition to improve performance and recovery.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG): Focuses on nutrition care for older adults.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO): Focuses on supporting individuals with cancer through nutrition.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR): Focuses on nutrition for people with kidney disease.
  • Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM): Focuses on weight management and treating obesity.

Other Certifications:

  • Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): Offered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators, focuses on helping people manage diabetes.
  • Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian (CEDRD): Offered by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals, focuses on caring for people with eating disorders.
  • Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC): Offered by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification, focuses on nutrition support for people with complex medical needs.

Understanding the Differences: Dietetics, Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition Science, and Human Nutrition Degrees

Dietetics
A dietetics degree is specifically designed to prepare students to become Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). It includes coursework in nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, food science, community nutrition, and dietetics management. Students also complete a supervised practice program (like a dietetic internship) to gain hands-on experience. Graduates can take the national registration exam to become licensed RDs/RDNs and work in clinical, community, or foodservice settings.

Clinical Nutrition
A clinical nutrition degree focuses on nutrition in healthcare settings, teaching students about medical nutrition therapy, patient assessment, diet planning for specific diseases, and nutrition counseling. Graduates are prepared to work closely with healthcare teams, though becoming an RD/RDN may require additional accreditation or internship completion depending on the program.

Nutrition Science
A nutrition science degree emphasizes the scientific and research aspects of nutrition. Coursework covers biochemistry, metabolism, physiology, and research methods, often with laboratory work. Graduates are well-suited for careers in research, academia, food product development, or advanced studies such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in nutrition science.

Human Nutrition
A human nutrition degree focuses broadly on how nutrition affects overall health and wellness. Students study metabolism, diet and lifestyle impacts, public health nutrition, and sometimes clinical applications. Graduates can work in community health, wellness programs, public health organizations, or pursue further education in clinical or research fields. This degree is generally more flexible and less clinical than a dietetics or clinical nutrition degree.

In summary:

  • Dietetics Degree: Prepares for RD/RDN licensure and clinical practice.
  • Clinical Nutrition Degree: Focuses on healthcare nutrition, may require extra steps for licensure.
  • Nutrition Science Degree: Research and science-focused, ideal for academia or specialized roles.
  • Human Nutrition Degree: Broad focus on health and wellness, flexible for community or public health roles.