How to Become a Registered Dietitian: Education Requirements & Career Guide

You’ve a passion for nutrition and want to turn it into a rewarding career, helping others achieve better health. But what exactly does it take to become a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)? The path to becoming a registered dietitian is well-defined but requires dedication. You’ll need specific education, hands-on training, and professional certification to practice legally in most states. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right program to landing your first job as an RD.

Educational Requirements for Registered Dietitians

The foundation of your registered dietitian education starts with earning at least a bachelor’s degree. But not just any degree will qualify you for this healthcare profession. To become a registered dietitian, you must complete:

• Bachelor’s degree minimum – From a regionally accredited college or university
• ACEND-accredited coursework – Specific nutrition and dietetics courses approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Supervised practice hours – At least 1,200 hours through an accredited dietetic internship
• National certification exam – Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination
• State licensure – Meet your state’s specific requirements (varies by location)

Important Update: Starting January 1, 2024, candidates must hold a master’s degree to take the CDR exam. Students who complete their bachelor’s degree and dietetic internship before this date can still take the exam with a bachelor’s degree.

The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.

Understanding ACEND-Accredited Programs

ACEND accreditation is non-negotiable if you want to become a registered dietitian. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) ensures programs meet rigorous standards for dietitian education.

Find Out How To Become a Registered Dietitian in Each State

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky

Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota

Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Why ACEND Accreditation Matters

Only graduates from ACEND-accredited programs can:

• Apply for dietetic internships
• Sit for the CDR certification exam
• Use the RD or RDN credential
• Obtain state licensure as a dietitian

Finding ACEND Programs

Dietitian programs exist within various academic departments, including:

• Department of Nutrition and Dietetics – The most common home for these programs
• School of Public Health – Often offers MPH programs with nutrition concentrations
• College of Health Sciences – Integrates nutrition with other health professions
• Department of Food Science – Combines food science with clinical nutrition
• School of Human Environmental Sciences – Takes a holistic approach to nutrition education

Types of Dietitian Programs: CP vs DPD

ACEND offers two main pathways to becoming a registered dietitian. Understanding the difference is crucial for planning your education.

Program Feature	Coordinated Program (CP)	Didactic Program (DPD)
Duration	4-5 years total	4 years + 8-24 months internship
Internship Included	Yes, built into the program	No, apply separately after graduation
Competitiveness	Very competitive admission	Easier admission, competitive internship match
Cost Structure	Single tuition covers everything	Separate costs for the degree and the internship
Internship Placement	Guaranteed	Must match (approximately 70% match rate)
Flexibility	Less flexible schedule	More options for timing and location
Best For	Students certain about RD career	Students wanting more options

You can explore master’s degree programs in nutrition if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nutrition.

Core Coursework and Curriculum

Your registered dietitian education builds upon foundational sciences to advance to advanced clinical practice. Here’s what you’ll study:

Years 1-2: Foundation Sciences

• Organic Chemistry – Understanding molecular structures in food
• Biochemistry – How nutrients function at the cellular level
• Anatomy & Physiology – Human body systems and functions
• Microbiology – Food safety and gut health
• Statistics – Research analysis and interpretation
• Psychology/Sociology – Behavior change and counseling basics

Years 3-4: Professional Courses

• Medical Nutrition Therapy – Clinical applications for disease management
• Community Nutrition – Public health and population-based interventions
• Food Service Management – Large-scale meal planning and safety
• Nutrition Counseling – Communication and behavior change techniques
• Research Methods – Evidence-based practice skills
• Professional Ethics – Code of conduct and scope of practice

The Dietetic Internship Experience

The dietetic internship transforms classroom knowledge into practical skills. This intensive training prepares you for real-world practice as a registered dietitian.

Internship Requirements

Every ACEND-accredited internship must include:

• Minimum 1,200 supervised hours – At least 900 in professional settings
• Three practice rotations – Clinical, community, and food service management
• Diverse populations – Experience with various age groups and conditions
• Competency assessments – Regular evaluations of your skills

Internship Settings

You’ll complete rotations in multiple environments:

Rotation Type	Settings	Experience Gained
Clinical	Hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care	Medical nutrition therapy, chart reviews, patient counseling
Community	WIC offices, schools, public health departments	Program planning, nutrition education, policy work
Food Service	Hospital kitchens, school cafeterias, corporate dining	Menu planning, food safety, budget management

Internship Application Process

For DPD graduates, securing an internship requires strategic planning:

1. Junior Year – Research programs and requirements
2. Senior Fall – Submit applications through DICAS (centralized application)
3. February – Computer matching process
4. April – Match results announced
5. Post-Graduation – Begin internship (usually fall start)

Online Registered Dietitian Programs

Online education has expanded access to registered dietitian programs. Many universities now offer flexible options for working adults and distance learners.

Online Program Components

• Virtual Coursework – Live and recorded lectures, interactive discussions
• Lab Requirements – Some programs require brief campus intensives
• Local Internships – Programs help arrange supervised practice near you
• Technology Requirements – Reliable internet, webcam, specific software

Benefits of Online Programs

• Continue working while studying
• Lower relocation costs
• Access to top programs nationwide
• Self-paced learning options

Learn more about online nutrition degree programs and their accreditation status.

Program Costs and Timeline

Understanding the financial investment and time commitment helps you plan effectively for your registered dietitian education.

Education Costs Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range	Notes
Bachelor’s Degree (DPD)	$40,000 – $150,000	Varies by public vs private, in-state vs out-of-state
Master’s Degree	$20,000 – $70,000	Required for new RDs starting 2024
Dietetic Internship	$8,000 – $25,000	Some offer stipends, others charge tuition
CDR Exam	$200 – $250	First attempt fee
State License	$100 – $500	Initial application and background check
Continuing Education	$500 – $1,500/year	75 hours required every 5 years

Timeline to Practice

• Traditional Path (Bachelor’s + Master’s + Internship) – 6-7 years total
• Coordinated Program with Integrated Master’s – 5-6 years total
• Career Changer (with Bachelor’s) – 2-3 years additional for master’s and internship
• Master’s Entry Path – 2-3 years if prerequisites met

Career Outlook and Salary Information

The investment in registered dietitian education pays off with strong job prospects and competitive salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% growth in dietitian positions through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Salary Expectations by Experience

• Entry Level (0-2 years) – $48,000 – $55,000
• Mid-Career (3-7 years) – $58,000 – $69,350 (median)
• Experienced (8+ years) – $70,000 – $85,000
• Specialized/Management – $80,000 – $100,000+

Top-Paying Specializations

• Sports Nutrition – Working with professional athletes and teams
• Corporate Wellness – Designing employee health programs
• Private Practice – Building your own nutrition consulting business
• Clinical Specialists – Critical care, oncology, or renal nutrition
• Food Industry – Product development and regulatory compliance

Check detailed dietitian salary information by state for location-specific data.

State Licensure Requirements

Most states require licensure beyond the RD credential to practice as a dietitian. Requirements vary significantly by location.

Common State Requirements Include:

• RD Credential – Prerequisite for most state licenses
• Application and Fees – Typically $100-$500
• Background Check – Criminal history review
• Continuing Education – State-specific CE requirements
• Jurisprudence Exam – Some states test on local laws

Explore requirements for your state:

• California
• Texas
• New York
• Florida

The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a registered dietitian?

Typically 5-7 years, including a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and internship. Coordinated programs with integrated master’s degrees can streamline the process to 5-6 years total. The master’s requirement applies to those taking the CDR exam on or after January 1, 2024.

What’s the difference between RD and RDN?

There’s no difference. RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are interchangeable credentials. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics added the RDN option to emphasize the nutrition expertise.

Can I become an RD with an online degree?

Yes, many ACEND-accredited programs offer online coursework. You’ll still need to complete in-person supervised practice hours during your internship, but the academic portion can be online.

Is the dietetic internship paid?

Most internships are unpaid, and many charge tuition. However, some programs offer stipends or hourly wages, particularly those affiliated with Veterans Affairs hospitals or large healthcare systems.

What if I don’t match to an internship?

The match rate is approximately 70%. If you don’t match, you can apply to programs with openings in the second round, consider an ISPP (Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway), or strengthen your application for the next cycle.

Do I need a master’s degree to become an RD?

As of January 1, 2024, candidates must have a minimum of a master’s degree to take the CDR exam. Students who complete their bachelor’s degree and dietetic internship before this date can still take the exam, provided they hold a bachelor’s degree.

What GPA do I need for dietetic programs?

Most DPD programs require a minimum GPA of 2.75, but competitive internship programs prefer a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Coordinated programs often require a 3.0 or above for admission.

Can I work while completing my dietetic internship?

Most full-time internships don’t allow outside employment due to the 40+ hour weekly commitment. Some part-time or distance internships offer more flexibility but require longer completion times.

What’s the CDR exam pass rate?

The national first-time pass rate for the CDR exam is approximately 65% in recent years. Most programs offer exam preparation resources, and many graduates take review courses before taking the test.

How much continuing education do RDs need?

RDs must complete 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) every 5 years to maintain their credential. This averages to 15 hours annually.

Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Journey?

Becoming a registered dietitian opens doors to a fulfilling career in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition science. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, sports nutrition, or public health, the right education sets the foundation for your success. Start researching ACEND-accredited programs in your area or explore online options that fit your schedule and goals. 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.