Anyone who wants to work as a
registered dietitian in the District of Columbia must be licensed. By law, only dietitians who meet the requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the American Dietetic Association can become licensed to practice dietetics in DC. You cannot even call yourself a dietitian without a license. This might seem like a straightforward process, but understanding its nuances can help you to achieve your goal of becoming a registered dietitian in DC with ease.
Education and Experience for Registered Dietitians in the District of Columbia
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND) approves educational programs that lead to becoming a registered dietitian who can practice in all jurisdictions, including DC. You may attend an ACEND-accredited program in any state. If you elect to attend one in DC, you have two from which to choose:
- Didactic Program in Dietetics at University of the District of Columbia in Washington, District of Columbia: This program culminates in a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, and must be followed by a Dietetic Internship
- Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia: This program culminates in a BS degree in Dietetics. It includes all coursework as well as an internship program at least 1000 hours in length.
If you choose the DPD, you must take a Dietetic Internship (DI) elsewhere. You will go through a matching process at the end of your DPD program in which you will be matched to a DI.
As of January 1, 2024, the CDR is requiring all registered dietitians to have a minimum of a master’s degree. Many bachelor’s degree programs will be making changes to reflect this new requirement.
Taking the CDR Registered Examination for Dietitians in the District of Columbia
Under both the CDR’s regulations and the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, all prospective dietitians must pass the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians in order to become licensed. You should carefully examine the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates as it will help you to know what to expect on the exam and explain the registration process. Register online and pay the $200 exam fee. Pearson VUE testing centers will administer the examination
After passing the test, you will receive your CDR registration card by mail. The closest test centers to the DC area are in DC itself; Alexandria, Virginia; Bethesda, Maryland; and Reston, Virginia.
Your test score will be given to you at the testing center after completion of the exam. Your CDR registration card will be sent to you after.
Registered Dietitian Licensure in the District of Columbia
There is one more step that you must take before you are legally able to practice as a registered dietitian in DC. You must apply online for licensure and pay the licensure fee through the DC Health portal. You must upload any supporting documentation that is required.
The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition can assist you or give you updates on the status of your licensure application by calling them at (877) 672-2174 or emailing dcbodn@dc.gov.
After you have received your license to practice as a dietitian in DC, you must renew that license online every two years. You will also pay a renewal fee. Additionally, Once licensed, 30 hours of continuing education must be completed every two years in order to maintain your DC license.
Salaries of Registered Dietitians in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia is the second-highest paying state in which dietitians and nutritionists work, as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Their annual mean wage is $80,600.
Jobs for Registered Dietitians in the District of Columbia
Many jobs for registered dietitians are typically available in the DC area, in governmental agencies, hospitals, long-term-care centers, schools and childcare centers, private practice, businesses, corporations, and the offices of healthcare practitioners. Some examples of recent openings seen online include:
- Clinical Dietitian I, MedStar Health – Washington, DC
- Salary: not listed
- Requires bachelor’s degree, RD credential, licensure by state of District of Columbia
- Requires nine months to one year of dietetic experience providing nutrition therapy services, preferably in an acute care setting (DI experience is acceptable)
- Dietitian, Government of the District of Columbia – Washington, DC
- Salary: 82,326 to $105,339 per year
- Requires RD credential, licensure by state of District of Columbia
- Requires experience in nutrition and dietetics
- Pediatric Dietitian Outpatient Eating Disorders/Adolescent Medicine, Morrison Healthcare – Washington, DC
- Salary: not listed
- Requires RD credential, licensure by state of District of Columbia
- Requires one year of hospital experience (preferred)
- Campus Dietitian, Chartwells Higher Education – Washington, DC
- Salary: not listed
- Requires bachelor’s degree, RD credential, licensure by state of District of Columbia
- Requires experience working with special diets and food allergies
- ServSafe certification a plus
- Community Dietitian, Food & Friends – Washington, DC
- Salary: $46,800 to $59,200 per year
- Requires RD credential, state licensure in District of Columbia
- Requires one years of experience