Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

What is a Registered Dietitian?

Registration of dietitians is done at the national level through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Once registered, dietitians may call themselves registered dietitians (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN)– the terms mean the same thing. This nationally-recognized credential allows dietitians to practice legally as RDs or RDNs. It is not the only step in practicing legally, however, as you will learn in the next section.

What is a Licensed or Certified Dietitian?

Registered dietitians may also be licensed or certified to practice in their state. Certain states require licensure, others require certification, and still others do not require registered dietitians to license or certify through their state at all in order to legally practice. Just as is the case with nutritionists (link), licensing or certifying of dietitians is done at the state level, through certain state agencies or boards. In states requiring licensure or certification of registered dietitians, dietitians must first meet educational, experiential and examination requirements of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and then apply for licensure or certification in the state(s) in which they wish to practice. 

As of May 2022, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the following states require licensing or certification for nutritionists (each state is listed along with the agency that is responsible for licensure of nutritionists in that state):

• Alabama: Board of Examiners for Dietetics & Nutritionists
• Alaska: Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing
• Arkansas: Dietetics Licensing Board
• Connecticut: Department of Public Health
• Delaware: Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
• District of Columbia: Health Regulation and Licensing Administration
• Florida: Dietetics and Nutrition Practice Council
• Georgia: Board of Examiners of Licensed Dietitians
• Hawaii: State Licensing Section of the Office of Health Care Assurance
• Idaho: Board of Medicine
• Illinois: Department of Financial & Professional Regulation
• Indiana: Professional Licensing Agency
• Iowa: Board of Dietetics
• Kansas: Department of Health Occupations Credentialing
• Kentucky: Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists
• Louisiana: Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition
• Maine: Board of Licensing of Dietetic Practice 
• Maryland: Board of Dietetic Practice
• Minnesota: Board of Dietetics and Nutrition Practice
• Mississippi: Department of Health’s Professional Licensure Division
• Missouri: Division of Professional Regulation Committee of Dietitians
• Montana: Board of Medical Examiners
• Nebraska: Department of Health and Human Services Licensure Unit
• Nevada: Dietitian Licensing Unit
• New Hampshire: Board of Licensed Dietitians
• New Jersey: Department of License and Registration
• New Mexico: Board of Nutrition and Dietetics
• New York: Dietetics and Nutrition Licensing Board
• North Carolina: Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
• North Dakota: Board of Dietetic Practice 
• Ohio: Dietetics Advisory Council
• Oklahoma: Licensed and Professional Dietitians Committee
• Oregon: Board of Licensed Dietitians
• Pennsylvania: State Board of Nursing
• Rhode Island: Department of Health
• South Carolina: Panel for Dietetics
• South Dakota: Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners
• Tennessee: Board of Dietitians/Nutritionist Examiners
• Texas: Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Utah: Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing 
• Vermont: Office of Professional Regulation
• Washington: Department of Health 
• West Virginia: Board of Licensed Dietitians
• Wisconsin: Department of Safety and Professional Services 
• Wyoming: Dietetics Licensing Board

The following states do not require registered dietitians to be licensed or certified by the state in order to legally practice there:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Michigan
• Virginia

What Do Registered Dietitians Do?

Depending upon a registered dietitian’s work setting, duties and job responsibilities may vary. In general, they usually include:

• Assessing clients to learn about their health goals, dietary needs, preferences, restrictions
• Provide nutrition care to individuals
• Developing nutrition plans for clients
• Provide counseling to clients on goals and nutrition needs
• Providing medical nutrition therapy to clients in direct care of medical conditions and diseases
• Setting nutritional and wellness goals for clients
• Compiling information and tracking client progress towards health goals
• Keeping informed about the latest discoveries in nutrition
• Speaking and presenting to groups about healthy eating habits and proper nutrition
• Publishing articles in journals
• Overseeing other dietitians, dietetic technicians registered, or food service staff
• Training other nutrition and dietetics personnel 
• Managing dietary programs

Where Do Registered Dietitians Work?

Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings. These include, but are not limited to:

• Health care facilities, hospitals, medical clinics
• Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs
• Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries
• Private practice
• Public health and community settings
• Universities
• Research centers and areas within companies, institutions and hospitals
• Government agencies

What Education and Experience Must I Complete to Become a Registered Dietitian?

As of January 1, 2024, the CDR has mandated that all registered dietitians must have a minimum of a master’s degree. Until that time, however, there are some approved bachelor’s degree programs listed. If you are just starting your educational journey towards becoming a registered dietitian, it is recommended to overlook the bachelor’s degree programs and instead, choose a master’s degree program, as the likelihood of completing a bachelor’s degree program by that date is small. 

Education for registered dietitians must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Education must be combined with experience in order to qualify to take the CDR’s RD exam. There are currently three educational/experiential pathways that you may complete in order to qualify to sit for the exam you must pass to become a registered dietitian:

Completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and a Dietetic Internship (DI)

• If you choose this pathway, you must first complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) that has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This program includes coursework only, and may be at the bachelor’s or master’s degree level. (As mentioned above, however, of January 1, 2024, all accredited programs will be at the master’s level or higher). A listing of approved programs may be found here. 
• After finishing the DPD, you must complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI). This must include at least 1200 hours of supervised practice. A listing of approved programs may be found here. 

Completion of a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)

• If you choose this pathway, you must complete an ACEND-accredited bachelor’s degree or higher Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP). This program will combine coursework with at least 1200 hours of supervised practice. A listing of approved programs may be found here. 

Completion of a Future Education Model Graduate Program (FG)

• If you choose this pathway, you must complete an ACEND-accredited future graduate-level (FG) competency-based program of study that integrates coursework and a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice. A listing of approved programs may be found here.

Coursework in a Registered Dietitian Education Program

Courses that you can expect to take when you are studying to become a registered dietitian may include:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Organic chemistry
• Introduction to psychology
• Applied food principles 
• Human nutrition
• Evidence-based nutrition
• Medical nutrition therapy
• Food service purchasing
• Nutrition counseling
• Nutrition services management
• Advanced human nutrition
• Management of food service systems
• Community nutrition
• Nutrition in the life cycle

What Credentialing Must I Achieve to Work as a Registered Dietitian?

As mentioned above, in order to become a registered dietitian, you must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians given by the CDR and administered by Pearson VUE test centers. The examination tests your knowledge of these four main domains of nutrition and dietetics practice:

• Principles of dietetics
• Foodservice systems
• Management of food and nutrition programs and services
• Nutrition care for individuals and groups

Passing this exam will allow you to use the credentials RD or RDN. Then, you will be eligible to become licensed or certified to practice in your state, if applicable. 

In order to maintain your RD/RDN credential, you must pay a yearly registration fee. You musts also complete 75 credits of continuing education during every five year period to keep your credential active. 

Are There Other Specialized Credentials Available to Registered Dietitians?

Once you have achieved registered dietitian credentials, you may opt to specialize in other areas of dietetics and nutrition. There are some credentials that are only available to those who already hold RD/RDN credentials. They include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Practice Certification in Clinical Nutrition (RDN-AP) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least four years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice experience
  • Must have completed a graduate degree, presented practice topics at a national/state meeting, published in clinical nutrition research or hold specialist certification 
  • Must pass an examination
• Board Certified in Pediatric Critical Care Nutrition (CSPCC) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in pediatric critical care nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in gerontological nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in obesity and weight management nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in oncology nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in pediatric nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN clinical nutrition practice in renal nutrition
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) bestowed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have held RD/RDN status for at least two years
  • Must have 2000 hours of post-RD/RDN sports dietetics practice 
  • Must pass examination
• Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM) bestowed by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have a master’s degree
  • Must have 500 hours of clinical experience in diabetes management
  • Must pass examination
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) bestowed by the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have completed 15 hours of diabetes-related continuing education in past two years
  • Must have 200 hours of diabetes practice experience in past year
  • Must pass examination
• Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) bestowed by the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (IAEDP). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have 2500 hours of supervised eating disorder practice experience
  • Must complete core courses
  • Must pass examination
• Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) bestowed by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC). Requirements include:
  • Must be a current RD/RDN
  • Must have two years of nutrition practice experience
  • Must pass examination

What Salaries and Practice Areas are Available for Registered Dietitians?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for registered dietitians as of May 2021 is $65,620. Those earning in the 75^th percentile brought home $77,430 per year; while those earning in the 90^th percentile made $93,740 annually. 

The highest paying states in which registered dietitians work are:

• California: $82,380
• District of Columbia: $80,600
• Hawaii: $75,020
• New Jersey: $74,850
• Rhode Island: $74,080

Practice areas in which registered dietitians may work include, but are not limited to:

• Outpatient (acute and ambulatory)– Registered dietitians here work with outpatient clients in nutrition programs and services in outpatient health care settings
• Communications and business– Registered dietitians may work as consultants, managers, directors, and executives in business and communications
• Coaching – Registered dietitians may work as health and wellness coaches within health care facilities, private practices, wellness businesses and corporate wellness programs
• Community and public health – Registered dietitians may work for federally-assisted nutrition programs, advising community and public on nutrition-related issues. They may also educate the public and clients on food safety
• Retail and culinary settings – Registered dietitians may offer expertise in design, development and production of food products and menus. 
• Entrepreneurial and private practice – Registered dietitians here may provide nutrition products and services to consumers, industry, media, government, organizations, and businesses
• Food service systems – Registered dietitians may manage and direct menu and recipes, food, supplies and equipment purchasing
• International health – Registered dietitians may work in foreign countries in educating the public on global health issues
• Integrative and functional medicine – Registered dietitians may promote integration of conventional and integrative medical and nutrition practices
• Malnutrition – Registered dietitians may help to establish standards of care and screening, identify gaps in malnutrition care, and provide training and education to professionals
• Management and leadership – Registered dietitians may provide health care administration, food and nutrition services, and clinical nutrition services
• Nutrition informatics – Registered dietitians may work in areas in which information, nutrition and technology intersect, using software programs, computer applications and systems 
• Long-term, home, post-acute, and palliative care – Registered dietitians may work in nutrition program and services management to these populations
• Preventive care, wellness, weight management – Registered dietitians may create nutrition resources and provide nutrition counseling and guidance to those wishing to prevent disease, maintain or regain wellness, and manage or lose weight
• Quality management – Registered dietitians may find system errors, establish goals, design and implement outcomes-based initiatives
• Research – Registered dietitians may apply for grants, write publications, and interpret and apply research findings
• School nutrition – Registered dietitians may promote, implement and manage school nutrition and foodservice programs
• Sports nutrition – Registered dietitians may assess athletes, educate them on nutrition and develop nutrition programs to support their performance and recovery

What Are Some Examples of Recent Job Openings for Registered Dietitians?

A recent perusal of online classifieds found the following job openings for registered dietitians as of May 2022:

• Registered Dietitian, Gym Boom, Remote
  • Salary: $50,000 to $60,000/year
  • Requires RD/RDN credential
• Registered Dietitian, Mayers Memorial Hospital, Fall River Mills, California
  • Salary: $30 to $40/hour (or $62,400 to $83,200/year)
  • Requires RD/RDN credential
• Registered Dietitian, Teladoc, Remote in North Dakota
  • Salary: $59,700 to $$75,700/year
  • Requires RD/RDN credential
• Registered Dietitian 1, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, NY
  • Salary: not specified
  • Requires RD/RDN credential
  • Requires one year of RD/RDN experience
• Registered Dietitian-Bariatric, Denver Health, Colorado
  • Salary: $55,500 to $70,300/year
  • Requires RD/RDN credential
  • Requires one to three years of RD/RDN experience