• Recent Posts

  • Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

    Dietitian holding up a sign saying "The Ultimate Guide to Registered Dietitian

    If you wish to work as a registered dietitian in the United States, you must obtain national credentials through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Then you must seek licensure or certification through the state(s) in which you wish to practice (if applicable). For these reasons, becoming a registered dietitian is a much more streamlined process than becoming a nutritionist. The CDR is responsible for making sure that all registered dietitian candidates meet standards of education, experience and examination, as well as of professionalism. 

    The steps to becoming a registered dietitian may be challenging, but the payoff at the end of the journey is substantial. Being able to help others with medical and nutritional needs through food and diet choices is a rewarding career choice that many have chosen. In this ultimate guide to becoming a registered dietitian, we will explore the concepts of registered and licensed dietitians, and outline the requirements that you must fulfill in order to be able to legally call yourself a registered dietitian.

    Table of Contents

    State Regulations for Practicing Nutrition

    The information provided on this map offers a simplified overview of intricate state laws and regulations. Choose a state to access a summarized version of its legislation. 

    AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

    Individualized nutrition counseling, excluding medical nutrition therapy in select states, is legal for all. Certain states provide state licensure or certification opportunities for CNSs, RDs, and other proficient nutritionists.

    Engaging in personalized nutrition counseling without proper licensure or exemption is illegal. However, there exists a route to obtaining licensure for CNSs, RDs, and other experienced nutritionists.

    Engaging in personalized nutrition counseling without proper licensure or exemption is illegal, with licensure primarily limited to registered dietitians (RDs).

    Interviews of Working Professionals

    Carol-Ann Robert Headshot

    Carol-Ann Robert (RDN)

    Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Education: University of Montreal Member of the Nova Scotia College of Dietitians and Nutritionists (NSCDN)

    Allison Thirion (RD)

    Cleveland, OH
    MPH, RD, LD, FAND Clinical Dietitian at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, in Cleveland, OH

    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):

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

    What Do Registered Dietitians Do?

    Female RD spending time on the job

    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 75th percentile brought home $77,430 per year; while those earning in the 90th 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