5 Steps to Becoming a Registered Dietitian
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree
In order to pursue a careeras a registered dietitian, the first step is to complete a bachelor's degree inclinical nutrition, dietetics, public health nutrition, or foods and nutrition.During their studies, students take coursework in evidence-based nutrition,applied food principles, food service systems, nutritional therapy, andcommunity nutrition. Programs should be accredited from an organization such asthe Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Step 2: Complete an internship
Registered dietitians are requiredto obtain hands-on clinical experience by completing an internship program.During these internships, students should complete at least 1,200 hours underthe supervision of a licensed professional. Students on the undergraduate andgraduate levels must complete an internship before getting their professionalcredential.
Step 3: Pass the registration examination
After prospective dietitians complete their degree requirements andinternship program, they must pass a registration examination administered bythe Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Commission on Dietetic Registration. Theexam, which takes two-and-a-half hours to complete, consists of between 125 to145 questions that cover dietetic principles, nutrition care, food servicesystems, and nutrition program management. More information about the test, aswell as study guides, can be found atwww.cdrnet.org/certifications/registered-dietitian-rd-certification.
Step 4: Obtain a state license
In some cases,registered dietitians are required to earn a state license in order to get ajob. The requirements for obtaining and maintaining a state license differs fromone state to the next. The Commission on Dietetic Registration outlineslicensing requirements by state on its website atwww.cdrnet.org/state-licensure.
Step 5: Earn a certification
In some states,registered dietitians are required to earn aCertified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), provided by the Board for Certification of NutritionSpecialists, to get alicense. Earning this certification entails finishing 1,000 hours of supervisedclinical experience, passing an examination, and completing a graduate degreeprogram.
FAQ on Earning Your Registered Dietitian Degree
Registered Dietitian Salary & Job Growth
When deciding on a career, the salary potential and chances of getting a job are top of mind for students. This section provides information on what registered dietitians earn, as well as what the occupational landscape looks like for them in years to come.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of May 2017, the median annual salary for registered dietitians is $59,410, with the highest paid professionals making over $83,070 and the lowest earners making under $36,910. According to the agency, the earning potential of people in the industry depends in part on where they work. For example, those who work for outpatient care centers earn an average of $65,650, government workers make $57,910, and those employed by hospitals command salaries of $60,210 per year.
Between 2016 and 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be job growth of 15 percent for registered dietitians. One factor that will contribute to this boom in jobs is the increased interest in the role nutrition plays in wellness and combating obesity. Also, Baby Boomers approaching their twilight years are interested in nutrition in order to maintain good health as they age.
Finding a Registered Dietitian Program
Since registered dietitians need such specialized training, they must consider their school choices carefully. This section addresses what students should look for when they are evaluating programs.
Just as every patient's dietary needs are unique, every student has unique needs when it comes to the schools that train them to enter the field. Some people need to consider the length of the program, some are concerned about delivery method, and others care most about whether or not their school offers professional certifications. Use the following search tool to help find the school that's right for you based on the qualities that matter most for your needs.
Professional Registered Dietitian Associations & Groups
In order to connect with other professionals and keep their knowledge and skills current, registered dietitians join professional organizations. The following are some examples of the groups workers can join.
American Society for Nutrition
This association has been serving the needs of professionals since its founding in 1928. Members can participate in networking events, get access to the latest research, and join a research section so they can become more knowledgeable about their specialization. In addition, the organization provides fellowship opportunities and recognizes excellence in the field through its awards program.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Since World War I, this group of professionals has been dedicated to educating the public about nutrition. Whether members are students or current professionals, they have access to career resources, industry publications, networking events, and discounts on insurance. In addition, the association provides advocacy services to help inform lawmakers on the issues that affect the industry.
International Confederation of Dietetic Associations
With members in 50 countries, this organization provides a global perspective of the field. People who join this group can participate in education programs, connect with other members on forums, and get a regular newsletter.
National Association of Nutrition Professionals
Professionals who provide holistic nutrition services can receive support through this association. The group organizes an annual conference, provides continuing education opportunities, and offers certifications. Members can receive discounts on education resources, lab services, and publication subscriptions.
Association of State Public Health Nutritionists
This organization works to strengthen policies related to nutrition and provide public health nutritionists with the support they need. To that end, the association provides publications, organizes professional meetings, and allows members to participate in councils that help to advocate for nutrition programs and policies.
School Nutrition Association
School nutritionists can receive education and training through this organization, which is dedicated to providing high-quality meals to school children around the country. Members benefits include access to insurance plans, webinars, certification programs, and publications.
Nutritional Therapy Association
Founded in 1997, this association is focused on nutrition from an environmental sustainability and agricultural economic justice perspective. To educate professionals, the association provides courses in nutrition therapy, career development, and nutrition therapy consulting. The group also provides webinars, business summits, workshops, and conferences.
American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
Organization that supports clinical nutrition research and education. Members include a variety of health professionals including dietitians, doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and scientists. Benefits for joining include access to peer-reviewed journals, professional events, and association committees.
Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals
Provides services to the foodservice industry, including certification programs, advocacy training, career development services, and industry news.
World Public Health Nutrition Association
Those who work in world public health nutrition can receive certifications through this organization, as well as access to conferences, advocacy services, and industry news.
Resources for Registered Dietitians
Health care is constantly evolving—and nutrition is no exception. As a result, professionals need to keep abreast of what's going on in the field. The following resources can help.
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist – eatrightPRO
Includes information on employment opportunities for nutritionists, the education these professionals complete, and how they can earn their credentials.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Elsevier Inc
Industry journal that covers research on food and nutrition. Some of the areas covered include digestive diseases, disaster preparedness, food supply, childhood obesity, and malnutrition.
Resources for Professionals – National Agricultural Library
Provides resources about international food policy, sustainability, and food banks.
Food Research and Action Center
Organization that works to end poverty-related hunger.
Nutrition.gov – U.S. Department of Agriculture
This USDA-sponsored website includes resources about nutrition and health issues, food assistance programs, and dietary supplements.
Food and Nutrition Assistance Research Reports Database – U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service
Database that includes over 1,100 peer-reviewed food and nutrition articles.
The Journal of Nutrition – Oxford Academic
The American Society of Nutrition's peer-reviewed journal that includes articles on nutrition science.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – Oxford Academic
Includes research on vitamins, nutrition and disease, obesity, and energy metabolism.
Today's Dietitian Magazine – Great Valley Publishing Company, Inc.
This magazine has been providing information to nutrition professionals for the last 17 years. Articles cover allergies, weight control, supplements, green health, and nutrition and aging.
Best Dietitian Podcasts (2018) – Player FM
Includes information on podcasts geared toward dietitians.
