Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Registered Dietitian

What are the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian?

1. Complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

2. Complete a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) and obtain a DPD verification document.

3. Apply to an accredited dietetic internship (the baccalaureate degree and DPD verification are requirements to apply for internship).

4. After successfully completing an accredited dietetic internship, the candidate successfully completes the national credentialing examination for Registered Dietitians and pays appropriate fees to become RD.

Where can I learn more about accredited didactic programs in dietetics (DPDs)?

The American Dietetic Association web site at http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/career_2192_ENU_HTML.htm provides detailed information about currently accredited DPDs throughout the United States of America.  Winthrop University's BS in Human Nutrition, Dietetics Option, enables students to earn the DPD verification required to apply for an accredited dietetic internship appointment.

How does the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship work?

Click here for information about Winthrop University's accredited dietetic internship.

What can you tell me about the national credentialing examination for Registered Dietitians?

The currently posted (effective September 2002) test specifications are available at the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) website addressing test specifications.  Test specifications are updated periodically.  Test specifications are being updated at the present time.

How many hours will I be working during my internship?

Interns are expected to “be on the job” at least eight hours a day, five days a week for six months.  There may be occasions when the workday will extend even longer due to a special event, seminar, or clinic.  In certain situations an intern may arrange to participate in the Internship on a part-time basis over a longer period of time.

Is there any sick leave or vacation time scheduled during the Winthrop Internship?

No, it is an intensive six months.  There is a great deal for interns to learn in a short amount of time. Interns are expected to make up any time lost due to sick days or personal emergencies.  Occasionally, at the discretion of the preceptor, an intern is able to arrange to work evenings or over a weekend to makeup for an absence. 

Will I have specific objectives that I need to accomplish during the Internship?

Yes, interns are provided with a curriculum (list of 53 competencies/objectives) that will guide their experiences during the various rotations.  The competencies were developed by CADE/ADA to prepare interns as entry-level dietitians.  Preceptors will provide suggestions as to how the competencies can be met and will evaluate whether or not interns have satisfactorily completed each competency.  Example of a competency: Design and implement nutrition care plans as indicated by the patient’s/client’s health status.

What if I need extra time to complete my internship competencies/objectives?

Each situation is handled individually, but something can usually be worked out.  For example, an intern may need to extend the internship for several weeks or months until she/he is evaluated as competent to function as an entry-level dietitian.  Our goal is for each of our interns to succeed while in the internship and as a registered dietitian.

Are interns required to attend classes on campus in order to earn the six hours of graduate credit for the Internship?

No, the graduate credit that the WU dietetic interns earn is for their hands-on experience during the 26 weeks of Internship rotations.  Interns are expected to attend mandatory seminars each month.  Some of these seminars will be conducted on the Winthrop University campus while others will be held at various facilities in the Carolinas.

Will I get grades for the six graduate hours I earn after completing the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

Yes, performance in the WU Dietetic Internship is graded as “S” (satisfactory/passing) or “U” (unsatisfactory/not passing).

Will I be a registered dietitian when I complete the Internship?

No, once the interns have successfully completed the Internship, they still need to sit for the National Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians (RD exam).  Graduates of the Internship will receive authorization by CADE/ADA to take the computerized RD exam at one of the approved testing sites about six weeks following completion of the Internship.  The RD exam costs $125.00. Typically, internship graduates are able to take the RD exam within ~4-6 weeks of completing the internship.

How much can I expect to pay for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

There is no cost to apply to the WU Internship, although there is a $35.00 cost to apply to the graduate program and a $50.00 cost for computer matching.  The cost of professional liability insurance (required) is currently $35.00: www.seaburychicago.com or 1-800-621-3008, ext. 45105.

Besides living and transportation expenses, interns pay for six hours of graduate school tuition and laboratory fees (total in-state of ~$1825.00 and out-of-state of ~$2535.00).  In addition, books and materials cost ~$200.00 and there is an RD exam review fee of $295.00.  The afore mentioned estimates are based on recent fees and may vary by academic year.  See the Winthrop University Cashier's Office for current tuition costs.

Where can I find out more information about other dietetic internships?

Contact the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association: (800) 877-1600 or http://www.eatright.org/cade/di.html

How can I obtain an application for the Winthrop University Dietetic Internship?

Contact the Department of Human Nutrition at (803) 323-2101 or e-mail Judy Harper Thomas, MS, RD, Internship Director at thomasjh@winthrop.edu.  An application and checklist may be printed from the website at http://www.winthrop.edu/nutrition/dietetic.htm.

How do I obtain information about taking graduate courses in nutrition at Winthrop University?

Contact Dr. Patricia Wolman, Department Chair, at (803) 323-2101 or by electronic mail at wolmanp@winthrop.edu for information about graduate studies in the Department of Human Nutrition at Winthrop University.  To apply to the Winthrop graduate program you should call 803-323-2204 or 1-800-411-7041 or apply on-line at www.Applyweb.com/apply/Winthrop/index2.html.

Rev. 1/07