Registered Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a credentialed food and nutrition expert who translates science into practice to help individuals and communities improve health. RDNs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health, research, private practice, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, and food service management.

Credentialing Requirements (U.S.):

• Complete an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) (usually as part of a bachelor’s in nutrition/dietetics).
• Earn at least a master’s degree (required starting 2024) in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.
• Complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program (≥1,000 supervised practice hours).
• Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.
• Obtain state licensure (varies by state).

After Graduation: Complete supervised practice (≥1,000 hours) via DI or coordinated program. Pass the CDR exam to earn RDN credential. Obtain state license if required.

Professional Development: Join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and local dietetics associations. Attend conferences (FNCE – Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo). Network with preceptors, RDs, and community health leaders.

Undergraduate prerequisites align with DPD coursework:

• Core Sciences:
  
  • General Biology (with lab)
  • General Chemistry I & II (with lab)
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II
  • Microbiology
• Nutrition & Health:
  
  • Intro to Nutrition
  • Lifecycle Nutrition
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT I & II)
  • Community Nutrition
  • Food Science & Foodservice Systems
  • Public Health or Epidemiology
• Math & Social Sciences:
  
  • Statistics
  • Psychology or Sociology
  • Research Methods

Competitive GPA: 3.2–3.6+

• Especially important for DPD and DI acceptance.
• Some Dietetic Internships require 3.5+ GPA for competitiveness.

• Clinical exposure: Volunteer in hospitals, long-term care, or public health clinics.
• Food & nutrition service: Work in dining halls, community kitchens, or WIC programs.
• Research: Nutrition, metabolism, public health, or behavioral health studies.
• Leadership: Dietetics Student Association, community nutrition projects, peer mentoring.

Most programs require 2–3 letters:

• One from a nutrition or science professor.
• One from a supervised practice/preceptor (volunteer or internship).
• One from a professional/mentor in healthcare, community health, or food service.

No GRE required for most programs (many have phased it out).

Some graduate nutrition programs may still request GRE scores.

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD): Undergraduate coursework that meets eligibility to apply for supervised practice.
• Coordinated Program (CP): Combines coursework + supervised practice in one program.
• Graduate Degree: As of 2024, all RDNs must complete at least a master’s. Many students go directly into an MS/DI combined program.

Examples of strong programs: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, New York University, University of Texas–Austin, Boston University, Ohio State, Florida State.