To become a dietitian, you typically need to follow these
steps:
- Earn a
bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and nutrition, or a related field
from an accredited university.
- Complete
a supervised practice program, also known as a dietetic internship, which
is typically a six- to 12-month program that provides hands-on training in
various areas of dietetics.
- Pass a
national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic
Registration (CDR).
- Meet
state-specific requirements for licensure or certification, which may
include additional exams or continuing education courses.
- Maintain
registration or certification by meeting continuing education requirements
and any other conditions set by the CDR or state licensing boards.
It is also important to note that some states have
additional requirements, such as a certain number of supervised practice hours,
so it's best to check with the state board of dietetics or state board of
medicine to ensure compliance with all the requirements in your state.
Earn a bachelor's degree
To earn a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food and
nutrition, or a related field, you will typically need to complete a four-year
program at an accredited university or college. Some of the courses that you
may take include:
- Human
nutrition: This course covers the basics of nutrition, including the role
of nutrients in the body and how they affect health.
- Food
science: This course covers the science of food preparation and
preservation, including topics such as food safety and the chemical and
physical properties of food.
- Medical
nutrition therapy: This course covers the use of nutrition in the
treatment and management of various medical conditions.
- Community
nutrition: This course covers the role of nutrition in public health and
the provision of nutrition services in various settings, such as schools
and community centers.
- Research
methods: This course covers the basics of research design, data analysis,
and statistics, which are important for understanding and interpreting
scientific studies in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- Practicum/Internship:
Practical experience is also an important part of a degree program in
dietetics or nutrition. You will likely have the opportunity to complete
supervised practice hours in a variety of settings, such as hospitals,
long-term care facilities, community agencies, and research labs.
It is also important to note that some schools may have
additional or specific requirements, so it's best to check with the school or
program to ensure compliance with all the requirements.
Dietetic Internship
A dietetic internship (DI) is a supervised practice program
that is typically a requirement for becoming a registered dietitian (RD) and is
mandatory for taking the national registration examination to become a RD. The
length of a DI can vary from 6-12 months and it is designed to provide hands-on
training in various areas of dietetics, including:
- Medical
nutrition therapy: This includes learning how to provide nutrition care
for patients with various medical conditions such as diabetes, heart
disease, and cancer.
- Community
nutrition: This includes learning how to provide nutrition education and
services to groups and individuals in a variety of settings, such as
schools, community centers, and public health clinics.
- Food
service management: This includes learning how to plan, prepare, and
manage food service operations in settings such as hospitals, long-term
care facilities, and schools.
- Research:
This includes learning how to design, conduct, and analyze research
studies in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
- Business
and management: This includes learning how to manage a private practice,
work with third-party payers, and understand reimbursement and billing
procedures.
DI's are usually offered by Accreditation Council for
Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited programs. The DI's are
also offered by different types of organizations like:
- Coordinated
Program: This is a program that combines a bachelor's degree in nutrition
and dietetics with a dietetic internship.
- Distance
Program: This is a program that allows students to complete the internship
while living away from the sponsoring institution.
- Individualized
Supervised Practice Pathways (ISPP): This is a program that allows
students to complete the internship while working in an individualized supervised
practice setting.
It is also important to note that the application process
for DIs is highly competitive, and the number of spots available is limited, so
it's important to plan ahead and apply early.
Pass a national examination
After completing a dietetic internship, you will need to
pass a national examination to become a registered dietitian (RD). The
examination is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
and is called the Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD exam).
The RD exam consists of two parts:
- The
computer-based Dietetic Technician, Registered-Dietitian (DTR-RD) exam:
This is a multiple-choice exam that covers the following topic areas: food
and nutrition science, foodservice systems, and nutrition care for
individuals and groups.
- The
computer-based Dietitian Nutritionist (DN) exam: This is a multiple-choice
exam that covers the following topic areas: medical nutrition therapy,
nutrition care for individuals and groups, and foodservice systems.
The exam is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and
abilities that are necessary to provide safe and effective nutrition care to
the public.
It is important to note that the RD exam is only offered at
specific times throughout the year and it is important to check the CDR website
for the most up-to-date information about the exam schedule, fees, and
application process. It is also important to note that the CDR also has a set
of requirements that must be met before taking the examination, such as a
certain number of supervised practice hours, so it's best to check with the CDR
to ensure compliance with all the requirements.
Meet state-specific requirements for licensure or certification
After passing the national examination, you will need to
meet state-specific requirements for licensure or certification to practice as
a registered dietitian (RD). These requirements vary by state and may include:
- Licensure:
Some states require RDs to hold a state license in order to practice. The
process for obtaining a license may include submitting an application,
passing a state-administered exam, and meeting continuing education
requirements.
- Certification:
Some states do not require licensure but do require RDs to hold a state
certification in order to practice. The process for obtaining
certification may include submitting an application and meeting continuing
education requirements.
- Registration:
Some states do not require licensure or certification but do require RDs
to register with the state in order to practice. The process for
registration may include submitting an application and meeting continuing
education requirements.
It is important to note that state requirements for
licensure, certification, and registration change from time to time and are
different from state to state, so it is important to check with the state board
of dietetics or state board of medicine to ensure compliance with all the
requirements in your state.
It is also important to note that in some states, state law
may also requires RDs to work under the supervision of a licensed healthcare
professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner, in order to practice.
Continuing education requirements
Continuing education (CE) requirements are an ongoing
obligation of registered dietitians (RDs). RDs are required to participate in
continuing education activities in order to maintain their registration or
licensure status. The requirements and frequency of continuing education vary
depending on the state, but in general, RDs are required to participate in a
certain number of hours of continuing education activities on a regular basis,
usually every year or every two years.
Continuing education activities can include:
- Conferences,
workshops, and seminars: RDs can attend events that provide training on a
variety of topics related to nutrition and dietetics.
- Online
courses: RDs can take online courses that provide training on a variety of
topics related to nutrition and dietetics.
- Self-study
courses: RDs can complete self-study courses that provide training on a
variety of topics related to nutrition and dietetics.
- Journal
reading: RDs can read professional journals and articles that provide
training on a variety of topics related to nutrition and dietetics.
- Professional
practice: RDs can participate in professional practice activities, such as
mentoring students or other RDs, which can also count toward continuing
education requirements.
It is important to note that Continuing education activities
must be approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or the state
board of dietetics, so it is important to check the requirements before
participating in an activity.
It is also important to note that continuing education
requirements are subject to change, so it is always best to check with the
state board of dietetics or state board of medicine to ensure compliance with
all the requirements in your state.