Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited dietetic internship program at Tulane University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. Show
How to Become a Registered Dietitian (RD)Steps to becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD)/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN):
Cal Poly Pomona’s dietetic internship is part of Step 2. You must complete your DPD requirements before you start our internship, however, you can apply during your senior year, as long as you will graduate before August. In our program, you will complete the required 1,200 hours of supervised practice and meet all of the competencies required by ACEND to allow you to sit for the registration exam. For more information, you can refer to the 5 Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist page in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship program at Cal Poly Pomona are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements go to the Commission on Dietetic Registration website. For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN go to the Academy of Nutirtion and Dietetics and visit the Information for Students page. Become Team Updated November 9, 2021 Table of Contents:
5 Steps to Becoming a Registered DietitianStep Step 1 Earn a bachelor's degree In order to pursue a career as a registered dietitian, the first step is to complete a bachelor's degree in clinical 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, and community nutrition. Programs should be accredited from an organization such as the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Step Step 2 Complete an internship Registered dietitians are required to obtain hands-on clinical experience by completing an internship program. During these internships, students should complete at least 1,200 hours under the supervision of a licensed professional. Students on the undergraduate and graduate levels must complete an internship before getting their professional credential. Step Step 3 Pass the registration examination After prospective dietitians complete their degree requirements and internship program, they must pass a registration examination administered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Commission on Dietetic Registration. The exam, which takes two-and-a-half hours to complete, consists of between 125 to 145 questions that cover dietetic principles, nutrition care, food service systems, and nutrition program management. More information about the test, as well as study guides, can be found at www.cdrnet.org/certifications/registered-dietitian-rd-certification. Step Step 4 Obtain a state license In some cases, registered dietitians are required to earn a state license in order to get a job. The requirements for obtaining and maintaining a state license differs from one state to the next. The Commission on Dietetic Registration outlines licensing requirements by state on its website at www.cdrnet.org/state-licensure. Step Step 5 Earn a certification In some states, registered dietitians are required to earn a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), provided by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists, to get a license. Earning this certification entails finishing 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, passing an examination, and completing a graduate degree program. FAQ on Earning Your Registered Dietitian DegreeIt depends. Some employers may prefer to hire registered dietitians who have earned a graduate degree, although it may not be required. However, those who want to earn a Certified Nutrition Specialist credential will need to complete a master's or doctoral degree. Yes. Registered dietitians are required to complete 75 continuing education credits every five years in order to maintain their credentials. The same continuing education standards apply to those with a CNS designation as well. Information on continuing education courses can be found on the Commission on Dietetic Registration's and the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists' websites. Yes. Choosing a niche can be helpful for registered dietitians who want to start their own businesses, as well as those who work for a health care organization that specializes in a certain area of patient care. Some specializations these professionals can choose include gerontological nutrition, sports dietetics, and pediatric nutrition. Yes. Whether professionals want to start their own business or work for health care organizations, networking will connect them with the people who can help them achieve their goals. Creating a website, as well as maintaining a social media presence, can help registered dietitians demonstrate their expertise to the clients they want to attract to their business. In addition, when looking for a job, building a brand online can help registered dietitians stand out from the competition. Registered Dietitian Salary & Job GrowthWhen 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. Currently Employed: 820 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14% Amount: Mean wage annual: $55,090 Currently Employed: 150 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $68,310 Currently Employed: 1,390 Change in Employment (2016-2026): N/A Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,690 Currently Employed: 460 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16% Amount: Mean wage annual: $55,060 Currently Employed: 7,950 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 20% Amount: Mean wage annual: $72,130 Currently Employed: 1,000 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 31% Amount: Mean wage annual: $60,430 Currently Employed: 850 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8% Amount: Mean wage annual: $67,270 Currently Employed: 180 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $64,950 Currently Employed: 2,590 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16% Amount: Mean wage annual: $61,100 Currently Employed: 1,830 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17% Amount: Mean wage annual: $51,710 Currently Employed: 340 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17% Amount: Mean wage annual: $66,810 Currently Employed: 270 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 23% Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,660 Currently Employed: 2,340 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 5% Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,480 Currently Employed: 1,160 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 17% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,190 Currently Employed: 740 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14% Amount: Mean wage annual: $50,530 Currently Employed: 630 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,600 Currently Employed: 760 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14% Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,860 Currently Employed: 870 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $52,410 Currently Employed: 200 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 6% Amount: Mean wage annual: $57,530 Currently Employed: 1,120 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13% Amount: Mean wage annual: $66,520 Currently Employed: 1,820 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11% Amount: Mean wage annual: $63,180 Currently Employed: 1,790 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $55,320 Currently Employed: 1,090 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 10% Amount: Mean wage annual: $61,440
Currently Employed: 510 Change in Employment (2016-2026): N/A Amount: Mean wage annual: $49,110 Currently Employed: 1,520 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $50,050 Currently Employed: 180 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $52,160 Currently Employed: 560 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,210 Currently Employed: 390 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 18% Amount: Mean wage annual: $64,910 Currently Employed: 270 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14% Amount: Mean wage annual: $61,020 Currently Employed: 1,880 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13% Amount: Mean wage annual: $67,800 Currently Employed: 420 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $52,030 Currently Employed: 4,800 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 21% Amount: Mean wage annual: $66,480 Currently Employed: 1,940 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $53,920 Currently Employed: 260 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 12% Amount: Mean wage annual: $53,060 Currently Employed: 2,440 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 10% Amount: Mean wage annual: $57,310 Currently Employed: 780 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,970 Currently Employed: 710 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16% Amount: Mean wage annual: $67,820 Currently Employed: 2,950 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 14% Amount: Mean wage annual: $57,720 Currently Employed: 170 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 3% Amount: Mean wage annual: $61,140 Currently Employed: 890 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $51,200
Currently Employed: 200 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 11% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,750 Currently Employed: 980 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 16% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,080 Currently Employed: 4,990 Change in Employment (2016-2026): N/A Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,930 Currently Employed: 680 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 30% Amount: Mean wage annual: $54,020 Currently Employed: 230 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 9% Amount: Mean wage annual: N/A Currently Employed: 1,210 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $61,590 Currently Employed: 1,450 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 19% Amount: Mean wage annual: $63,000 Currently Employed: 340 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 13% Amount: Mean wage annual: $57,580 Currently Employed: 1,420 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 8% Amount: Mean wage annual: $55,740 Currently Employed: 90 Change in Employment (2016-2026): 15% Amount: Mean wage annual: $56,640 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 ProgramSince 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 & GroupsIn 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.
Resources for Registered DietitiansHealth 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.
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