How To Become a Registered Dietitian (RD) in 2025

If you want to help people lead healthier lives through nutrition, becoming a registered dietitian (RD) is a great career choice. Getting into this profession includes meeting specific education requirements, completing hands-on training, and earning national certification.

Below, we break down each step, explain key skills, and answer common questions about the dietitian career path. Whether you're interested in clinical, community, or food service roles, you'll find practical advice on how to get started and succeed.

What Is a Registered Dietitian?

A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met strict academic and professional requirements. These professionals use evidence-based knowledge to help people make healthy food choices, manage medical conditions, and improve overall wellness.

RDs are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and must complete advanced education, supervised practice, and pass a national exam. The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential is an alternative title, but both mean the same high standard of expertise.

What Does a Registered Dietitian Do?

Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies, and private practice. Their main tasks include:

• assessing nutritional needs
• developing meal plans
• providing nutrition counseling
• managing food service operations

RDs also educate individuals and groups about healthy eating, support patients with chronic diseases, and contribute to community nutrition programs. Some specialize in areas like clinical nutrition, community nutrition, or food service management.

How To Become a Registered Dietitian

The process of becoming a dietician involves several key steps. Each step must be completed in order, from education to licensure, to ensure you meet all dietitian education requirements and are ready for a successful career.

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition or a Related Field

First, you need to complete a bachelor's degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a closely related field. This degree provides foundational knowledge in nutrition science coursework, biology, chemistry, and food service management. Many universities offer nutrition degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), which prepare students for the next steps in the dietitian career path.

2. Earn a Master's Degree in Nutrition or a Related Field

Since 2024, the graduate degree requirement for dietitians means you must complete at least a master's degree in nutrition or a closely related field from a U.S. Department of Education-accredited institution. This degree must include nutrition science coursework and prepare you for advanced practice. Many students choose nutrition degree programs that are specifically designed for future dietitians.

3. Complete an ACEND-Accredited Dietetics Program

Next, you must enroll in an accredited dietetics program approved by ACEND. There are several dietetics-supervised practice pathways to choose from, including the following:

• Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
• Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)
• Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP)
• Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP)

Each pathway combines classroom learning with practical experience and prepares you for the next step.

4. Complete Supervised Practice Experience

All aspiring RDs must complete a dietetic internship or other supervised practice program accredited by ACEND. This includes at least 1,200 dietitian internship hours in real-world settings, such as hospitals, community organizations, or food service operations. This supervised practice experience helps you develop hands-on skills in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management.

5. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam

After completing your education and internship, you must pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. This test covers key areas like nutrition care, food service systems, and program management. Passing the exam is a major milestone in the dietitian certification process since it makes you eligible for the RD or RDN credential.

6. Obtain State Licensure and Certification

Most states require dietetics licensure and certification to practice as a dietitian. Requirements vary, but all states accept the RD or RDN credential for licensure. Check with your state's licensing board for specific rules and application steps.

7. Maintain Certification with Continuing Education

Once you become an RD, you must complete continuing education for dietitians to keep your credential active. This involves earning professional development units, staying current with research, and meeting ethical standards. Continuing education ensures you provide the best possible care and stay up-to-date in the field.

Skills of a Registered Dietitian

To succeed as a dietitian, you need a mix of technical and interpersonal skills. Here are the most important dietitian job skills:

• in-depth knowledge of nutrition science coursework and medical nutrition therapy
• strong clinical assessment and meal planning abilities
• effective nutrition counseling and motivational interviewing skills
• ability to adapt dietary advice for diverse cultures and populations (cultural competency)
• technological proficiency, including telehealth and electronic health records
• strong communication, both verbal and written
• problem-solving and critical thinking for complex cases
• regulatory compliance and ethical practice
• teamwork and collaboration in healthcare or community settings
• flexibility to work in clinics, hospitals, schools, food service, or public health

FAQs About How To Become a Registered Dietitian

If you're considering this career, you likely have questions beyond the basic steps. Here are answers to common questions about the process, job outlook, and specialties.

What Is the Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Registered Dietitian?

A nutritionist is not a legally protected title in most states and may not require formal education or certification. In contrast, only those who complete the required education, supervised practice, and pass the CDR exam can use the RD or RDN title, which is legally recognized and required for many jobs.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Registered Dietitian?

The process usually takes about six to seven years. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, completing a supervised practice program, and passing the CDR exam.

What Is the Salary of Registered Dietitians?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median registered dietitian salary is $73,850 per year. Salaries vary by experience, location, and setting. Entry-level dietitians may earn around $61,000, while experienced RDs in high-demand areas can earn over $100,000 annually.

What Are the Requirements To Become a Pediatric Dietician?

The requirements to become a pediatric dietician include completing the standard RD pathway and then gaining specialized experience or certification in pediatric nutrition. The CDR offers a pediatric nutrition specialist credential for RDs who meet additional practice and exam requirements.

Earn Your Degree Today

If you're ready to start your journey to becoming a registered dietitian, explore accredited nutrition and dietetics graduate programs that are featured here on Learn.org. Find the right program for your goals and take the first step toward a rewarding career helping others live healthier lives.