Is Becoming A Dietitian Hard?
When thinking about becoming a Registered Dietitian, you really should make your decision on whether it’s easy or hard . . . because it’s hard. RDs become RDs because they have a passion for people and nutrition. They know the life-changing power of food, and they can’t help but make it their mission to help people achieve their goals and overcome health obstacles through nutrition.
It doesn’t matter if working in private practice is your game or if you’re aspiring to be a clinical dietitian, there is lots to do before you get that coveted “Registered Dietitian” title even more that goes into making it a fulfilling full-time career! But, don’t let that deter you. There are SO many reasons to become a Registered Dietitian and the work is worth it, because it’ll help you become more qualified, confident, and knowledgeable in your niche.
So, today, I am walking you through how to become a Registered Dietitian and some of the challenges that come with it. Here’s what you need to do:
Is Becoming A Dietitian Hard?
YES! One of the key differences between a dietitian and a nutritionist is the amount of schooling, certifications, and licenses an RD has over a nutritionist. To be a nutritionist, in most states, you don’t need any special qualifications. However, RDs need at minimum a master’s degree, internship, passed RD exam, and a state license! Dietitians work HARD to provide real nutrition counseling and strategy!
Beyond the general qualifications, your niche also will demand more from you! Of the 78,600 RD in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are HUNDREDS of career paths whether you want to work in long-term care facilities, corporate offices, or your own private practice. All take TIME, EFFORT, and a lot of LOVE for the field. You’ve got what it takes!
What You Need to Become a Registered Dietitian
Graduate Degree (if starting school post 2024)
Dietitian Internship
Passed CDR Exam
State License
How to Become a Registered Dietitian
Step One: Get a graduate degree in a related field.
The first step to becoming a Registered Dietitian is actually completing a degree. If you started schooling before 2024, you need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, if you are starting after 2024, the requirement has actually changed to a graduate degree. Here are some ideas for majors that would work for RD2Be.
Dietetics
Nutrition
Food Service Systems Management
Clinical Nutrition
Public Health Nutrition
Step Two: Completed an accredited dietetic internship.
After you get your degree, you still have lots of practical knowledge to gain! So, you need to join a supervised practice program, better known as a dietetic internship and that internship needs to be accredited by ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.) They’re usually about 1,200 hours, but can be in a lot of settings from hospitals to food service organizations. Once you’re done, you’ll obtain a verification statement for your CDR exam!
Step Three: Pass the CDR exam.
Now it’s time to officially get that Registered Dietitian title! To do that, you need to take and pass the CDR exam, which is the Commission on Dietetics Registration exam. You should spend several weeks studying for this, but understand the pass rate is pretty high! It’s not easy by any means, but you can do this.
Step Four: Get your state license.
Many states require a license to legally practice as a Registered Dietitian. You’ll need to research your state specifically and potentially talk with the licensing board for details on how to get your license.
Step Five: Maintain your credentials by doing continuing education.
To maintain your title as a Registered Dietitian, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements to ensure you’re staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving field of dietetics. You’ll need to finish 75 CPEUs (Continuing Professional Education Units) every five years, maintain a Professional Development Portfolio (PDP), and potentially complete other state-specific requirements.
Step Six: Consider pursuing specializations.
If you want to niche down, which I recommend as a Dietitian Business Coach, gaining more specialized certifications in your field can help you grow your practice or get better at your given career!
Becoming a Registered Dietitian isn’t easy, but your passion and hard work will get you there!
When you make the decision to become a Registered Dietitian, it’s a choice made out of a true love of people and nutrition. You want to make a difference, and being an RD is an AMAZING way to do that. Follow these steps and consider working with me as your dietitian business coach. Once you get your license, reward yourself with a little dietitian-themed gift! You’ve earned it!!!