Nutrition | Graduate Degrees | How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

The following is an overview of the requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). In summary, you need to complete the necessary theory and coursework, complete a supervised practice, have a graduate degree, write a national registration exam, and obtain licensure in the state you work in. The requirements below give more details.

Requirements

1 – Complete the Knowledge and Coursework requirements needed to become a dietitian

This necessary theory and coursework may be taken through the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The DPD must be completed at an ACEND accredited institution, such as UNCG.

2 – Complete a supervised practice program

The supervised practice, such as the Dietetic Internship Program (DI) offered at UNCG, must be accredited by ACEND.

3 – Earn a graduate degree

You must have a graduate degree (such as an M.S., M.A., M.Ed., or Ph.D.) to take the national registration exam. At UNCG, an M.S in Nutrition can be completed in conjunction with the supervised practice. This combined program is called the M.S./DI.

4 – Pass the national registration exam

After completing requirements (above) and receiving notification of registration eligibility from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, you may schedule the registration exam.

5 – Obtain State licensure

Many states require that you obtain a license to practice. See licensure map and also our department’s Professional Licensure Disclosure State by State (PDF) document.

Pathways to Become an RDN at UNCG

While all requirements listed above must be met, there are several paths you may take to become an RDN.

Option 1: Undergraduate at UNCG

Undergraduate Nutrition students at UNCG receive a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) verification statement on program completion.
Students then apply for the Combined M.S./Dietetic Internship (DI).
On completion of the M.S./DI program, students are eligible to take the dietitian nutritionist registration exam.

Option 2: Students with bachelor’s degree from another accredited university

2nd Bachelor’s Degree

Students may apply as a second degree undergraduate student to the Human Nutrition and Dietetics concentration. Students complete DPD course requirements and receive the DPD verification statement.
- Students must complete at least 12 credit hours of didactic coursework at UNCG.
- Students do not need to meet graduation requirements for a 2nd degree to complete the DPD program and receive a verification statement.
Students then apply for the Combined M.S./Dietetic Internship (DI).
Upon completion of the M.S./DI program, students are eligible to take the dietitian nutritionist registration exam.

Master’s Degree

Students may apply to the M.S. program and complete DPD course requirements while earning their master’s degree.
On receiving their DPD verification statement, students are eligible to transition to the DI Program while continuing their M.S.
On completion of the DI program, students are eligible to take the dietitian nutritionist registration exam.

Option 3: M.S./Ph.D.

Students in the M.S. or Ph.D. program in Nutrition at UNCG can complete the DPD course requirements while earning their graduate degree.
On receiving their DPD verification statement, students are eligible to transition to the DI Program while continuing their M.S.
- Our Ph.D. Nutrition students can also enroll in the DI program.
On completion of the DI program, students are eligible to take the dietitian nutritionist registration exam.