What steps do I need to follow to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in the US?
To become an RDN in the US, you typically need an accredited degree, a supervised practice program usually of 900 or more hours, and a pass in the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. Not every nutrition degree is accredited for this pathway, so confirm accreditation before enrolling.
If you want to practice clinically in the US, the RDN route is the one that matters. It has three main parts, and not every nutrition degree qualifies, so your choice of program needs care.
RDN Requirements in the US
| Requirement | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Degree | An accredited degree (the required level can change, so check the official page) |
| Supervised practice | A supervised practice program, usually 900 or more hours |
| Exam | Passing the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam |
Accreditation and Other Paths
- Not every nutrition degree is accredited for this pathway, so check a program's accreditation status before enrolling.
- In Canada, licensing is handled province by province, with slightly different requirements in each.
- Career paths include clinical dietitian, public health nutritionist, sports nutritionist, food service manager and research scientist; research roles usually need a master's or PhD.
My Advice
If clinical practice is your goal, ask every program about accreditation and supervised practice before you pay a deposit. Hours and rules can change, so verify them on the official accrediting body's page.
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