Dietetics is a vital profession with many career possibilities in which you can use your expertise in food and nutrition to help people make healthful choices.
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Have you considered a career in dietetics? From schools and supermarkets to restaurants and athletic fields, the professional opportunities are endless. Learn more about this unique, diverse and rewarding career path.
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To become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you will need to:
Dietetics education programs in colleges and universities are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics—or ACEND®. As an accrediting agency, ACEND makes sure that students preparing for careers as RDNs are getting the education they need to qualify for taking the national RDN exam. Classes cover variety of subjects, ranging from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology and communication to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry. See accredited programs.
In addition to earning a degree, individuals must complete a supervised practice program to gain real-world experience and apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the context of a variety of work settings.
Once one completes their degree and supervised practice, they may schedule to take CDR's Registration Examination for Registered Dietitians to become a credentialed as registered dietetics nutrisitionist. *Beginning in 2024, a minimum of a master's degree will be required in order to be eligible to take the exam.
After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.
To become a nutrition and dietetic technician, registered, you will need to:
Dietetics Technician Programs are accredited by ACEND, ensuring that students preparing for careers as NDTRs are getting the education they need to qualify for taking the national DTR exam. Graduates of accredited dietetics programs who earn a bachelor's degree may also qualify to take the DTR exam.
Once one completes their educational requirements, they may schedule to take CDR's Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians to become credentialed as a nutrition and dietetics technician, registered.
Looking for credible nutrition information and recommendations? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' network of credentialed food and nutrition practitioners are ready to help!
