How to become a dietitian or nutritionist

If you are passionate about food, healthy lifestyles, and helping people achieve their wellness goals, a career as a dietitian may be a great fit. Dietitians are experts in understanding how the things we eat affect our health. They work in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals to nursing homes to private practice. Educating people about healthier dietary choices can translate to longer, happier lives, and seeing people make those changes can be incredibly rewarding.

What do dietitians do on a daily basis?

While their specific tasks can vary significantly depending on their specialization, here are some common ones shared by most dietitians:

• Reviewing patient files: They review patient or client files and notes to prepare for the day’s consultations.
• Consulting with clients: They meet with clients throughout the day to assess their nutritional needs and provide tailored advice.
• Creating meal plans: They dedicate time each day to devising personalized meal plans for clients.
• Research and learning: At the end of the day, dietitians may read up on the latest research in nutrition to stay updated and continuously improve their practice.

How long does it take to become a dietitian?

5-7 years. This starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. After graduation, you’ll need to complete a dietetic internship, which can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. As of 2024, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will also require a master’s degree, adding another 1-2 years to your timeline. The final step involves passing a national examination to become a registered dietitian.

Dietician vs nutritionist: same or different?

“Registered dietitian” is a protected title. That means it requires extensive study and certification. Dietitians are often employed in healthcare settings, where they use their in-depth knowledge of food and nutrition to guide patients with specific dietary needs.

“Nutritionist”, on the other hand, is an unprotected title in most states, meaning it can be used by anyone regardless of formal training. While nutritionists can give advice on food choices, professional healthcare settings typically prefer the certified expertise of a registered dietitian.

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5 steps to becoming a dietician

Step 1 – Complete a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field

All dietitians must complete a bachelor’s degree program. Most choose a degree in nutrition and dietetics. Look for a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Applicants need to have completed an ACEND-accredited degree to be eligible for the registration exam.

Step 2 – Complete a master’s in dietetics and nutrition

As of January 1, 2024, you’ll need to earn a graduate degree before taking the registered dietitian exam. The most common degree for graduate training is a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. This 2-year program focuses on advanced coursework and clinical practice in nutrition.

Step 3 – Complete a supervised internship

The dietetic internship (DI) involves at least 1,200 hours of supervised training, which typically takes anywhere from 8 months to 2 years to earn. These internships are very competitive and involve a match process in which a computer determines the best match based on program rankings and applicants’ preferences.

Step 4 – Pass the CDR exam

After completing an accredited degree program and a dietetic internship, you are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam. This is a computerized-adaptive test containing 125 to 145 multiple-choice questions. It assesses your understanding and practical knowledge of food and nutrition, as well as your readiness to apply this knowledge in a professional setting. The test covers various aspects of dietetics, including nutritional assessment, diet planning, foodservice systems, and more.

Passing the CDR exam allows you to become a registered dietitian. Depending on the state you live in, you might also need to obtain additional state licensing.

Step 5 – Get licensed in your state

The exact licensure requirements vary by state. However, most states issue licenses to individuals who have completed an ACEND-accredited degree program, finished the dietetic internship, and successfully passed the CDR exam. You may need to complete continuing education coursework to maintain your license in your state. Check with your state licensing board for details.

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How much does a dietitian make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians make on average $61,650 per year, but the top 10% make $93,640 and up. Dietitians working at outpatient care centers generally earn the highest salaries, while those working in nursing and residential care facilities earn the lowest.

Dietitian job outlook

For the last 50 years, the international movement to look and feel good has led to increased demand for nutrition specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a further increase of 7% from 2021 to 2031, which translates into an estimated 56,000 people being employed in the field by 2031.