Curious about how to become a dietitian? This rewarding career allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives by promoting healthy eating habits, managing chronic conditions, and helping people achieve better health through nutrition.
In this article, we’ll break down the journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian, including the education, supervised practice, and certification requirements you’ll need to meet.
We’ll also look at the essential skills, different workplaces for dietitians, and how long it typically takes to get started in this field.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your career path or simply exploring options, this guide offers the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Is A Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a highly trained nutrition professional who is qualified to help people manage their dietary needs through personalized nutrition therapy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Registered Dietitians go through rigorous academic and professional requirements, including completing an accredited program, a supervised internship, and passing a national certification exam.
Many people believe that for a career as a nutritionist, a bachelor's degree is required, but they may not be held to specific credentialing standards. Conversely, Registered Dietitians must maintain licensing and participate in ongoing education to stay current in their field.
At Berry Street, our dietitians are equipped to offer specialized support for a wide range of dietary concerns, from weight management and digestive issues to managing chronic diseases like diabetes. This is particularly valuable for clients who want evidence-based advice and comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs.
By working with an RD, clients gain access to science-backed strategies tailored to their specific health goals, whether they seek to improve general wellness or address complex health conditions.
How Do You Become A Registered Dietitian?
Education
To embark on the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian, you must first complete an accredited program.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, aspiring dietitians need at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Beginning in 2024, candidates must also hold a master’s degree to qualify for the registration exam. This foundational education includes coursework in biochemistry, anatomy, and nutrition science.
Supervised Practice
After fulfilling the educational requirements, candidates are required to complete at least 1000 hours of supervised practice.
As detailed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, this practice can be achieved through a Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program (CP), providing hands-on experience in clinical, community, and foodservice settings.
This practical experience ensures that dietitians are equipped to apply evidence-based knowledge in real-world settings, which is a core value at Berry Street as we aim to deliver high-quality, patient-centered nutrition services.
Qualifying Exam
Upon completing both the educational and practical training requirements, candidates must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the CDR.
This exam covers areas such as clinical nutrition and foodservice management and is essential in ensuring that dietitians meet national competency standards.
This is a rigorous three-hour exam that provides the RD credential, certifying that the candidate meets the standards to offer expert nutrition care.
State Practice Requirements
In addition to national registration, many states have specific licensure requirements.
These requirements vary but often include maintaining RD credentials through ongoing education. At Berry Street, our dietitians adhere to these standards, offering clients confidence in the expertise and qualifications of their dietitians.
Obtain Licensure
Once registered, dietitians must often obtain a state license to practice legally. Licensing bodies typically require dietitians to maintain their credentials through continuing education.
Berry Street dietitians are committed to lifelong learning, ensuring their practices remain evidence-based and current.
This dedication to continuous professional development supports our mission to provide high-quality, effective care to every client we serve.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Registered Dietitian?
The process of how to become a licensed dietitian is a multi-step journey that generally takes around five to seven years, depending on individual circumstances.
This includes time to complete an undergraduate degree, a supervised practice internship, and any additional requirements like a master’s degree.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like dietetics or nutrition typically takes four years. A graduate degree adds another two years.
After these academic requirements, you must complete a supervised practice program, which consists of 1,000 hours of hands-on experience in clinical, community, and food service settings.
This supervised practice can take anywhere from eight months to a year, depending on whether you’re participating full-time or part-time.
Following this, you must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), to earn your RD credential and qualify for licensure if required by your state.
Continuing Education Requirement
The learning doesn’t stop once you become a Registered Dietitian. Continuing education is essential for maintaining your RD status.
Dietitians are required to complete 75 continuing education hours every five years, allowing them to stay up-to-date with advancements in nutrition science and ensure their practices remain evidence-based.
This aligns with Berry Street’s commitment to high-quality, personalized care by ensuring that our dietitians are well-informed on the latest research and best practices in the field of nutrition.
What Skills Do You Need To Work As A Dietitian?
Cultural Competency
Cultural competency is essential for dietitians, as they work with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Being culturally competent means understanding and respecting different cultural beliefs about food and nutrition, which is crucial for building trust and providing relevant dietary advice.
Dietitians who demonstrate cultural sensitivity can tailor nutrition plans that align with clients’ cultural traditions, increasing the likelihood of compliance and positive health outcomes.
Behavioral Change Facilitation
Helping clients adopt sustainable eating habits is a key part of a dietitian’s role. Dietitians use skills like motivational interviewing and goal-setting to encourage clients to make lasting behavioral changes.
We've found that, by facilitating behavioral change, dietitians empower clients to manage chronic conditions and improve their overall wellness, which is especially important in combating prevalent health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
Telehealth Proficiency
With the rise of virtual healthcare, telehealth proficiency has become indispensable. Dietitians are increasingly conducting assessments and follow-ups through digital platforms, which enables them to reach clients in remote or underserved areas.
As the American Professional Guide explains, dietitians who are comfortable with telehealth can provide consistent and accessible care, helping to bridge gaps in healthcare and meet client needs in a convenient format.
Evidence-Based Practice
Dietitians must be adept at evidence-based practice, which involves using the latest research to inform dietary recommendations.
This skill is critical for dispelling myths and countering misinformation about nutrition.
By staying informed and applying scientifically validated methods, dietitians enhance the credibility of their practice and ensure clients receive accurate guidance.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for dietitians, who need to convey complex nutritional information in a way that clients can easily understand.
Whether through verbal counseling, written resources, or digital content, dietitians who communicate clearly and empathetically help clients feel supported and motivated.
The ability to explain dietary plans and health impacts in relatable terms is a key factor in client adherence and success.
Where Do Dietitians Work?
Dietitians work in a variety of settings, each offering unique opportunities to apply their nutrition expertise. Many work in hospitals, assisting with medical nutrition therapy for patients with conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Others work in government agencies, outpatient care centers, or private practices.
Dietitians can also be found in schools, community health programs, and residential facilities such as nursing homes.
At Berry Street, you can even become an online Registered Dietitian and provide support across diverse settings, including virtual visits, making it easy for clients to access personalized nutrition care.
This flexibility allows us to match clients with dietitians who fit their specific health needs, from chronic illness management to preventative wellness plans.
Conclusion
Becoming a Registered Dietitian requires comprehensive education, hands-on experience, and ongoing professional development.
Dietitians work in various environments—from hospitals and community centers to private practices—where they help clients achieve better health through evidence-based nutrition.
At Berry Street, we’re committed to supporting dietitians and providing accessible, quality care. So, if you're wondering what it takes to become a dietitian, or you want to make sure that your online dietitian from Berry Street can offer you expert, virtual support tailored to your health needs, you’ve come to the right place!
