How to Become a Registered Dietitian

  1. Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college including course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program and receive a Verification Statement. The accredited supervised practice program can be combined with undergraduate or graduate studies through a Coordinated Program OR through a Post-Baccalaureate Dietetic Internship at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation.
  3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) BS/MS 4+1 at Framingham State University are eligible to apply to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.  Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics at Framingham State University are eligible to apply to an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program to become an RDN.

In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN click here.

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has accredited both Nutrition and Dietetics (Didactic Program in Dietetics) and Coordinated Program in Dietetics at Framingham State University.

 

REQUIRED NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY AND PROCEDURE TO FILE COMPLAINTS WITH THE ACCREDITATION COUNCIL

The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards.  ACEND is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dietetics education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff, or students. 

Complaints should be submitted directly to ACEND only after all other options with the program and institution have been exhausted.  A copy of the accreditation standards and/or ACEND’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Education and Accreditation staff at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chica­go, Illinois 60606-6995 or by calling 312-899-0040, Extension 5400.

Written complaints should be mailed to the Chair, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics at the above address.