Your Guide to Becoming a Registered Dietitian: Exploring the Different Pathways
Becoming a Registered Dietitian (RD) can be a confusing process, especially with so many different pathways to choose from. Depending on your academic background and career goals, one pathway may be more suitable for you than another. In this blog post, we will explore the different pathways to becoming an RD, along with the recommended options for different groups of individuals.
Note: Starting in 2024, a Master’s degree will be required to become a registered dietitian. The list below is based off the new requirement.
The four different pathways to becoming an RD are:
Option A: Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (accredited under the Future Education Model)
This is a graduate-level program that integrates coursework and at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This program is ideal for career changers.
2. Option B: Coordinate Programs in Dietetics
This program combines both undergraduate and graduate-level coursework in nutrition and dietetics, along with at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice. Currently, both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are available. However, starting in 2024, only Master’s degree Coordinated Programs will be available.
3. Option C: Didactic Program in Dietetics
Completion of a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) coursework can result in a Verification Statement and make an individual eligible to apply for a dietetic internship. This coursework is typically part of a bachelor’s degree program or can be completed as a DPD Certificate Program.
4. Option D: Foreign Dietitian Education
This pathway is designed for individuals who have completed dietitian coursework outside of the United States and wish to practice as a dietitian in the United States. Graduates of this program can complete a dietetic internship or enroll in a Coordinated or Graduate Program to become an RDN.
Choosing the right pathway for becoming an RD depends on your individual circumstances. Here are The Dietitian Lab’s recommended options:
Option A is recommended for career changers, degree changers, and those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nutrition but want a different type of experience than what the dietetic internship provides.
Option B is suitable for students currently pursuing their bachelor’s degree in nutrition who plan to complete their dietetic internship after graduation (though this pathway will no longer be an option in 2024). This pathway is also recommended for those who have received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and are looking to obtain their master’s degree in nutrition while doing the dietetic internship at the same time.
Option C is for those who have completed their bachelor’s degree in nutrition and want to apply for the dietetic internship (a master’s degree will be required in 2024). Alternatively, individuals who have completed their master’s in nutrition can apply for the dietetic internship, as these programs are not coordinated with any schooling.
Option D is suitable for foreign-trained dietitians who wish to practice in the United States. They must complete a separate dietetic internship, but they also have the option to enroll in Coordinated or Graduate Programs.
In conclusion, becoming a Registered Dietitian can be confusing, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision about which pathway to take. By carefully considering your academic background and career goals, you can choose the pathway that best fits your needs.
