How to Become a Dietitian

The RD Credentialing Process consists of the following:

1. BS or BA degree with completion of a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) accredited DPD program with a "verification statement" granted by the DPD program;
2. Completion of an accredited post-baccalaureate CADE Dietetic Internship  which includes a minimum of 1200 hours of supervised practice experience
3. Passing score on the Registration Exam for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Students at RU are awarded a Verification Statement when they complete their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and all major (NUTR) courses with a grade of “C” or above. The Verficiation Statement is required for entrance into the Dietetic Internship.

Strong candidates for Dietetic Internships typically have:

• 3.0 GPA or better

• Significant work or volunteer experience in dietetics, perhaps 100 hours

• Excellent letters of recommendation from faculty and dietitians

• Experiences in dietetics such as giving lectures in the community, or activities with the RU Student Dietetic Association

For more information about the path to becoming a Registered Dietitian contact the American Dietetic Association at: www.eatright.org/cade.