How to Become a Registered Dietitian
How I Changed Paths to Become an RD
When I was in undergrad, I did not know what I wanted to study. I ended up choosing Human Development and Psychological Services, thinking I might go into psychology. A friend whose sister is a dietitian told me I should study nutrition. I remember brushing it off, telling her I could not manage the chemistry and other science courses involved.
In 2013, I moved to Israel (along with this friend!). I drafted into the army as a combat fitness instructor. At first I was almost disappointed with my placement, because it felt too familiar. I wanted to try something new and get out of my comfort zone! Yet the experience made me realize how much I loved the world of health and fitness. My friend’s suggestion stuck with me, and decided to begin looking into getting a Master’s degree in nutrition.
I remember going down internet rabbit holes trying to figure out how to become an RD. It seemed so daunting and confusing. Now that I am (in 2021) finally an RD, I thought I might explain how you too can go from an unrelated bachelor’s degree to becoming a Registered Dietitian!
The Overall Process
Let’s start with the big picture. To become a registered dietitian, ACEND -- the accrediting agency for dietitians in the US -- requires:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in an ACEND-accredited program. As of January 2024, a master’s degree will be required.
Completion of an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship. Some programs are coordinated programs, which combine a degree with an internship.
Pass the RD exam
Career Changers
What happens if, like me, you already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field? In this case, you need to complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This is essentially a list of various dietetics related coursework. Most master’s programs weave the DPD courses in, so you graduate with a certificate saying you finished your DPD courses. This allows you to apply for internships and ultimately the RD exam.
I think the easiest option is to do a coordinated program. I completed my master’s in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and dietetic internship with Teachers College Columbia University. The program recently transitioned to an integrated MS-RD track, meaning you do the master’s courses and internship in one. This saves the headache of applying to dietetic internships and means you will be done faster. I wish this had existed when I began the program!
This all might still sound confusing, so here is a step by step breakdown:
Step 1: Research Programs
The first step is to research programs. Some programs offer master’s degrees without an internship while some offer an integrated master’s plus internship track. Some offer DPD coursework only. It depends on your background and personal interests. Various programs can be found on www.eatrightpro.org.
I looked into programs in New York and found TC’s program. The nutrition program offers a Master of Science degree in either nutrition education, nutrition and public health, or nutrition and exercise physiology. I was really excited to find a program that combined nutrition with exercise, as that was what I loved! The current integrated version takes about 2 years to complete.
Step 2: Prerequisites
Most Master’s programs require prerequisite courses. Since my undergrad was not science related, I had almost none of the prerequisites. Once I was committed to pursuing a degree in nutrition and chose a program I was interested in, I looked at their list of prerequisites. Most programs have similar requirements, so I knew I would be mostly covered, but it is important to look at the program you’re interested in. I took:
General chemistry + Lab
Organic chemistry + Lab
Biochemistry
Anatomy & Physiology I & II + Lab
Microbiology
Intro to Nutrition
Statistics
I took these courses at a variety of places, both in person and online. The thought of taking these courses was what originally put me off. In truth, they were not easy! But, I did it, and taking these courses made me realize that I could do anything I put my mind to :)! In addition to these courses, I needed to take the GREs and obtain letters of recommendation.
Step 3: Complete DPD Courses
After completing the above, I applied to about three programs. I was accepted to TC and moved back from Israel early January 2018 to start the program later that month!
I really enjoyed my program. While I took classes on topics like the Kreb's cycle and vitamin pathways, I also took so many fascinating classes that looked at the non-science components of nutrition. This included classes like Nutrition Ecology, Food, Nutrition and Behavior, and Sports Nutrition. If these sound interesting to you, you know you are in the right place!
Step 4: Dietetic Internship + RD Exam
During my second year at TC, I began looking into dietetic internship programs. Some programs have a clinical focus, while others offer a wide range of opportunities. TC’s internship program involved rotations in clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service. I ended up completing my internship at TC (again, the program is now integrated) because I liked the idea of completing rotations in multiple settings. Dietetic internships require applications through a separate system called DICAS, which is for another post!
After completing my internship in June 2020, I (got married and then) sat for the RD exam in August!
It was a long journey to get here, but it is doable. My program was filled with people of all ages who came from all kinds of backgrounds, from lawyers to computer scientists and everything in between. If you want it, you can do it. If you have any more questions, feel free to comment or send me an email!