How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

student slicing carrots on cutting board

There are 5 steps to becoming an RD:

  1. Complete a bachelor's degree or a master's degree and receive a verification statement from an ACEND®-accredited program, like Texas State University (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program or Foreign Dietitian Education Program) Note, effective January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be required to be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  2. Complete an ACEND®-accredited supervised practice Dietetic Internship program or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway is an option. Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program and Graduate Program.
  3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration's dietetic registration exam.
  4. Gain licensure in your state of practice, if applicable.
  5. Maintain continuing education.

The state of Texas does have licensure for RDs and many organizations require RDs to apply for licensure. Information can be found on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website.

Graduates of the Texas State DP can receive a Verification Statement (VS) after verification of passing all required KRDN’s within the degree plan and are eligible to apply for admission to Dietetic Internships (DI). The Texas State DI is accredited by ACEND. There are many DIs located throughout the US.

All RD/RDNs must maintain their accreditation status by completing continuing professional education requirements. For more information, visit AND requirements.

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 RD. In addition, CDR requires that students complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetic (ACEND). 

For any questions about how to become an RD, feel free to contact our DPD Director, Christy Youens at youens@txstate.edu.