Become a Registered Dietitian in 2025: Steps & Salary

What Is a Registered Dietitian?

A registered dietitian is a qualified food and nutrition expert who has met specific academic and professional requirements in dietetics. RDs and RDNs are trained to help individuals or communities make healthier food choices. They provide nutritional care, design meal plans, and support patients, clients, or public health organizations by leveraging evidence-based research.

Registered dietitians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies, and even private practice. They have the credentials to offer medical nutrition therapy, which involves helping those with diseases (like diabetes or high blood pressure) manage their conditions through well-structured dietary plans.

Step 1: Earn a Relevant Degree

To start your journey on how to become a registered dietitian, you’ll need at least an accredited bachelor’s degree . Common areas of study include nutrition, foodservice systems management, chemistry, biology, and related sciences. Although many current and aspiring RDs still hold bachelor’s degrees, requirements are changing: starting in 2024, prospective dietitians need a graduate degree to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) exam.

During your undergraduate or graduate program, you’ll delve into topics like food science, community nutrition, and diet therapy. Some programs also integrate supervised practice, while others require you to complete a separate internship after graduation.

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Internship

Once you’ve earned your degree, the next step involves completing a dietetic internship or a similar supervised practice program. Aspiring RDs generally spend about 1,200 hours (or more) of hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed dietitian. This experience can take place in community agencies, hospitals, and foodservice management settings.

Internships offer real-world application of the knowledge you’ve gained from coursework. You’ll learn how to assess patients’ nutritional needs, craft individualized meal plans, and educate clients on healthy eating habits.

Step 3: Pass the CDR Exam

After completing your accredited internship, you’ll need to pass the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Earning a passing score officially earns you the RD or RDN credential. This is a mandatory step in how to become a registered dietitian, and many organizations will require proof of this credential before hiring.

Keep in mind that test preparation courses and study guides are widely available. Budget time and resources to study thoroughly and reduce the stress that often comes with high-stakes exams.

Step 4: Get Licensed in Your State

Many states require an additional license to practice as a registered dietitian. This means you need to research the licensure requirements of the state where you plan to work. In most cases, you’ll submit proof of your RD credential and pay a licensing fee.

According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics , licensure laws vary, so be sure to confirm you’re meeting your specific state’s requirements.

Step 5: Continue Professional Education

Even after becoming a registered dietitian, professional growth doesn’t stop there. RDs must complete continuing professional education to maintain their registration. This usually involves attending conferences, completing relevant coursework, or engaging in specialty certifications.

Popular specialty certifications include sports dietetics, diabetes education, and oncology nutrition, among others. Expanding your expertise within these niches can help you stand out in the job market and improve patient outcomes.

Where Do Registered Dietitians Work?

Registered dietitians can be found collaborating with healthcare teams, patients, and communities in many different settings:

• Hospitals or healthcare facilities (including HMOs) where they focus on clinical nutrition therapy
• Long-term residential facilities that need consistent nutritional support for residents
• Private practice settings offering one-on-one counseling
• Schools, universities, or medical centers, often focusing on research and education
• Community and [public health settings](https://www.healthjob.org/guide/how-to-become-a-health-educator) serving large populations
• Sports nutrition, working with athletes to enhance performance
• Corporate wellness programs that emphasize employee health

As experts in nutrition, registered dietitians have a range of employment opportunities that let them apply their knowledge to different patient populations or specialized fields such as pediatrics, oncology, and renal care.

How Much Do Dietitians Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual salary for [dietitians in the U.S.](https://www.healthjob.org/guide/nutritionists-and-dietitians-salary) was $61,650 in May 2021. Actual earnings may vary based on factors such as experience, location, specialization, and work setting.

To explore state-level or industry-specific numbers, view the dietician salary information here . Evaluating registered dietitian salary data can help you determine what factors will most influence your earning potential—such as advanced certifications or specialized work environments.

What Is the Difference Between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

Although the terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” are sometimes used interchangeably, the two professions differ when it comes to credentials and scope of practice.

Registered dietitians must pass the CDR exam, complete specific academic requirements, finish a supervised internship, and maintain ongoing education. They provide medical nutrition therapy and can legally work with patients who have diagnosed conditions that benefit from clinical dietary intervention. Meanwhile, “nutritionist” is not a regulated term in most states, and anyone can claim that title, regardless of formal training.

[Some nutritionists](https://www.healthjob.org/guide/how-to-become-a-nutritionist) are well-educated and highly qualified, but the lack of a standardized credential or licensing requirement makes it difficult for the public to discern their level of expertise. If clinical support and regulated advice are needed—especially for chronic health conditions—seeking out a registered dietitian is generally the best choice.

Is Becoming a Registered Dietitian Worth It?

Working in dietetics involves meeting strict education and licensing requirements, yet many find it highly rewarding. Registered dietitians often play a major role in improving the health and wellness of the communities they serve—whether through clinical practice, public health initiatives, or sports nutrition.

For those who are passionate about affecting positive change in people’s diets and lifestyles, and who want a career with documented job growth, pursuing an RD license can be well worth the effort. In addition, many dietitians find flexibility in their profession, from clinical settings and research roles to corporate wellness and private practice.

Frequently Asked Questions