Are you interested in helping others through nutritional coaching? Do you have a passion for health and wellness? If you answered yes to these questions, becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) may be the right career path. In this post, we break down what steps to take. We recommend checking your state’s requirements as they may differ slightly. However, in general, our breakdown is an excellent guide on how to become a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in 5 Steps:
1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
2. NEW! Obtain a graduate degree. Starting in 2024, a graduate degree will be required to qualify to sit for the dietetic registration exam.
3. Complete 1,200 hours of a dietetic internship with an accredited program. This includes working under the supervision of Registered Dietitians to learn about the profession.
4. Pass the dietetic registration exam. After completing the required schooling and internship requirements, an individual must sit for an exam that encompasses everything they have learned about dietetic practice. Once passed, they are officially a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and eligible to get a license in the state where they wish to practice.
5. Complete 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The Dietitians at Clem&Thyme Nutrition hit nearly 75 hours per year, as we want to stay up to date on current nutrition topics and research so we can provide you with the best care possible.
What’s the Difference Between a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist?
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to understanding the difference between an RDN and Nutritionist. Both have the word nutritionist in their title and may appear equal in meaning, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Watch this video to learn about the difference between an RDN and Nutritionist. It’s bigger than you might think.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post titled “How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.” Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Are you interested in booking an appointment at Clem&Thyme Nutrition? We have two convenient locations in the state of Ohio – our flagship office in Yellow Springs and an extension office in the Columbus area. We also offer virtual sessions and online programs. You can learn more about our registered dietitians to find the right fit for you. Click here to get started.
