51ÁÔÆæ

Process to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)

Requirements and process to become a registered dietitian nutritionist 

If you are interested in a program that will prepare you to become a registered dietitian nutritionist, you have come to the right place. You would need to: 

  • Enroll in an ACEND®-accredited program that combines classroom and supervised practical experience like 51ÁÔÆæs MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics program, which is a Future Education Model Graduate Program. Similar ACEND®-accredited program types include a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) or International Dietitian Education Program (IDE). Graduates of these programs are then eligible to take the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed as registered dietitian nutritionists. 
    Or: 
  • Enroll in an ACEND®-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) academic program (51ÁÔÆæ does not offer this type of program, but other University of Wisconsin System schools do). This type of ACEND®-accredited program typically grants a bachelor’s degree. After you receive your degree, you will then need to apply for and complete supervised practice experience in an ACEND®-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) program, Future Education Model Graduate Program, or graduate level Coordinated Program in Dietetics. A minimum of master’s degree will be required to be eligible to take the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians. 

A list of ACEND®-accredited programs with contact information can be viewed . 

Effective January 1, 2024, the for eligibility to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians will change from a bachelor’s degree to a graduate degree. As 51ÁÔÆæ’s accredited program awards a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, you will be prepared to meet this requirement.  

If you are a current or future 51ÁÔÆæ undergraduate student interested in pursuing an educational path leading to the RDN credential, consider the with at 51ÁÔÆæ. However, Pre-dietetics can be combined with any 51ÁÔÆæ major! If you already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in a career change, contact the MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics Program Director for more information. 

State certification/licensure 

In some states, RDNs are required to obtain state licensure or certification in order to practice in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Additionally, individual facilities may have requirements that are above or separate from state-specific regulations. For most states, registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) obtained by graduation from an ACEND®-accredited program (like 51ÁÔÆæ’s MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics concentration), fulfilling fieldwork requirements, and successful passage of the RDN credentialing exam, fulfills the baseline licensure or certification requirements. 

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND®-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: .

In 1995, the state of Wisconsin passed legislation to certify qualified nutrition providers. The state credential assures consumers that Certified Dietitians (CD) provide nutrition services that meet established professional standards, and that only those legally qualified may use the term CD. Information about obtaining certification in Wisconsin is available from the .  

Students who successfully complete 51ÁÔÆæ’s MPH-Nutrition and Dietetics earn a master’s degree in public health and are eligible to take the credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. This program – like all other ACEND®-accredited programs – does not itself grant a license or certification to practice dietetics. However, it does provide the necessary training required to become a Certified Dietitian in the state of Wisconsin. 

More information about is available from the Commission on Dietetic Registration.