Become a RDN or NDTR

Being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) is a great career path that offers a variety of job opportunities. If you are thinking about a career in dietetics, joining the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic gives you full access to our online database of internships and job postings.

Dietetic Careers

Dietetics is the science and art of applying the principles of food and nutrition to health. It’s a vital, growing profession with many career possibilities. Whichever option you choose, you’ll share your knowledge of food and nutrition to help people make healthful food choices.

If you are thinking about a career in dietetics, joining the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic is a smart move. With Academy membership, you will gain full access to our online database of internships and job postings. And student members will find valuable resources such as resume templates, mentoring resources and access to the Students Community of Interest.

Your career in dietetics begins now! Explore accredited education programs and credentialing requirements, including information for high school students, career changers, international students, DPD graduates and student members.

Career Changer

If you are interested in a nutrition career you can become a RDN or a NDTR, even if you have a degree in a different area of study. If you already have a degree from a U.S. regionally-accredited college or university, you will need to have your college transcripts evaluated by a director of a dietetics program accredited by ACEND.

DPD Graduates

A Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) grants at least a bachelor’s degree (some grant a master’s degree) and is ACEND-accredited for only the required dietetics coursework. After you complete DPD requirements you will then need to apply for and be accepted into an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship Program (DI) to complete the supervised practical experience required to be a registered dietitian. You must successfully complete an accredited DI and obtain a Verification Statement from the internship director in order to be eligible to sit for the CDR registration examination. Currently, there are more than 200 ACEND-accredited DPDs and more than 250 ACEND-accredited DIs in the United States.

High School Students

Your next step towards a career in dietetics and ultimately becoming a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition and dietetic technician, registered (NDTR) is to enroll in a university that offers an ACEND-accredited program. The Academy provides the resources necessary to pursue this path, including answers to frequently asked questions from those investigating the profession — preparing you to begin your profession in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

International Students

If you are investigating a career in nutrition and have a degree in dietetics, but your education and credentials were completed outside the United States and its territories, there are several options to get your credentials validated. The Academy has provided the resources and information you need to pursue these options, including answers to frequently asked questions.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires individuals with foreign degrees meet specific educational requirements and follow a unique process to obtain Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) credentials.

Resources

External Resources

This video was created to promote the work of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) in Indiana, and identify RDNs as the expert nutrition resource.