Register Dietitian Requirements
*Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:
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Complete a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission of Accreditation on Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA).
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Complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length.
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Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
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Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutritional organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required.
*This information is directly quoted from the American Dietetics Association's Website at http://www.eatright.org/Public/Careers/94_becomeanrd.cfm