Becoming a registered dietitian is tough. There are a ton of steps and a lot to figure out. This post is about what to expect and how to prepare.
The reality of becoming a registered dietitian
When you’re on the path to becoming a registered dietitian, there’s a lot you need to do and a whole lot more you need to know.
In this post we’re going to cover:
- The steps to becoming a dietitian
- Work you can do with your RD
- How you can better prepare to become an RD
More over, because school is not the same as the real world, we’ll also talk a bit about what you can expect when you’re finally an RD.
Let’s get started
Are you considering becoming an RD?
You’re reading this post, which means you’ve started to think about becoming a registered dietitian.
And at this point, you’ve probably realized that there are a few essential steps you need to take in order to finally cross the finish line and call yourself an RD.
However, in case you’re looking for a quick review of what it takes, here are the essential steps you need to complete to become a registered dietitian.
Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Qualify for a DPD (Didactic Program in Dietetics) program
If you’re getting your undergraduate degree in nutrition, you’ll likely be able to skip this step. For everyone else (ie: career changers, folks with a previous bachelor’s degree, and anyone else who didn’t make nutrition their first choice in education) you’re going to need to complete post-back pre-med prerequisites in order to qualify for most master programs in nutrition. You’ll likely also need a recent GRE score for most MS-nutrition programs.
2. Complete a DPD program
Completing a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) is mandatory to apply to the dietetic internship. Again, if you’re completing an undergraduate nutrition program it’s likely going to include a DPD program. If you’ve taken a different path to becoming a registered dietitian, you’re going to apply to a DPD-MS program. All RDs are now required to hold master’s degree to sit for the exam. But if you’re lucky enough to already have your DPD completed. Then you can choose whatever additional master’s degree you’d like. As long as you get through step 3.
3. Apply and complete a dietetic internship
Completing the dietetic internship (or DI) is the final mandatory step needed before you are allowed to sit for the RD exam. Once the hard work of completing your DPD program is over, is finished, it’s time to apply for your DI program. Furthermore, this ~1200 hour unpaid internship takes you through rotations covering the primary nutrition practice groups (clinical, food service, and community), and sometimes an additional specialized rotation like entrepreneurship. When you’ve completed the dietetic internship you’ll receive something called a verification statement. This is the final piece of the puzzle that states you’re qualified to sit for the RD exam.
4. Sign up, study, and then take the RD exam
The RD exam is known to be tough, so taking enough time to study is essential to finishing strong. There are many resources available to help you prepare, and the best way to succeed is to find a program that can support you the way you need and then give it your all.
5. Become qualified to practice in your state
Once you finally become a registered dietitian, it’s time to make sure you’re qualified to work where you want to work. You’ll reach out to the state department of professional licenses to find out if the state you’re planning on providing medical nutrition therapy in requires a state licensure in addition to your RD certification. In addition, some states like OK, FL, KY, VT, CT (just to name a few) won’t allow you to practice until you have their state licensure in hand.
The bright side is there’s no more test taking involved. The downside is all it takes is a few more dollars of your hard-earned money to get licensed. Many states have a very easy application and very fast turn-around. Other states take a lot more time, follow-up, and attention to lock it in. Importantly, it’s worth knowing what your state requires to make sure your expectations are in line with your opportunities. Looking for a great place to start figuring out the state license process? Check out this RD-sourced spreadsheet. It was created as a collaborative document by the Diana Mesa of En La Mesa Nutrition and is an excellent resource to share.
6. Land a job
Finally, land a job! Many jobs do not require having both a state license along with an RD credential. Other states won’t let you apply for work without it. But with many jobs looking for qualified dietitians, you’re going to find a lot of opportunities to apply and even start working as both RD-eligible (meaning before you’ve even taken your exam) and with your state application pending (if it’s even needed).
What you can do when you become a registered dietitian?
After becoming a registered dietitian, there are a lot of possibilities that come along with finally having the RD letters after your name.
Despite the diversity in work opportunities, there are three things that most new RDs get stuck assuming are their only options.
These are:
- Hospital work doing acute care clinical nutrition
- Long-term care or sub-acute care work doing clinical nutrition
- Start a private practice, doing clinical nutrition
The reality is there are an unlimited number of things you can do as a registered dietitian. And if anything is true about being a dietitian, it’s that your new profession is not only extremely flexible but pairs very well with almost every other subject matter.
You’re not limited to clinical nutrition in a healthcare facility or building a private practice as your other option. And you’re certainly not required to do any one type of work before being able to do something else.
Dietitians work in all kinds of jobs and run all sorts of businesses. And short of sounding completely cliche, there really is no limit to the ways you can get creative with the kind of businesses you decide to build, create, and run.
Here are a few things you can do with your RD credential that have nothing to do with medical nutrition therapy in a clinical setting, or running a private practice:
- Corporate wellness
- Research and development for start-up companies or corporations (usually requires an additional degree or experience skill set)
- Blogging on nutrition research, writing an advice column for customers, debunking nutrition myths, sharing this or that guidance
- Menu development for restaurants, small businesses, long-term care facilities
- Brand and sponsorships through social media
- Ghostwriting cookbooks, blog posts, newsletters, social media content
- Teaching nutrition for grad students, teaching health classes for middle school, teaching a non-diet approach to food choices
- Supporting healthcare facilities organizing their clinical paperwork prior to state reviews
- Contracting with non-profit companies, doctor’s offices, schools, senior centers, and others who need nutrition education sessions
Of course, this is not the limit of what you can do. But it is a good place to start thinking about the possibilities.
How to prepare to when you want to become an RD
So after ALL of that, you’re still thinking about becoming an RD?
Amazing!
Yes it’s a long process that will challenge you, but once you’re an RD the opportunities are endless.
Here are some ways to better prepare to start the process of getting your RD credential.
- Be prepared to work hard. It’s a long process and passion is a requirement.
- Ask for help whenever you need it, every step of the way.
- Don’t lock yourself into the idea that there’s only one thing you’ll be doing. Be open to the possibilities that come with your RD.
- Start experimenting now. Thinking about a blog? Start it now. Thinking about working with brands? Explore social media posting and tag big names.
And That’s It!
This is your step-by-step guide for becoming a registered dietitian.
If you’re looking for some more answers and want to chat, feel free to reach out at shani@nutritioncheatsheets.com with any questions.
Good luck!
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