How to become a dietitian or nutritionist

If you are passionate about food, healthy lifestyles, and helping people achieve their health goals, a career as a nutritionist or dietitian may appeal to you. Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in understanding how the things we eat affect our health. They work in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals to nursing homes to private practice. Educating people about healthier dietary choices can translate to longer, happier lives. Seeing people make those changes is incredibly rewarding.

What is the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist?

There is a significant difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist. In the United States, registered dietitian is a legally protected term. This title is given to someone who has board-certified expertise in food and nutrition.

Dietitians often work in medical settings to help patients with specific conditions or dietary needs. Therefore, dietitians need to be knowledgeable about food, nutrition, and a range of health conditions that can be impacted by food choices. To become a registered dietitian you need to complete the licensure and certification process.

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A nutritionist does not need the same level of credentials as a dietitian. In most states, ‘nutritionist’ is not a legally protected term. This means that anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, whether they have formal educational training or not.

Nutritionists perform similar work to dietitians, counseling people about their food choices. However, most institutional settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or medical clinics require the credentials of a registered dietitian.

How hard is it to become a dietitian or nutritionist?

This career path requires a bachelor’s degree and practical experience through an internship. The field is competitive, and students need to have strong science grades.

Those who complete their degree can expect a strong job market. Nutrition and dietetics is a growth area within the healthcare system. Jobs are expected to continue to grow over the next decade, making nutrition and dietetics an attractive choice for job security.

How long does it take to become a dietitian or nutritionist?

Becoming a dietitian typically requires both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. You also need to complete a 1-year clinical internship. In total, it usually takes 5-7 years to become a dietitian.

The requirements for nutritionists are less strict. Many nutritionists only have a bachelor’s degree. Some complete internships or similar, but this is not required. Therefore you can become a nutritionist in 3 to 4 years.

What subjects should I take at high school if I want to become a dietitian or nutritionist?

Research the specific degree programs that you are interested in to understand the school subjects that provide the strongest foundation for later study.

These subjects are often:

• biology – including advanced or AP coursework if available
• chemistry – including advanced or AP coursework if available
• math – including 2 years of algebra and a year of geometry
• English and language arts – (4 years)
• social studies – including history, sociology, or psychology (2 years)

Some high schools offer courses like medical terminology, statistics, or basic nutrition. While not required, these courses can provide useful foundational knowledge.

5 steps to becoming a dietician

Step 1 – Complete a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field

All dietitians must complete a bachelor’s degree program. Most choose a degree in nutrition and dietetics. Look for a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Applicants need to have completed an ACEND-accredited degree to be eligible for the registration exam.

Common coursework of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics includes:

• general chemistry
• organic chemistry
• biology
• biochemistry
• dietetics
• food science
• nutritional physiology

Step 2 – Complete a master’s degree in dietetics and nutrition

As of January 1, 2024, all applicants are required to complete a graduate degree before taking the registered dietitian examination.

The most common degree for graduate training is a Master’s in Science (M.S.) in nutrition and dietetics. This 2-year program focuses on advanced coursework and clinical practice in nutrition.

Step 3 – Complete your supervised internship

The dietetic internship, or DI, stipulates students attain at least 1,200 hours of supervised training. These internships are very competitive and involve a match process in which a computer determines the best match based on program rankings and applicants’ preferences.

Some bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in dietetics are considered coordinated programs. These can be completed in 2-3 years by combining the didactic requirements and practical internship. This removes the requirement for a student to complete a standalone dietetic internship.

Step 4 – Pass the CDR exam

After completing an accredited degree program and a dietetic internship, you are eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. This is a computerized-adaptive test containing 125 to 145 multiple-choice questions. The exam takes 2.5 hours to complete and tests knowledge in:

• Principles of dietetics (25%) – This includes information about food science, nutrient composition of foods, education and communication, research applications, and nutritional science.
• Nutrition care for individuals and groups (40%) – This includes information about screening, assessment, diagnosis, planning and intervention, and monitoring of treatment progress.
• Management of food and nutrition programs and services (21%) – This tests knowledge about financial management, human resources, marketing, public relations, and quality improvement.
• Food service systems (14%) – This includes questions about menu development, sanitation and safety, facility planning, and procurement, production, distribution, and service of food.

Step 5 – Get licensed in your state

The exact licensure requirements vary by state. However, most states issue licenses to individuals who have completed an ACEND-accredited degree program, finished the dietetic internship, and successfully passed the CDR exam. You may need to complete continuing education coursework to maintain your license in your state. Check with your state licensing board for details.

Nutrition and dietetics salary and demand

For the last 50 years, the international movement to look and feel good has led to increased demand for nutrition specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a further increase of 11% from 2020 to 2030, which translates into an estimated 80,000 people being employed in the field in 2030. This level of job security may be a reason to choose dietitian as a career.

Financial aid for dietetics or nutrition programs

The first step to apply for financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This can give you access to various forms of financial aid, including grants and federal loans. There are also specific scholarships for dietetics and nutrition. Also ask the student financial aid office about other opportunities for need- or merit-based aid.