How to Become A Registered Dietitian

Educational and professional requirements of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD/RDN credential:

1. Completed a minimum of a master's degree granted by a college or university accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency or foreign equivalent, and coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics accredited Didactic, Coordinated, Graduate or International program.
2. Completed required supervised practice/experience through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, Coordinated Program, Graduate Program, or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway offered through an ACEND-accredited program.
3. Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR's website.
4. Meet requirements to practice in your state. Many states have regulatory laws (i.e. licensure) for food and nutrition practitioners. All states accept the RDN credential for state licensure purposes.
5. Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education. After successfully passing the national exam and earning the credential, RDNs maintain ongoing professional development in order to stay up to date on the latest research, recommendations and best practices.

The Henry Ford Hospital Dietetic Internship qualifies as an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. Only graduates of ACEND-accredited programs are eligible to take the exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or Dietetics Technician, Registered. Individuals with only degrees in nutrition, dietetics or other related areas from programs that are not ACEND-accredited are NOT ELIGIBLE to take the exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or Dietetics Technician, Registered.

Some RD’s hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, and diabetes education.

Licensure to practice Medical Nutrition Therapy in the state of Michigan was signed into law on April 30th, 2024. Applications for initial licensure will be available on or before October 17th, 2027. For additional information on Michigan Medical Nutrition Therapy licensure, please visit the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.