Becoming a Registered Dietitian:

There are several pathways to become an RDN. Cedar Crest College utilizes the following pathway:

• Step 1: Completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) with Verification Statement
• Step 2: Complete a minimum of 1000 supervised practice hours through an accredited dietetic internship
• Step 3: Complete a minimum of a master’s degree by a university regionally accredited by a USDE recognized accrediting agency* (master’s degree can occur prior to a dietetic internship or in combination with a DI) 
• Step 4: Receive a DI verification statement (both the DI and master’s degree must be completed in order to obtain this)
• Step 5: Successfully pass the national registration examination for registered dietitian nutritionists.
  • Like other health care professions, RDNs must take and pass a national board registration examination to earn the RDN certification. The RDN exam is a computer-based exam that covers the content in the three major areas of dietetics: clinical, community, and food service.

*Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).   

For more information about educational pathways to become an RDN please visit the Academy’s Information for Students. 

RDN Credentialing:

Interns who pass the national registration examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will have earned the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential. To maintain credentials, the RDN must complete a total of 75 continuing education credits every 5 year cycle and pay required fees outlined by CDR.  

Dietetics Licensure: 

After the RDN credential is obtained, state licensure or certification may be applied for if applicable. 
In addition to RDN credentialing, many states (including Pennsylvania) have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Please refer to the Academy’s information on licensure statutes. 

While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.