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Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam, and continue professional development throughout their careers. There also are specialty credentials in areas of gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR) and oncology nutrition (CSO). Board-certified specialists are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Registered dietitian nutritionists typically do the following:

Career options and specialty areas for dietitians are diverse and flexible. RDNs can:

  • Perform medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team in hospitals, clinics, or other health care facilities.
  • Manage food service operations in hospitals, school districts, colleges and universities, long-term care facilities, day-care centers, correctional facilities and more — overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to setting menus and managing staff.
  • Consult with food companies, foodservice or restaurant managers, food vendors and distributors, nursing home residents or company employees in corporate wellness programs.
  • Develop public awareness campaigns in community and population health settings to improve peoples' quality of life through healthy eating habits.
  • Help athletes, police forces, firefighters, and members of the military understand the connection between food, fitness and performance in the field.
  • Work in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, or product development for food and nutrition-related businesses and industries.
  • Educate physicians, nurses, dietetics students, and other health care practitioners on the sophisticated science of nutrition and dietetics in universities and medical centers.
  • Conduct dietetics research to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.

Quick Facts:

  • A minimum of a master’s degree and completion of at least 1000 hours of supervised practice (dietetic internship) are required. Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
  • GRE may be required for admission to a master’s program.
  • Centralized Application Service for Dietetic Internships: DICAS; Not all programs participate. Check with each individual program to determine how to apply.
  • GPA: 3.0 or higher Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) GPA required
  • Recommendation Letters: Most programs require 2-3.
  • Please see the ACEND website for a list of accredited programs.

How to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at UH:

  • Earn a bachelor's degree and a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) verification statement. Students who major in Human Nutrition & Foods – ACEND Accredited Track BS and complete the degree requirements with a minimum 3.00 DPD can receive a verification statement upon graduation.
  • Complete an ACEND accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship). The UH Dietetic Internship program has onsite and distance tracks.
  • Earn a master’s degree. The Human Nutrition MS program is fully online and can be completed concurrently with a dietetic internship.
  • Pass the national Commission on Dietetic Registration RDN exam.

UH courses required for the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Verification Statement:

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology: BIOL 2301/2101 and BIOL 2302/2102
  • Microbiology: BIOL 2320/2120 or BIOL 2321/2121
  • Organic Chemistry: CHEM 2323/2123
  • Biochemistry: BCHS 3304 or BCHS 3307
  • Introduction to Human Nutrition: NUTR 2332
  • Commercial Food Production: NUTR 2333/2133
  • Dietetics as a Profession I: NUTR 3101
  • Management in Food and Nutrition Systems: NUTR 3330
  • Advanced Nutrition: NUTR 3334
  • Nutritional Pathophysiology: NUTR 3336
  • Dietetics as a Profession II: NUTR 4201
  • Nutrition Assessment & Planning: NUTR 4312
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy – Cardiovascular: NUTR 4333
  • Community Nutrition: NUTR 4334
  • Research in Nutrition: NUTR 4346
  • Medical Nutrition Therapy – Metabolic: NUTR 4347
  • Introduction to Nutritional Counseling: NUTR 4348
  • Public Policy in Nutrition: NUTR 4349
  • Gerontology and Nutrition: NUTR 4351
  • Child and Adolescent Nutrition: NUTR 4352
  • Cultural Competency for Nutrition Professionals: NUTR 4353

Students must complete the above courses with a minimum 3.00 DPD GPA to earn a verification statement. UH and transfer credits are included in the DPD GPA calculation.

Learn more about Registered Dietitian Nutritionists: