In order to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), you must first meet the requirements to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. The requirements are:
- Graduate program in nutrition and dietetics
- Graduate-level, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that integrates coursework and at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning for RDN eligibility.
- The Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences offers two ways to earn a master’s degree in clinical nutrition – Accelerated (4+1) Master’s of Science in Clinical Nutrition, Online Master’s of Science in Clinical Nutrition
- Dietetic internships
- Post bachelor’s – at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice only for RDN eligibility.
- You must complete the nutritional sciences, nutrition and dietetics program and at least a bachelor’s degree before entry.
- Some programs offer a graduate degree in conjunction with supervised practice.
- Coordinated programs in dietetics
- Bachelor’s and graduate level – dietitian coursework and at least 1,000 hours of supervise practice for RDN eligibility (combined program).
As of January 1, 2024, a Master’s degree is required to write the CDR registration examination for dietitians.
Supervised practice programs
Dietetic internships are supervised practice programs that are part of the requirements to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians. A list of accredited programs can be found at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Admission into supervised practice programs is competitive. It is recommended to have a strong academic record, volunteer or paid relevant work experience, and strong recommendations from faculty and employers.
Dietetics Application Process for ACEND® Supervised Practice Programs
The Dietetic Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS) offers a convenient service for applicants to apply to multiple dietetics programs with a single application.
Fall Cycle Notification Dates
- November 1st: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
- November 15th: Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant’s decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.
Spring Cycle Notification Dates
- March 1st: Applicant notification due date. Programs must notify applicants on or before this date.
- Applicant decision due date. Programs may NOT require an applicant’s decision to accept an appointment prior to this date.
Supervised practice program application assistance
The Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences partners with industry-leading programs throughout the country so you can obtain both a world class education and dietetic internship at the same time.
The UW Integrated Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics
UW Health and the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences have partnered to bring you the UW Integrated Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics. This program is a great option for students who want to seamlessly transition from their undergraduate nutritional science, nutrition and dietetics program to the MS in Clinical Nutrition.
- 4 semester program – you are RDN eligible within 15 months of finishing your bachelor’s degree
- Affordability at an academic medical center and renowned university
- Personalization of rotations to fit your career exploration and goals
- 100% 1-year pass rate