Our Field
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:
- Completed a minimum of a master's degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics *
- Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to
12 months in length.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
- Several states, including Texas, offer a dietitians license.
The UTMB MS/DI program provides an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and graduates are eligible to take the national examination upon completion.
Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
State Licensure
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 the Commission on Dietetic Registration - State Licensure webpage
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dietitians and nutritionists is projected to increase 14 percent from 2016 to 2026. Demand for dietitians and nutritionists come in part from the large number of aging baby boomers, who are looking
to stay healthy, and the increasing obese population, who is seeking help in changing diets and lifestyles U.S. News & World Report reports that in 2020, the median salary for dietitians is $60,370.
*Graduate Degree Requirement for 2024
Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a graduate degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration
examination eligibility with a bachelor's degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) by December 31, 2023 before 12:00 Midnight (CST).
For more information about this requirement, please visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration website.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.