Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are credentialed food and nutrition professionals. If you are wondering how to become an RDN, the process includes specific education, supervised practice, and examination requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
There are multiple pathways to becoming an RDN through ACEND-accredited programs. These include Graduate Programs in Nutrition and Dietetics (GP), Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP), and pathways that combine a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Foreign Dietitian Education (FDE) Program with an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
Under its 2027 standards, ACEND refers to Dietetic Internship programs as Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) Programs.
The information below focuses on the DPD + supervised practice pathway that applies to applicants pursuing supervised practice through Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship.
How to Become an RDN: Pathway Requirements
For individuals pursuing the DPD + supervised practice pathway, the process includes the following steps:
1. Complete the Required Dietetics Education and Receive a DPD Verification Statement
First, complete the required nutrition and dietetics coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
After completing the DPD requirements, individuals receive a DPD Verification Statement. This statement documents completion of the required academic preparation for an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
CDR also requires individuals to hold a graduate degree from an appropriately accredited institution before they can take the RDN credentialing examination.
Learn more about CDR eligibility requirements.
2. Complete an ACEND-Accredited Supervised Practice Experience
Next, complete an ACEND-accredited Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) Program, formerly referred to as a Dietetic Internship (DI) program.
Supervised practice provides hands-on experience in professional settings. These may include clinical nutrition, community nutrition, foodservice management, wellness, and other areas of dietetics practice.
Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship is an ACEND-accredited distance supervised practice program that fulfills the supervised practice component of the pathway to becoming an RDN.
View ACEND-accredited programs.
3. Successfully Complete the Supervised Practice Program and Receive a Verification Statement
After completing all BWS DI program requirements, graduates receive a Verification Statement documenting successful completion of the ACEND-accredited supervised practice program.
This Verification Statement is separate from the DPD Verification Statement received before entering the program. CDR uses it as part of the process for establishing eligibility to take the credentialing examination.
Learn more about RDN eligibility requirements.
4. Pass the CDR Credentialing Examination
Once an individual meets CDR eligibility requirements and CDR validates their eligibility, they may take the national registration examination for dietitians.
Individuals who pass the examination earn the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential.
Learn more about the CDR credentialing examination.
5. Meet Applicable State Licensure or Certification Requirements
In addition, some states require dietitians to obtain state licensure or certification in addition to earning the RDN credential.
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.
Completing an ACEND-accredited program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review the licensing statutes and regulations for the state in which they intend to practice to understand the specific requirements.
View ACEND’s state licensure and certification resources.
6. Maintain the RDN Credential
Finally, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists must complete CDR continuing professional education requirements to maintain the RDN credential.
Learn more about the RDN credential through CDR.
How BWS DI Fits Into the RDN Pathway
Be Well Solutions Dietetic Internship provides the ACEND-accredited supervised practice experience required as part of the pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Applicants to BWS DI must complete the required dietetics academic preparation and receive a DPD Verification Statement before beginning the program.
After completing all BWS DI requirements, graduates receive a Verification Statement. They become eligible to take the CDR credentialing examination once they meet all other CDR eligibility requirements, including the graduate degree requirement.
Learn more about how to apply to BWS DI.