Why become a registered dietitian?

Registered dietitians help people live longer, healthier lives. If you’re interested in science, health or helping others, an RD career is meaningful, flexible and in demand. 

• Make an impact. Help people manage chronic conditions, improve wellness and build healthier habits.
• Work in diverse settings. RDs work in hospitals, schools, research, private practice, wellness, sports and more.
• Strong job outlook. Dietitians earn an average salary of $78,700–$106,000 in Oregon. The field is growing faster than average.
• Lead in health. RDs influence policy, guide innovation and advance research in food and nutrition.

Step 1: Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

To become an RD, start by completing a DPD at an institution accredited through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). A DPD is a set of undergraduate or graduate courses that prepare you for supervised practice.  

Find a DPD near you.

Step 2: Earn a graduate degree and complete supervised practice through an OHSU program

After you finish a DPD, you must earn a graduate degree and complete supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited program.

You have two options at OHSU:

• Complete both requirements through the M.S. with a Dietetic Internship program. Choose an M.S. in Human Nutrition or an M.S. in Food Systems and Society.
• If you already have a graduate degree, you can apply for the standalone Dietetic Internship (DI)

Step 3: Pass the registration exam (RD exam) for dietitians through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

This national exam is required to earn your RD credential.

It covers:

• Clinical nutrition
• Food service systems
• Community nutrition
• Professional practice

Step 4: Get licensed if your state requires it

Some states require RDs to get a license to practice. 

In Oregon, you need to be licensed through the Oregon Health Licensing Office. This requires passing the RD exam and meeting education and training requirements. 

Step 5: Maintain your RD certification

To stay certified, complete continuing education every five years. The Commission on Dietetic Registration provides guidelines for ongoing professional development.

Explore continuing education opportunities for RDs at OHSU.

OHSU programs to become a registered dietitian

OHSU offers three paths that meet the supervised practice requirement and prepare you to take the RD exam to become a registered dietitian.

Choose the path that fits your goals and interests:

Dietetic internship (DI)

• For students who have a graduate degree and have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
• Includes supervised practice
• Leads to a graduate certificate
• Prepares you to take the RD exam

Explore the Dietetic Internship.

M.S. in Human Nutrition with Dietetic Internship

• Focuses on learning nutrition science to care for people in clinical and community settings
• Combines master's coursework with supervised practice
• Leads to a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and a graduate certificate
• Prepares you to take the RD exam

Explore the M.S. in Human Nutrition with DI program.

M.S. in Food Systems and Society with Dietetic Internship

• Focuses on food systems from social and cultural perspectives, with an emphasis on social justice
• Includes supervised practice
• Leads to a Master of Science in Food Systems and Society and a graduate certificate
• Prepares you to take the RD exam

Explore the M.S. in Food Systems and Society with DI program.

What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?

All registered dietitians (RDs) are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.

To earn the RD credential, registered dietitians (RDs/RDNs) must:

• Complete ACEND-accredited education
• Complete supervised practice
• Pass a national exam
• Maintain ongoing continuing education
• Meet professional standards

Registered dietitians are also qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy.

What do dietitians do?

As an RD, you can work in many settings, including:

• Clinical nutrition: Treat patients in hospitals, clinics or private practice
• Community nutrition: Support public health in nonprofits or local programs
• Food service management: Run food and nutrition programs in schools or hospitals
• Sports nutrition: Help athletes improve performance and recovery
• Research and academia: Teach or conduct studies on nutrition and health
• Industry and consulting: Advise businesses or media on nutrition trends

Do I need a master’s degree to become an RD?

Yes. As of 2024, the CDR requires a graduate degree to sit for the RD exam.

What’s the difference between a Dietetic Internship and a coordinated program?

A Dietetic Internship provides supervised practice after you complete your graduate degree. A coordinated program combines master’s coursework and supervised practice into one.

Explore OHSU’s M.S. with a Dietetic Internship programs.

How long does it take to become an RD?

If you already have a graduate degree and have completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), OHSU’s Dietetic Internship takes nine months. After that, you can take the RD exam.

If you already have a DPD, it typically takes about two years to complete a master’s degree with a Dietetic Internship at OHSU. After you finish the program, you’ll be eligible to take the RD exam to become a registered dietitian.

If you don’t have a DPD yet, you’ll need to complete that first. This can take an additional 2–3 years, depending on your academic background.

What’s a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)?

A DPD is a set of undergraduate or graduate courses required before beginning supervised practice.

Does OHSU offer a didactic program in dietetics (DPD)?

No, OHSU doesn’t offer a DPD program. You’ll need to complete a DPD at another school before applying for OHSU’s Dietetic Internship. Find a DPD near you.