If you are considering a career in food, nutrition, or dietetics, now is an opportune time to enter the field. With the growing interest in health and wellness, there is increasing demand for qualified nutrition professionals and experts. In fact, jobs for dietitians and nutritionists are expected to increase by 7% between 2022 and 2032, faster than many other types of jobs. This figure illustrates the favorable job prospects available for individuals interested in these professions and seeking relevant education and training.
However, the road to becoming an accredited dietitian or nutritionist can be complex, with several different education paths and credentials to consider. Read on as this article breaks down the common types of university nutrition and dietetics programs, internships, and exams required to enter this field.
Dietetic Technician Associate Degree
One option to begin a nutrition career is to earn an associate degree as a Dietetic Technician. Often abbreviated as DTAD or DTR (Dietetic Technician, Registered), these 2-year programs provide the foundational knowledge in food, nutrition, and health required to support registered dietitians and nutritionists.
Such programs focus on sciences like chemistry, human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and nutrition science, as well as food and nutrition-specific training. They also delve into areas like food composition, nutrition across the human lifecycle, nutrition counseling, food safety and preparation, and community nutrition.
During a DTAD program, students also complete at least 450 hours of supervised practice experience to apply classroom teachings in real-world settings. Common sites include hospitals, long-term care facilities, food production operations, and wellness centers.
Upon completion of an accredited DTAD, graduates are eligible to take the DTR credentialing exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Earning the DTR provides greater opportunities for entry-level and support roles in nutrition and dietetics.
Bachelor's Degree: CPD and DPD Programs
For individuals aiming to become a Registered Dietitian (RD), an essential requirement is the completion of a bachelor’s degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). There are two main types of undergraduate degrees:
- Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD)
- Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
A CPD integrates both classroom and supervised practice into one four-year bachelor’s program, while a DPD focuses exclusively on academic work.
CPD degrees require students to complete at least 1,200 hours of real-world training in professional settings like hospitals, research labs, community programs, and food service operations. Topics mirror those of an ADT but are studied in greater depth, breadth, and integration to prepare graduates as professionals.
Earning a bachelor’s through an ACEND CPD allows immediate eligibility to take the national Registered Dietitian (RD) credentialing exam upon graduation. This is the gold standard certification required for most nutrition and dietetics careers.
In contrast, graduates of an ACEND-accredited DPD first need additional supervised training hours through a dietetic internship or individualized supervised practice pathway (see next sections) before qualifying to take the RD exam. However, some benefits of completing a DPD include more flexible program scheduling and the option to combine dietetics prerequisites simultaneously with prerequisites for medical or other graduate school.
Post-Graduate Dietetic Internship
As introduced above, after obtaining a DPD bachelor’s degree, the next step is to complete an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI). This intense training program requires at least 1,200 hours of real-life experience under the guidance of qualified nutrition professionals and RDs.
Dietetic internships may be based within healthcare organizations, universities, government agencies, and private companies. Some internships are also separate from academic institutions, while others integrate with a master’s program in Applied Nutrition.
Due to the intensive placement requirements and RD exam eligibility attached, DI admission is quite competitive. In addition, there are often far more qualified applicants than the number of annual internship positions available. However, enrollment continues to increase to meet job market demand.
Once a dietetic internship is successfully completed, graduates can take the RD exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways
An emerging and more flexible option for DPD graduates to obtain supervised practice hours toward RD eligibility is an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway or ISPP. This program provides customized nutrition training plans for students based on their unique interests within the dietetics field.
Under the guidance of an assigned advisor, students design real-world learning objectives and locations that align with their specific career goals. All experiences must still meet ACEND accreditation standards regarding the subject areas addressed and the total training hours provided.
Master's Degrees
Obtaining advanced credentials can provide even greater career opportunities, as well as specialty. In fact, data reveals that 86% of all 25- to 34-year-olds with a bachelor’s or higher degree saw better employment success.
If you are considering earning a master’s degree in dietetic nutrition programs, there are two main options for graduate-level study you can choose from. The first is to earn a Master of Science degree while simultaneously completing the dietetic internship requirements to take the RD exam. These intense programs allow students to obtain both the graduate degree and RD concurrently within two to three years.
Alternatively, those who already hold DTR or RD credentials can enroll in the post-credential master’s program. At this stage, specialized concentrations become available in areas like sports nutrition, public wellness, clinical care, food science, education, and leadership.
Advanced certifications like Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES), Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM), and Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) may also be obtained after a master’s.
Final Thoughts
Though the roadmap has twists and turns, a rewarding career helping others through nutrition is within reach. Aspiring dietetics students have several potential paths to becoming respected Registered Dietitians and Nutritionists. Institutions like International Medical Aid are also providing dietetic internships, which can help you figure out the right stepping stones and milestones for your interests.
With passion and dedication, you can achieve RD status and specialty certifications suited to your vision—whether that’s community education, clinical dietetics, research, food service management, or beyond!
