How to Become a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) and Licensed Dietitian (L.D.)
If you are planning a career in nutrition, read this article!
Instructions
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Food and Nutrition. Look into the programs because one can put you on the fast track to Medical School (if desired), while the other programs are for students who are satisfied finishing and becoming a Registered Dietitian. Basically, the program for future medical students is even more science course intensive than the other program. Keep in mind that the number one reason students drop out of a Food and Nutrition major is because of the difficult chemistry courses.
Finish an internship that is the necessary length and work for becoming a Registered Dietitian. Basically this means that the program must be (CADE) certified which stands for Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The internships take time and effort to apply to just like applying for a college or job. The instructors for your courses should go through the process throughout your time in college. Also, speaking with a counselor will help your chances of preparing the paperwork correctly. Finally, there should be a club within your college that will guide you throughout the process of getting approved for an internship. It is a good idea to start working on your paperwork early because surely there is a grace time needed for reviewers of your application.
Pass the exam that is administered by the (CDR) which stands for Commission on Dietetic Registration. I have never taken the exam but perhaps Registered Dietitians who are reading this can comment on the difficulty to let future dietitians know what to expect.
Complete all requirements necessary to maintain your registration.
Become a member of the American Dietetic Association. The website is http://www.eatright.org. The section of the site that explains the R.D. requirements is: http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/CADE_748_ENU_HTML.htm
Specific accreditations can be obtained such as for pediatric or diabetes care. Also, a dietitian may want to look into becoming a Licensed Dietitian (L.D.). Keep in mind that the R.D. accreditation is on the national level while the L.D. accreditation is on the state level. Here is the link that explains state requirements: http://eatright.org/ada/files/STATE_LICENSURE_SUMMARY_7_07_PDF.pdf