Pathways to Become an RD/RDN

How to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Through Andrews University:

To become an RDN through Andrews University, please following these steps:

Complete at least a bachelor's degree*, from an accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE), with ACEND accredited coursework and receive a DPD verification statement.
Complete the Andrews University ACEND accredited Dietetic Internship.
Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be the minimum degree requirement for those seeking to become eligible for the registration examination for dietitians*. Students must be enrolled in a graduate degree program, or have completed a graduate degree prior to the start of the internship. For those that are accepted into the internship there is a simple application progress to enroll in the Andrews University MS Nutrition and Wellness.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national examination.
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice as an RDN. For more information about state licensure requirements visit the Commission on Dietetic Registration site.
Continue to grow as a professional by obtaining continuing education units (CEUs) and maintain registration.

The Andrews University Dietetics Internship fulfills the requirement of completing a supervised practice program.

The Dietetic Internship provides graduate credits which may be used towards the MS Nutrition and Wellness, however, acceptance into the Dietetic Internship Program does NOT guarantee admission to any other AU graduate programs, and does NOT confer a graduate degree.

For more information regarding becoming an RDN, please visit eatrightpro.org. For more information regarding the CDR exam, please visit cdrnet.org.

Graduate Requirement

Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. 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) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023.

For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.

Andrews University utilizes Option 1 as a track to becoming an RD/RDN as described by the CDR. Through the dietetic internship, Andrews University offers credit toward completion of the MS Nutrition and Wellness degree. For more information about these pathways outlined by the CDR, click here.

For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN after January 1st, 2024 - click here.

For more information regarding the MS in Nutrition & Wellness Program that is offered at Andrews University, please visit this page.

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.”

For more information about state licensure requirements click here.