How to Become a Registered Dietician in California

Registered dieticians provide a range of services focusing on good nutrition.

Registered dieticians provide nutritional advice in hospital or community health care settings and can be a vital part of medical teams. In California, registered dietitians are members of the California Dietetic Association and have received the "RD" credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency of the American Dietetic Association. As health care professionals, RDs promote health and wellness to all Americans through nutritional information as well as direct patient care.

Instructions

1. Complete a coordinated program in dietetics that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. The CDA maintains a list of coordinated programs on its website. Accredited coordinated programs fulfill both the dietetic coursework and supervised practice hours required to obtain the RD credential.

2. Complete both a CADE-accredited didactic program in dietetics as well as a CADE-accredited internship. This is necessary if you do not complete the coordinated program. Lists of such programs and internships in California are also available on the CDA website. As with the coordinated program, completion of both the didactic program and the internship fulfills the educational and practice hours requirement for the RD credential.

3. Write the CDR registration examination for dietitians within one year of receiving an exam application. An exam application will be sent to you once you have completed your educational and practice requirements and your eligibility status is confirmed by the CDR. Successfully pass the registration examination. Unlike some other states, as of November 2010, California does not require state licensing in addition to the CDR credential to practice as an RD.

4. Complete continuing professional education requirements to maintain your registration. This is required for your continued status as an RD.

References

• California Dietetic Association: How to Become an RD
• Findlaw: California Code Section 2585
• California Dietetic Association: For Our Students
• American Dietetic Association: Becoming an RD/DTR--The Basics for Students
• California Dietetic Association: State Licensure Agency Contact List

Resources

• Commission on Dietetic Registration: Home
• California Dietetic Association: Historical Consideration of Licensure