Licensure

National

• Twenty-seven states require that dietitians be licensed. Requirements for the license vary by state. In general, licensed dietitians must:
be at least 18 years of age; have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; complete a program that is approved by the American Dietetics Association; complete 900 hours of approved pre-professional experience or internship; pass an exam; and take continuing education classes.
• Fourteen states require that dietitians be certified or registered. The Commission on Dietetic Registration awards the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential. The requirements for the RD are similar to the requirements listed above. For dietitians who live in states where a license or certificate is not required, the RD is still recommended. Registration is a sign of the dietitian's skills and knowledge. For more information about the RD credential, contact: Commission on Dietetic Registration The American Dietetic Association 216 West Jackson Boulevard, 8th Floor Chicago, IL 60606-6995 Phone: 312.899.0040 Fax: 312.899.4772 E-mail: cdr@eatright.org         http://www.cdrnet.org