How to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Earn a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program.
- Complete a supervised practice requirement.
- Pass a national exam for RDNs.
- Meet requirements to practice in your state.
- Stay up-to-date in dietetics through continuing education.
Adapted from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Please visit this website for more information on becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
The Marshall University Didactic Program in Dietetics and combined Masters of Science/Dietetic Internship (on-site and distance programs) are accredited by ACEND. Marshall offers a DPD undergraduate program and a combined Masters of Science/Dietetic Internship. Students can complete all requirements to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in our Department. Please visit our website for more information regarding these programs.
State Licensure
Successful completion of the Marshall University Dietetic Internship (DI), and subsequent issuance of the DI Verification Statement, meets requirements set forth by the WV Board of Licensed Dietitians to apply for WV licensure. Please contact the West Virginia Board of Licensed Dietitians for more information.
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. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: State Licensure.
The Professional Licensure by State table indicates whether our program either meets, does not meet, or has not been determined for licensure, certification, or endorsement requirements. The information provided is strictly limited to the University’s determination of whether its dietetic internship program if successfully completed, would be sufficient to meet the educational licensure or certification requirements in a State. Marshall University cannot guarantee an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Furthermore, this disclosure does not account for changes in state law or regulation that may affect your application for licensure that occur after this disclosure has been made.
In addition to the information provided here, students are strongly encouraged to contact their State’s licensure entity to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by their state(s) of choice. You should also contact the applicable licensing board to determine any other requirements you may need to fulfill in order to obtain licensure in a particular state. While we can provide initial guidance – including whether or not the education you receive at Marshall University will prepare you for the applicable licensing exam – it is ultimately your responsibility to check with the state licensing board where you intend to seek licensure and practice to confirm all licensing requirements; make sure you understand and consider the implications of the additional requirements prior to enrolling in a program intended to lead to professional licensure.
If you have any questions, you can also contact the University at licensure@marshall.edu. To learn more about State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and how these agreements affect Marshall University programs, visit Marshall University’s State Authorization Compliance website and Marshall University State Authorization and Professional Licensure Programs website. For more information about state licensure requirements click here.