Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
About Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition professionals specializing in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and treatment of disease through the integration of biochemical, physiological, social, and managerial concepts within the science and art of food and nutrition.
RDNs work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, athletics, research, industry, and public health.
Note: In addition to the resources below, we encourage you to connect directly with staff at UW’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and the Online Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the career, building helpful experiences, and navigating some aspects of professional program applications. Talk with us if you have questions!
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Become a RDN by completing the following steps:
- Completing required coursework and earning a master’s degree
- Completing at least 1000 hours of supervised practice and
- Passing a national exam
Explore Your Interest in Dietetics
Shadowing & Informational Interviews
An excellent way to explore your interest in the profession is by talking directly with RDNs. If you have friends or family who work in healthcare or human services (in any role) ask if they know anyone in dietetics and arrange a Zoom chat. Look for RDNs on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok and see if they are willing to talk about their career.
Volunteering
Dietetics programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings.
Jobs & Certifications
After volunteering and exploring, getting a job in settings where you’d work alongside RDNs is a great way to learn about practical aspects of the field. Look for positions as dietetic technicians or diet clerks.
Find a Program & Apply
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) has a program directory with information on dietetics programs in the US and Puerto Rico, including UW-Madison’s Didactic Program in Dietetics. Reach out to an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences with any questions.