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How to Become a Registered Dietitian
Academic Requirements
In order to become a registered dietitian you must complete your BS degree in a regionally accredited college or university. Your degree must meet the minimum academic requirements as approved by the American Dietetic Association (A.D.A.). This will make you eligible to apply to any of the 263 different internships located in the US and Puerto Rico.
The internships are extremely competitive so you will need to show that you have a good G.P.A. as well as some experience in the field of dietetics before you apply. College and community involvement also is an important part of the process. This means you need to start early in your career in Nutrition planning for your internship.
The Process:
In your senior year of college you will begin the process of applying for your internship. Your academic advisor will help you select and apply for the internship of your choice. A listing of all internships available can be found on the A.D.A. website (www.eatright.org ).
The Internship:
Each internship is comprehensive and designed to provide students with the understanding and skills vital to pursue a satisfying career in nutrition and dietetics. Some internships provide interns with the chance to also complete a graduate degree. Each internship exposes the intern to a vast scope of available career options. You will complete rotations of supervised experience in clinical, community, and food-service management organizations.
Registration Exam:
After successfully completing all the requirements for the dietetic internship, you will be eligible to take the National Registration Exam for Dietitians. You will be able to take the test on the computer which means you will find out immediately if you passed the exam. Once you are registered you are allowed to use the initials "RD" after your name signifying your status as a Registered Dietitian.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like to find out more about the Nutrition program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Ena Joseph, Program Director
Office: Hawkins Hall 115B
Phone: (518) 564-3135
Fax: (518) 564-3100
E-mail: josephe@plattsburgh.edu