What does an RDN do?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are the experts in diet and nutrition in all facets of the health care and wellness industries. They provide nutrition-related counseling, education, and health care focused on preventing, treating, and managing health conditions. In addition, RDNs help individuals improve their overall health to feel better or achieve their performance goals in sports and recreation. They work in various employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, sports, government agencies and private practice.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. Graduates who complete the ACEND-accredited graduate program at Manchester University are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
Careers for a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Behavioral Health Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Health
- Clinical Nutrition
- Corporate Wellness
- Diabetes Education & Management
- Eating Disorders Treatment
- Food Allergies Management
- Food & Culinary Professionals
- Food & Nutrition Research
- Nutrition Education
- Oncology Nutrition
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health/Community Nutrition
- School Nutrition Services
- Sports & Performance Nutrition
- Vegetarian Nutrition
- Weight Management
- Women’s Health
Read more about educational pathways to become an RDN on the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) website.