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From:	Mark Rifkin (rifkin.vegsource.com)
Subject:	Re: Becoming an RD
Date:	January 1, 2008 at 8:57 am PST

In Reply to: Becoming an RD posted by wiscrunner on December 31, 2007 at 1:28 pm:

Hi Wiscrunner,

Thanks so much for your question. The basic requirements are education (undergrad coursework in nutrition), experience (900+ hour internship) and an exam.

First, I'd review the regulations in your state RE: the nature of the degree required. Contact the Wisconsin Dept. of Regulation and Licensing, Dietitians Affiliated Credentialing Board at 608-266-8098. Check to see whether RDs are required to have a degree in nutrition, or simply a bachelors degree in any field + the course content in nutrition and prerequisites. If a degree in nutrition is not required, then your academic obligations are much more limited.

Then check out the ADA's site eatright.org and click on "Careers and students" then "accredited education programs". Academic programs are listed by state.

After your coursework, you'll complete an internship (usually fulltime, unpaid); these programs are also listed at the same website. Some are flexible enough to allow time in elective rotation sites, which for you could mean shadowing a working sports dietitian.

The exam is proctored, and usually offered at official testing sites.

Let me know how else I can help you progress on your path,
Mark Rifkin, MS, RD, LDN

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