Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at BU

There are several pathways and steps to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). This page highlights the ACEND-accredited pathways available at Boston University, designed to support students at different stages of their academic and professional journey.

Step 1: Complete Foundational Coursework

Foundational knowledge requirements are met through our ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) program. This can be achieved at either the undergraduate or graduate level. 

Undergraduate: BS in Nutrition – Dietetics Track 

  • Students in the undergraduate dietetics track complete the DPD as part of their BS in Nutrition Science degree.

Graduate: Didactic Program in Dietetics/MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (DPD/MS/DI)

  • Students who have completed an undergraduate degree outside of dietetics complete the DPD as part of the DPD/MS/DI program.

Upon successful completion of the dietetics track or the DPD portion of the DPD/MS/DI program, students receive a DPD Verification Statement – a requirement to enter a supervised practice program.

For those interested in the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) credential, a DPD Verification Statement qualifies individuals to sit for the national NDTR registration exam.

Step 2: Master’s Degree and Dietetic Internship

To be eligible for the RDN credentialing exam, you must complete:

Depending on your academic background, this can be achieved through either:

MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (MS/DI)

  • For students who already have a DPD or FDE Verification Statement, the MS/DI program combines both the master’s degree and supervised practice requirements into one integrated pathway.

Didactic Program in Dietetics/MS in Nutrition/Dietetic Internship (DPD/MS/DI)

  • For students with an undergraduate degree outside of dietetics, the DPD/MS/DI program combines BU’s ACEND accredited DPD and MS/DI programs into one seamless pathway.

Step 3: Pass the National RDN Exam

After completing your master’s degree and supervised practice requirements, you’re eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national exam to become a credentialed RDN.

Step 4: Meet State Licensure Requirements

Many states—including Massachusetts—also require licensure or certification to practice.

Learn more about each state’s requirements on the CDR Licensure Requirements page.

Step 5: Lifelong Learning

RDNs complete ongoing professional education to stay on the cutting edge of professional practice and maintain their RDN credential.