Become an RDN or NDTR
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
The RD/RDN is a health care professional educated in nutrition and foods who is able to translate scientific information into practical solutions to help individuals make positive lifestyle changes. Specialized education and training prepare RD/RDNs to provide medical nutrition therapy; they are also trained to provide nutrition counseling/education to promote and advocate optimal health for all.
Educational Requirements of the RD/RDN
The RD/RDN has earned at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, food science, psychology, nutrition, diet therapy, food service management and computer sciences are among the courses required to meet educational standards. In addition, a practical supervised training in an accredited program is required. This experience teaches the application of scientific nutrition and dietetics principles to a variety of work settings. After completion of the practical supervised training in an accredited program, the RD/RDN has passed a national examination and completes ongoing continuing education requirements.
What is a Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTR)?
The NDTR is a health care professional educated in nutrition and food management, and general sciences. A NDTR is an integral part of a health and food management team. The NDTR works with the RDN in a variety of settings, including health care, business, industry, public health, food service and research.
The Education Council
The Education Council of the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ role is to support dietetic education programs in California through including institutions of higher education, NDEP, ACEND, and CDR, while actively recruiting into the dietetics profession. The council is available to support dietetic education programs, advocate for students and dietetic education programs, and provide guidance and educational opportunities to students and professionals through education activities and mentoring.
Programs & Internships
The link below will take you to the Accredited Programs Directory which showcases all ACEND Accredited Programs.
Internship Match
The Dietetic Internship Match is a computer-based method which provides an orderly and fair way to match the preferences of applicants for Dietetic Internships (DIs) with the preferences of DI program directors.
Find a Preceptor
A preceptor is an expert or specialist, such as a Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, who provides guidance, practical experience and training to a Dietetic Intern.