My number 1 most frequently emailed/asked question on this blog is:
How do I apply to school to become an RD, especially if I’m starting from scratch with the prerequisites?
Many of you seem to be in the same boat that I was in 2009 — after getting an unrelated undergraduate degree and years of office work in an unrelated field, you’ve decided you want to make a career out of nutrition. I’m honored to know that I’ve inspired some of you to follow your own dreams, and happy to be able to help you out along the way. The process sounds scary and complicated, but it’s really not when you understand it… and it will definitely be worth it. Right? 
Here’s everything you need to know about going back to school to become an RD, right on one easy page. I wish I’d had this on hand when I started my own journey!
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First things first. To be an RD, you need to do 3 things:
- Take the specific set of courses outlined by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). This can be completed at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Complete the required internships, also outlined by AND. This can be done separately or at the same time as the coursework, depending on your program. (See the researching programs section for more details).
- Take the RD exam (and pass it!).
Steps for Applying to School to Become an RD:
- Research programs.
- Take the GRE (if applying at the graduate level).
- Take the required prerequisites.
- Apply to your chosen programs (this can be done while finishing prerequisites — I was only half way through when I applied).
- Get accepted to the school of your choice and rejoice!
1. Research Programs
The first thing you should do if you want to go back to school to become an RD is to research the offered programs. Click here to view AND’s accredited programs. You can narrow it down based on location, whether it’s graduate or undergraduate, etc.
Coordinated programs mean you do the coursework AND internship all at once, in one program. If it’s a coordinated masters program, it will typically be 2 to 2.5 years. The MPH-Nutrition program at UNC (where I went) is like this, so our internships are set up for us and dispersed throughout the 2.5 years of school (in the two summers in between classes, and in the final fall semester). Didactic coursework and internships, on the other hand, means you complete the coursework and the internships separately, and will have to apply to both programs separately as well. I would recommend applying to coordinated programs if possible as internship programs in particular can be hard to get into.
2. Take the GRE (if you are applying at the graduate level)
Enough said. You’ll be fine — just buy a study guide book and use it. Especially for the math and vocabulary sections!
3. Take the Required Prerequisites
Most of the prerequisites (at least for the MS and MPH programs I looked at) are similar, although there are a few higher level differences, which is annoying. I took the courses I knew I absolutely needed first, and saved the last one or two for the summer before I started, when I would know which program I was attending.
Prerequisites You’ll Need to Take:
- Chemistry 1 + lab
- Chemistry 2 + lab
- Biology 101 + lab
- Organic Chemistry + lab
- Anatomy & Physiology + lab
- Human Nutrition (or something similar — an intro to nutrition)
- Biochemistry
You may also need:
- Microbiology
- Intro to Psychology
- Intro to Sociology
- etc.
I took all of the courses in the first list, plus Microbiology. Psychology and Sociology were covered from my undergraduate coursework — I was a Sociology major! When taking prereqs, I’d recommend starting with Chemistry 1 and 2 and going from there. The other courses all include some general Chemistry so it will help you to have taken that first! Also — don’t be overwhelmed by this list. I was totally overwhelmed and scared about all the hard science (that I avoided in undergrad) but it was over before I knew it and actually fun to be learning again, especially since it was working towards a goal that really mattered.
The prerequisites took me a full year to complete on a part time basis, while also working part time. Starting in the Summer of 2009, I took Chem 1 and 2, in the fall I took Organic Chem and Bio 101, in the spring I took Human Nutrition and Anatomy & Physiology, and, finally, in the summer just before beginning my graduate program I took Microbiology and Biochemistry.
4. Apply to Your Chosen Program
Most applications are due sometime between December and February to start the following fall. It’s fine to apply to schools before you’re done with the prerequisites — you’ll just send updated transcripts as you complete courses. When I applied to schools, I had only completed about half the prerequisites, so I just outlined my plan for completing the rest (e.g. I will take these courses in the spring and these courses in the summer) at the end of my personal statement.
5. Get Accepted and Rejoice!
You did it! Time to get out there and start changing the world
I hope you guys found this helpful — I remember it being kind of a nightmare trying to figure all this out on my own, so hopefully I’ve spared some of you the same fate Good luck!
What a great resource! All the info in one place. I know this will be helpful to many people. Good job! And I second your suggestion of applying for a coordinated program if possible.
Thank you for this!!
Great info Anne! I get these questions all the time! I’m referring them to your post from now on
Great post! I have to admit… it brought back some “wonderful” memories of going through the process last year
It’s tough but TOTALLY worth it… I’m happier than I’ve ever been. To those that are considering this, definitely forge on! Although they all cover the same required courses, every school is slightly different so do your homework on which program is best for you. Yay future RD’s of the world!!!
Thank you for sharing this information Anne. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time. I’ve been searching for a new path that where I can focus on food and healthy living. I thought about going to culinary school, but after much debate, I think this is going to be a better choice. I got my transcripts from my undergrad today…the process starts now! Thanks again!
Hi Anne! Thanks for this breakdown! Do you know much about the difference between the paths for becoming an RD vs a CCN (certified clinical nutritionist)? I’m interested in pursuing a degree in nutrition so I can integrate my background in journalism/communications with my interest in nutrition/wellness (especially from a holistic standpoint). I’m not sure that for me, becoming an RD is the right option based on what I want to do. Do you have any insight? Thank you!
Being a “nutritionist” is a huge difference from being an RD – a nutritionist is usually just someone who has taken a brief online course, that’s it. Way less credibility when compared to the massive amount of intensely science schooling that RD’s go through, plus internships, etc.
Helpful! I’m in the process of taking pre-reqs right now, but I’m working full-time and taking one class a semester (which is all my work will pay for) so it’s going to be a SLOW process, but hopefully I’ll get there! I just wish I had taken some science in undergrad! Haha. Thanks for the info!
Hi Anne! I am a recent follower to your blog and a current sophomore at UW Madison in Pre-Dietetics. Seeing all your great experiences at your internship is helping me get through undergrad to get to the good stuff! Thanks!
Good luck everyone! You will enjoy your new career!
This is so helpful, thanks!
I’m in a dietetics program now but and will be applying for internships next year. I am also kinda interested in public health. Do you know if there are many programs for combined internships/master’s of public health? What extra stuff is required for the public health aspect?
I think UNC is one of few (if not the only) MPH-nutrition coordinated program. Our program is 2.5 years instead of the regular 2 – the extra semester is the additional public health stuff (although it’s sprinkled throughout the years) – biostats, epidemiology, public health mgmt, etc.
Thank you thank you for doing this! I’d love to, but I have NONE of the prereqs…it’s a lot!
I’m planning to do this soon too and will put in a link to your page!
I’m in the process of applying to internships right now, and I was looking into masters/internship combined programs. However, I think I’m going to do an internship THEN get my masters in sports nutrition rather than in nutrition science (which is what most combined programs seem to offer).
I’m pretty sure Colorado State has a coordinated sports nutrition program – or you can focus on it heavily or something? I was looking into it and debated going there. Check it out!
I’m debating on taking this route now too and wondering–do you need two semesters of organic chem & bio chem? Or just one?
I just took one of each – but these prerequisites vary slightly by school!
Ahhhh thanks so much! I totally forgot about this post. This was 100% more helpful than any other information I’ve seen about applying for the Masters (as someone with no science background). The ADA should link to this on their website!!!
(sorry to harass you on gchat while you’re studying!)
Anne, I keep coming back to this page over and over again – it’s such a wealth of information! Evidently my mom’s new dream is for me to follow in your footsteps and become a dietician — she even said she’d be willing to pay for it!
An offer like that makes a girl really think… though I would be starting from zip, zero, and zilch like you did. Plus, there aren’t any schools in the DC area, are there? Food for thought…
Well damn… a full ride? What the hell?!
But you’re right – no schools in DC area for masters programs. Closest is JHU! And it’s definitely a long process (will have taken me 3.5 years, start to finish, including all summers) and includes a TON of science, med-school type stuff, etc. But it’s worth it if you think it’s really what you want to do!
I just wanted to say thank you for this information. I have been wanting to do the big career jump and needed some motivation. You definately inspired me and I just wanted to say Thank You! Good luck on your journey!
Thank you for this break down! I graduated with a Political Science degree and now I’m considering becoming an RD. I wish I would have followed my heart earlier in life, but like you mentioned, a slew of office jobs made me realize that: 1. Law school wasn’t for me and 2. I love the healthy living world and want to be part of it full time!
I still have not made any decisions about going back to school (due to current loans), but this blog entry is really encouraging!
Leslie S.
I’ve read through this post about five times in the past week. I’m about to finish a degree in education… but I’m seriously considering pursuing this as my long term career instead. I don’t have any of the pre-reqs and the amount of science is super intimidating… but I can’t stop thinking about it!
If you really think it’s what you want to do, don’t let the amount of coursework intimidate you… it’ll be over before you know it! And the science really isn’t that scary
This is so helpful. Thank you so much! It is definitely scary going back to school (I am in a very similar situation as you – but also did not have an amazing undergrad GPA so definitely will NOT be getting into UNC’s amazing program).
I am definitely considering a MPH, most likely in nutrition, but am not sure if I am interested in becoming an RD. Do you know if most people in your program intend on becoming an RD as well- or any are using their MPH for other careers?
I’m glad it was helpful!
UNC’s MPH in Nutrition is specifically geared towards the ADA’s requirements for becoming an RD, so all of us are doing this program to become RD’s. But I’m sure other schools have just general MPH programs (maybe in nutrition or just more general) that aren’t geared towards becoming an RD!
Oh and one more thing – even if your undergrad GPA wasn’t amazing, it might not matter if you still have a ton of prerequisites to make up. They will basically only be looking at the grades for the relevant prereqs, so you can always take those classes now and blow them out of the water
Thank you again!!! UNC is an amazing program as you know, and looks sooo nice from your pics!! If you dont mind I have one more question
Did you take the pre-reqs at a community college, or a real school? I am undecided about that (though I know higher level classes are not usually offered at CC’s).
I took almost everything at a community college – I’d definitely recommend doing that if you can, it’s WAY cheaper! Everything you need as a prereq should be offered at a community college near you – it’s not too high level!
Great to know, thanks again
I keep coming back to this post. It is so helpful! I’m working on taking pre-reqs right now. Did you take Anatomy & Physiology + lab in a combined course or separate? Thanks!
Leslie
Yay, good! It was a combined course – I’d recommend doing that since it’s better to have the same teacher at the same time for lecture and lab so it goes together well!
I’m so happy I came to your blog today. I really need a career change and have been wondering what it would take to be an RD / what an RD actually does day-to-day. This is inspiring me even more to get out of the cubicle that I’m sitting in. Thanks!
Did you have any experience related to nutrition/dietetics prior to deciding to apply to your program? I have a completely unrelated degree (Sociology as well) and my current job is not remotely related to dietetics!
thanks!
Nope! Unless you count the blog, which I did include in my application essay
Anne, since you were out of school for a few years, how difficult was it to get letters of recommendation for grad school. Did you revisit old professors or made connections with new professors? For me the most difficult part is figuring out who to ask for recommendations–been out of school for 2 years!
If I remember correctly, 2 of my 3 references were from previous bosses at my jobs, and then I asked 1 of my prerequisite professors that I had that semester. Since I’d been out of school for so long I hardly even remembered who my professors in college were and I’m sure they wouldn’t remember me, either!
I’m sure people wouldn’t forget you!
Thanks for the reply; it is much appreciated!
Hi Anne! Wow, this post is exactly what I needed… I was starting to get so bogged down and confused with what my next steps would be! Same story, stuck in a cubicle job and looking to change careers
I’ve been considering this for a long time now but I have a concern… it is a bit scary to me going from working full-time to school and making no money. I know this is a personal question (sorry, you can email me and also be vague!!) but has that been stressful? 2 1/2 years seems like a really long time to make my husband bear all of the financial brunt, but I don’t want that to be the only reason to not pursue my goals. Again, sorry if this is personal, but were you able to get financial aid to cover living expenses?
A final question, and I apologize since I’m new to your blog that I don’t know this – have you decided ultimately what you want to do once you’re an RD? Private practice, etc.? Thanks for your time
Just emailed you!
This is an awesome post Anne. I recently decided to go back to become an RD as well. I found a few programs that you can complete almost entirely online. Some of the pre recs with labs you have to do at a community college. Its another great option for people who may want to still work full time. I love your blog
Thanks, Lindsay! Good luck with your program!
Does becoming an R.D. involve a lot of math? I have taken Algebra and Pre-Calc in hs and Stats in college (and was not a fan of any of it)! Just curious. thanks
It involves some, especially when clinical nutrition is involved (calculating amounts for tube feedings, etc.), but it’s nothing too crazy. If you’ve done all those classes you’ll be fine!
Anne, This is great! I’m finishing my undergrad as we speak in public health and am looking for a more nutrition based graduate program. Wonderful and informative resource!!
Great post! I’m midway through my junior year. All our internships are last and I start those next January. I think your tip about the prereq’s not being scary is key…especially if you already have a degree. I changed my mind about school so many times bc of those classes…but I’m so happy I made the decision.
Hi Anne! I just read this, and I feel like I’m reading about my own life! I am 22 years old, and I graduated in May 2012 with a bachelors degree in Public Relations and Marketing. I’m currently living in Auburn, AL where my fiance is attending graduate school for Landscape Architecture. At the moment, I’m working part-time (days) at an event center and part-time (nights) as a waitress. I’ve always been fascinated with the human body and nutrition, and I feel like being and staying healthy is my passion! I was to learn more about nutrition and be able to share my knowledge with other people and communities. I’m also very savvy in the kitchen and I’m constantly trying to figure out ways to modify recipes to make the healthier but still delicious. I’ve recently started toying with the idea of going back to college to get a second degree (either another bachelors or a masters) in Nutrition. Don’t get me wrong, I love PR. But I feel like I’d excel in Nutrition, and both degrees could go hand-in-hand. You’re an inspiration! Based on your list, I’ve already taken 4 of the pre-req’s during my undergrad career, so I think I’d only need 3 or 4 more. Do you know which programs take the least amount of time? Please let me know if you have any advice! Thanks so much
I’m so glad you found this page helpful! An MS in Nutrition would take less time than the MPH program that I did… they will probably all be about 2 years (not including prereqs). Best of luck!
Hi Anne,
I have a BS in psychology and went back last year to school to apply for RD program. I took all the prerequisites and did very well. But unfortunately here in NY only a couple of colleges offer RD program. Needless to say I was not accepted to the program, bummer! They claimed that my record was blemished because I went back to school for one semester to get an MS in psychology but I decided not to pursue that and dropped the course. This was like 7 years ago. What are my chances or what do you advice if I still want to pursue becoming an RD.
Gabriel
Hi Gabriel, bummer about what happened! I’d recommend talking to some of the admissions staff at schools you want to go to – they could probably give you some good advice. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help!
Hi Anne, I am truly glad I stumbled upon your page today. I’m stuck in life right now and would be thrilled if you could offer some advice for me.
I am 22 years old, graduated from University of Toronto in BComm last summer in 2012. For a year now since I have graduated, I decided to spend another 3 years completing a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition in U of T. However, I found the courses quite difficult and managed to complete the basic nutrition and another nutrition course (nutrition & community). I know according to your guidelines, I would have to take the chemistry and biology courses. So I’m wondering would it be easier and smarter to take it at a university like Ryerson which is less harsh or even a college like Sheridan (less well-known but guarantee better marks). I have also found a list of accredited universities in Canada: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_with_accredited_dietetic_programs
This scares me since U of T isn’t on the list and render me thinking that the past year’s credits wouldn’t count towards becoming a RD. I’m full of confusion as to what I should do. It would be fantastic and a lot of help if you could give me some advice as to what my next steps should be through email!
THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE!!
Hi Chels! That’s great you want to go back to school for nutrition, too! I so wish I could help but I’m really not an expert on which courses give you credit and which don’t. I’d recommend contacting the admissions team at the schools you’re interested in – they can help you! Best of luck!