How to Become a RD

HOW TO BECOME AN RD

The requirements for becoming a dietitian are as follows:

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university program majoring in human nutritional sciences.

The university program will include several science courses, introductory and advanced nutrition courses as well as courses in food science and management. Courses in humanities, statistics, research and communications are also required. Students can opt to specialize in one of three main practice areas: Clinical nutrition, community nutrition or food service management and would choose electives accordingly. (see University of Manitoba program link below)

2. Successful completion of a dietetic intership program.

These programs are typically 40-45 weeks long and allow students to apply academic knowledge to a variety of nutrition practice settings. Students will spend time in clinical practice areas, community practice areas, food service management and also have the opportunity to choose electives in which they can gain experience in a specific area of interest.
Information on accredited university and dietetic internship programs can be found on this link: www.dietitians.ca.

3. Pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration examination.

4. Registration with a provincial regulatory body is required in order to practice as a registered dietitian (RD)

Further details on registration requirements can be found under the Membership section of this website.

*University of Manitoba. Faculty of Human Nutritional Sciences.

College of Dietitians of Manitoba