Understanding Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics defines dietetics as “the science and art of applying the principles of nutrition to health.”  The RD credential is required for most careers that involve providing nutritional care to individuals and groups.  Typical jobs include:

• Healthcare – hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care
• Foodservice – hospitals, school foodservice
• Community – public health programs, wellness and health promotion
• Private practice – client counseling, public speaking, writing for the public,  menu-planning, recipe development

Paths to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.  Students who already have a degree do not have to earn a second degree in nutrition.
2. Complete the specific courses designated as didactic preparation (science, nutrition government, social science, statistics, food science and food service) either as part of a DPD undergraduate program to earn a verification statement or as part of the graduate curriculum offered in designated Graduate Programs.
3. Build a strong resume including work or volunteer experience in dietetics-related areas.
4. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, either as part of a Coordinated  Program in Dietetics, Dietetic Internship, or as part of the curriculum offered in designated Graduate Programs.  These programs are very competitive and require both a strong GPA and resume.
5. Complete a master's degree either as part on a Coordinated Program in Dietetics, Dietetic Internship, as part of the designated Graduate Programs, or as a separate graduate degree program.
6. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
7. If you plan to practice in the state of Texas, you then need to obtain licensing in the state of Texas.
8. Effective January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) will require a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible to take the credentialing exam to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). In order to be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into CDR's Registration Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight Central Time, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's website. In addition, CDR requires that individuals complete coursework and supervised practice in program(s) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Graduates who successfully complete the ACEND-accredited Coordinated program at The University of Texas at Austin are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN.
9. In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirementsclick here. For more information about educational pathways to become a RDNclick here.

Dietetics Programs at The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin offers two programs for students who are pursuing the Registered Dietitian credential. Students who complete the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will earn a verification statement and are qualified to apply to supervised practice programs/dietetic internships and graduate programs at other institutions. DPD graduates who complete a supervised practice program at eligible dietetic internships are eligible to write the examination to become registered dietitians and may become active members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

The Integrated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD) includes supervised clinical, administrative and community practice experiences so that students are qualified to write the dietetic registration examination when they graduate. Students interested in this program must apply for admission.

The dietetics programs are offered to students enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin. The University of Texas publishes its tuition rates, including historical data, on the university’s Tuition Rates Page. Estimate the cost of attendance for a dietetic program at the University of Texas at Austin along with housing, transportation, books and supplies costs by using the university's  Cost and Tuition Rates tool. 

Use the University of Texas at Austin Financial Aid and Scholarship page to find information about the different types of financial aid available, how to apply, understanding and managing aid packets, veteran education benefit information and more. 

The dietetic programs at the University of Texas at Austin are committed to education and trainining, while providing support and equitable treatment for diverse needs and students from diverse backgrounds; this includes students from all ethnicities, races, cultures, ages, gender, sexual identities, religions, veteran status, and life experiences in the population of the State of Texas.

Both the DPD and the ICPD are granted accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190, Chicago IL 0606, (312) 899-0040. https://www.eatrightpro.org/acend