Following are the steps to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from an accredited university and receive a Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited program (Didactic Program in Dietetics, Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, Foreign or International Dietitian Education Program). The University of Puerto Rico has the ACEND-accredited undergraduate program (Didactic Program in Dietetics) and the Future Education Model-Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with Supervised Experiential Learning (MSND-SEL, candidacy accreditation status). Graduates who successfully complete the MSND-SEL program will obtain a Verification Statement.
2. Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice dietetic internship program or Individual Supervised Practice Pathway. Supervised practice/experiential learning is combined with the Coordinated Program, Future Graduate Program, and International Dietitian Education Program. After completion, the student will receive a Verification Statement. The UPR-RP Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics combines the master’s didactic component with Supervised Experiential Learning, complying with the 1,000 hours required by ACEND. Graduates who successfully complete the program will obtain a verification statement.
3. 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: https://www.cdrnet.org/graduatedegree.
In addition, CDR requires individuals to 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 UPR-RP Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with Supervised Experiential Learning of the University of Puerto Rico will obtain a verification statement and are eligible to take the CDR credentialing exam to become an RDN. The program complies with the ACEND’s established minimum of 1000 supervised experiential learning hours.
“While state interpretations of statutes may vary, it is ACEND’s considered opinion that the program meets the educational requirements for dietetics licensure and certification in all states. However, completing an ACEND-accredited academic program alone does not qualify an individual for licensure or certification as a dietitian in any state. Individuals should review their state’s licensing statutes and regulations to understand the specific requirements, including supervised practice and examinations, needed to obtain a dietetics license. More information about state licensure and certification can be found at this link: https://www.cdrnet.org/LicensureMap” Required Element 7.3.d Recommended Website Update for DT, DI, CP, GP Programs.
4. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) dietetic registration exam.
5. The Board of Examiners for Nutritionists and Dietitians of Puerto Rico grants, to qualified candidates, the Licensure in Nutrition and Dietetics (LND) to be able to practice as a Nutritionist-Dietitian in Puerto Rico. Effective February 18, 2016, the Board established, via Resolution 2016-53, that passing the CDR credentialing exam will comply with the requirements for the license to practice Nutrition and Dietetics in Puerto Rico.
6. Continuing professional education is required for maintaining professional registration (RDN Status), and for updating and expanding practitioner knowledge and skills.
For more information on pathways to earn the RDN credential: CDR Webpage or AND Webpage
Graduates of the Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics with Supervised Experiential Learning will be eligible to take the RDN Credentialing Exam and the local licensure exam to practice as a Nutritionist and Dietitian (LND) in Puerto Rico as required by Puerto Rico Law 82 of 1972 and amended in 2004. PR Law 82 of 1972. To be eligible to take the local licensure exam and be authorize to practice in PR you must:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree awarded with major in nutrition or dietetics of an accredited higher education or college institutions by the Higher Education Council (known today as Board of Postsecondary Institutions) or by one of the regional organisms of national accreditation.
- Complete an internship or supervised experiential learning in Nutrition and Dietetics at a hospital or institution accredited for such training, or in place of this internship, possess a master’s or doctorate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from a university or college recognized by the PR Board of Postsecondary Institutions and by one of the institutional national accreditation bodies.
- After completing coursework and supervised experiential learning, graduates become eligible to take the local Licensure exam administered by the Board of Examiners for Nutritionists and Dietitians of Puerto Rico, which will grant, qualified candidates, the Licensure in Nutrition and Dietetics (LND) to be able to practice as a Nutritionist-Dietitian in Puerto Rico. Effective February 18, 2016, the Board established, via Resolution 2016-53, that passing the RDN exam will comply with the requirements for the license to practice Nutrition and Dietetics in Puerto Rico.
- Become member of the Puerto Rico College of Nutritionists and Dietitians, as required by Law 82 of 1972 and amended in 2004.
- Continuing professional education is required for maintaining Licensure in Nutrition and Dietetics in PR and professional registration (RDN Status), and for updating and expanding practitioner knowledge and skills.