Overview
ACEND and dietetics education
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, accredits the education programs that lead to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR). Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Path
ACEND and RDN credentialing
The RDN path runs entirely through ACEND-accredited education. You complete an ACEND-accredited program and the required supervised practice hours, then pass the CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) exam to become an RDN. As of 2024, a graduate degree is required to sit for the RDN exam. Most states also license or certify dietitians, generally referencing RDN eligibility.
- ACEND-accredited programA Coordinated Program, a Didactic Program in Dietetics plus a dietetic internship, or a Graduate Program.
- Supervised practiceThe required experiential hours, often via a dietetic internship.
- CDR examPass the registration exam to earn the RDN (or NDTR at the technician level).
- State licenseWhere the state licenses dietitians/nutritionists, usually tied to RDN eligibility.
Do It Yourself
Verify a dietetics program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits dietetics programs? The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Do I need an ACEND-accredited program to become an RDN? Yes. Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist requires completing an ACEND-accredited program and supervised practice, then passing the CDR exam.
- Is a graduate degree required now? Yes. As of 2024, a graduate degree is required to be eligible to sit for the RDN registration exam.
- What is the CDR exam? The Commission on Dietetic Registration examination, which you pass to earn the RDN (or the NDTR credential at the technician level).
- Do states license dietitians? Many states license or certify dietitians and nutritionists, generally referencing RDN eligibility from an ACEND-accredited path. Check your state's rules.
- What kinds of programs does ACEND accredit? Coordinated Programs, Didactic Programs in Dietetics, Graduate Programs, dietetic internships, and technician (NDTR) programs.
- Is ACEND recognized by CHEA? ACEND is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; its role is the education gate to RDN credentialing.
- How do I verify a dietetics program? Search the ACEND accredited-programs directory and confirm credentialing steps with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.