How to Become an RD/RDN
Understanding Verification Statements
1. DPD Verification Statement
• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
• Required to apply to a Dietetic Internship (DI).
• DIs cannot accept applicants without a DPD verification statement.
2. Dietetic Internship (DI) Verification Statement
• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited DI and holding a graduate degree.
• Grants eligibility to take the RD/RDN exam.
3. Coordinated Program (CP) Verification Statement
• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited Coordinated Program.
• Includes both coursework and supervised practice.
• Grants eligibility to take the RD/RDN exam.
Component 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
• Must be from a regionally accredited institution.
• If you did not complete an ACEND‑accredited DPD as part of your bachelor’s degree, you cannot apply to a Dietetic Internship (DI).
• Students without a DPD can still become RDs/RDNs through a Coordinated Program (CP).
A‑State BS Program Note:
A‑State’s BS in Nutrition & Dietetics is not an ACEND‑accredited DPD program. However, it prepares students to apply for admission to A‑State’s ACEND‑accredited Graduate Coordinated Program.
Component 2: Complete ACEND‑Accredited Coursework
ACEND now requires all programs providing supervised practice (DI and CP) to use DICAS for admissions.
Two Pathways to Becoming an RD/RDN
| Route A: DPD + Graduate Degree + Dietetic Internship (DI) | Route B: Coordinated Program (CP) |
|---|---|
| • Complete an ACEND‑accredited DPD | • Coursework + supervised practice integrated into one program |
| • Earn a graduate degree | • Graduate degree included or completed alongside CP |
| • Apply to and complete a DI | • No DI application required |
| • Earn a DI verification statement → exam eligibility | • Earn a CP verification statement → exam eligibility |
| • No DPD verification = No DI eligibility | • Ideal for students without a DPD |
Note on Graduate Degrees: Currently, the graduate degree may be in any field. This will change with the ACEND 2027 standards.
Component 3: Pass the RD/RDN Exam
• Administered by CDR
• Computer‑based exam
• Eligibility granted after receiving a DI or CP verification statement