California Registered Dietitian and Dietetic Technician Requirements

*Do not assume that any schools and programs listed on this site are a path to obtaining the RD credential. For credential information on actual schools that offer programs to the RD credential, view the ADA's official website at www.eatright.org.

Step 1: Nutrition Science or Related Degree

An associate’s or bachelor's degree in nutrition or a nutrition sciences related field, dietetics, gerontology or a nutrition related health care or human services degree from an accredited college or university is required by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and the California Dietetic Association (CDA). Moreover, many employers in the state of California prefer to hire only registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.

Step 2: RD Requirements Become Registered in California

1. Enrollment in an accredited bachelor's or master's nutrition degree program combining classroom and hands on technical experience, and recognized by the ADA.
2. An ADA-accredited academic Didactic Program in Dietetics and then either; a) post graduate Pre-professional Practice Program, or b) Dietetic Internship.

Step 3: Registered Examinations for Dietitians

Graduates of either route are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

A career in dietetics as a Dietetic Technician requires only a two-year associates degree in nutritional science or a related degree. Beyond this, an approved practical experience internship is also required.

Courses required by the California Dietetic Associate include writing, mathematics, chemistry, economics, statistics, bacteriology, physiology, home economics, business administration, sociology and data processing.