The Credentialing Process 

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

1.      Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).

2.      Complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate students. The Baptist Health System Dietetic Internship provides this required supervised practice component.

3.      Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

4.      Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

In the state of Texas, once an individual obtains the Registered Dietitian credential they can apply for state licensure .