Types of Dietetics and Nutrition Programs: Your 2025 Guide to Becoming a Registered Dietitian

As interest in health, food systems, and preventative care continues to rise, careers in nutrition and dietetics are gaining traction globally. Whether you envision yourself working in clinical nutrition, sports health, community wellness, or food service management, understanding your education and credentialing options is essential.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% job growth for dietitians and nutritionists between 2022 and 2032, faster than the national average. That means now is a strategic time to pursue the academic and practical training needed to enter this dynamic field.

This guide explores the different types of dietetics and nutrition programs, from associate degrees to graduate-level pathways, and highlights the importance of internships and supervised practice in launching a successful nutrition career.

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Dietetic Technician Associate Degree (DTR Pathway)

If you're looking for a quicker entry into the nutrition field, an associate degree in dietetics may be a good place to start. These two-year programs prepare students to become Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs), who support registered dietitians in hospitals, long-term care facilities, food service operations, and community programs.

Key features:

Foundational coursework in anatomy, microbiology, nutrition science, food safety, and public health
Minimum 450 supervised practice hours
Eligibility to take the DTR credentialing exam via the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

This option is ideal for those seeking entry-level work in nutrition or looking to later pursue a bachelor’s degree for RD eligibility.

Bachelor's Degrees in Dietetics: CPD vs. DPD

To become a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), the most common route begins with a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

There are two types of undergraduate programs:

Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD):

Combines coursework and supervised practice into one 4-year degree
Includes 1,200+ hours of hands-on clinical experience
Graduates are immediately eligible to sit for the RD exam

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD):

Academic-only coursework (no built-in internship)
Requires students to complete a dietetic internship (see next section) after graduation
Offers greater flexibility, especially for those planning to pursue graduate or dual-degree paths

Both CPD and DPD degrees prepare students in clinical nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, research, and health behavior change.

Dietetic Internships (DI)

If you complete a DPD program, the next step is securing an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship. This competitive, post-baccalaureate program provides at least 1,200 hours of supervised training across clinical, community, and food service settings.

Where internships may be hosted:

Hospitals and health systems
Public health departments
Research institutions
Corporate wellness or private practice offices

Internships may be standalone or integrated into a Master’s in Dietetics or Nutrition, allowing you to complete both in 2–3 years.

Internships are required for RD exam eligibility, and they also help you build professional connections and gain critical real-world skills.

Individualized Supervised Practice Pathways (ISPPs)

Not matched to a traditional internship? Some students pursue an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP) — a flexible alternative for DPD graduates.

ISPPs allow students to:

Customize their training placements
Set learning objectives aligned with their interests
Fulfill ACEND’s supervised practice requirements outside the competitive internship match system

This route is ideal for highly motivated students who already have access to qualified preceptors and healthcare settings.

Master’s Degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics

In 2024, the minimum education requirement for RDs increased to a graduate degree, making a Master of Science in Nutrition one of the most valuable degrees in the field today.

Two primary options:

Integrated MS + Internship programs (qualify for RD exam upon graduation)
Post-credential MS programs for current DTRs or RDs seeking advancement or specialization

Specialization tracks may include:

Clinical Nutrition
Sports and Performance Nutrition
Public Health and Wellness
Food Systems and Sustainability
Education and Policy

A master’s degree also opens the door to advanced certifications like:

Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM)

Global Health Internships for Aspiring Dietitians

Before or during your formal training, participating in a hands-on nutrition internship abroad can provide invaluable exposure to food insecurity, maternal-child health, malnutrition, and public health nutrition strategies in low-resource settings.

At Go Elective, we offer nutrition-focused internships abroad, where you can:

Shadow dietitians and public health officers
Participate in maternal and child nutrition clinics
Support education campaigns focused on food safety and disease prevention
Learn how nutrition programs are implemented in resource-limited contexts

These internships complement dietetics training and strengthen your graduate school or internship application through real-world experience.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Your Path in Nutrition and Dietetics

The road to becoming a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist is filled with options. Whether you begin as a Dietetic Technician, pursue a Bachelor’s with a CPD or DPD, complete a dietetic internship, or go on to earn a master’s degree, there are multiple ways to enter and thrive in this expanding field.

No matter where you start, gaining real-world experience through internships is key. Consider enhancing your academic journey with a Go Elective global health internship, where you’ll learn how nutrition impacts health in communities facing diverse challenges — and emerge with the perspective, empathy, and skills that set future dietitians apart.