Degree Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2024, a graduate degree will be the minimum degree requirement for those seeking to become eligible for the registration examination for dietitian nutritionists. To be approved for registration examination eligibility with a bachelor’s degree, an individual must meet all eligibility requirements and be submitted into the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) Eligibility Processing System (REPS) before 12:00 midnight CT, December 31, 2023. For more information about this requirement visit CDR's Graduate Degree Requirement webpage.
For more information about educational pathways to become a RDN, visit the ACEND Information for Students webpage.
State Licensure
In most states, graduates also must obtain licensure or certification to practice. For more information about state licensure requirements, visit CDR's State Licensure webpage.
South Dakota (SD) is among 46 states that have enacted legislation regulating the practice of dietetics. State licensure and state certification are separate from the registration exam by CDR. The SD codified law and administrative rules regarding dietetics and nutrition and the state licensure process are found on the SD Legislature Legislative Research Council website. Application information for the SD Licensed Nutritionist process is available on the SD Board of Medical & Osteopathic Examiners site. Graduates of the Nutrition & Dietetics (M.S.) who are issued a verification statement are eligible to apply for a temporary SD Licensed Nutritionist which is good for 1 year. Successful passing of the CDR examination for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists is required for application to be issued permanent SD Licensed Nutritionist status.