To become a registered dietitian in Massachusetts, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, 1,000 hours of supervised experience through a dietetic internship, pass the CDR examination, and obtain Massachusetts state licensure. The process typically takes 4-6 years and leads to careers earning an average of $82,380 annually in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts offers excellent opportunities for registered dietitians, with more than 3,000 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) practicing in the state, according to recent estimates. The Commonwealth requires dietitians to be licensed to practice, which aligns with the national registration requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists in Massachusetts earned an average salary of $82,380 as of May 2024, compared with the national average of $74,770. Entry-level professionals earned about $66,700, while experienced dietitians earned $103,490 or more. In Boston, the state’s largest metro area, average salaries reached $81,400.
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring nutrition careers or a professional considering a career change, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to become a registered dietitian in Massachusetts. For a broader overview of the profession, check out our registered dietitian career overview.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation best describes you:
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Massachusetts
- Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Massachusetts
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Massachusetts Dietitian Licensure
- Maintain Your Registration and Pursue Specialty Certifications
- Explore Career Opportunities in Massachusetts
Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Massachusetts
The foundation of your registered dietitian career begins with proper education. The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists, along with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), requires completion of at least a bachelor’s degree from an educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Understanding Your Educational Pathway Options
You can pursue one of two ACEND-accredited program types, each offering distinct advantages:
| Program Type | What It Includes | Typical Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinated Programs (CP) | College coursework + supervised experience combined | 4-5 years | Students who want an all-in-one program |
| Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) | College coursework only (internship required after) | 4 years + 9-12 months internship | Students who want more internship location flexibility |
ACEND-Accredited Programs in Massachusetts
Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
These programs combine coursework with supervised experience, streamlining your path to registration:
- Framingham State University, Framingham – Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition: Dietetics
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell – Master of Public Health
Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
These programs provide the coursework foundation, after which you’ll need to complete a separate dietetic internship:
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
- Boston University/Sargent College, Boston
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
- Master of Science in Nutrition
- Simmons University, Boston
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Certificate in Dietetics
- Framingham State University, Framingham – Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition: Nutrition and Dietetics concentration
Required Coursework for Massachusetts Licensure
The Massachusetts Board specifies that your bachelor’s degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university and include specific coursework:
- Biological Sciences (9 credit hours): Anatomy/Physiology, Microbiology, and one elective
- Chemistry (6 credit hours): Biochemistry and one elective
- Behavioral Science (3 credit hours)
- Diet Therapy/Clinical Nutrition (3 credit hours): Medical Dietetics or Clinical Nutrition
- Advanced Nutrition (3 credit hours): Nutrition through the Life Cycle or Applied/Advanced Human Nutrition
- Food Science (3 credit hours): Foods, Food Composition, Menu Planning, or Food Service Management
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Massachusetts
The CDR requires completion of at least 1,000 hours of supervised professional practice through a dietetic internship program. If you completed a Coordinated Program (CP), you’ve already fulfilled this requirement. However, if you completed a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), you’ll need to apply for and complete a separate internship.
Alternative to ACEND Internship: Massachusetts also accepts paid professional experience after graduation with a degree in nutrition or dietetics. The required duration depends on your highest degree level:
- Bachelor’s degree holders: 3 years of post-degree professional experience
- Master’s degree holders: 2 years of post-degree professional experience
- Doctoral degree holders: 1 year of post-degree professional experience
Dietetic Internships in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers excellent dietetic internship opportunities across various settings:
Degree-Granting Internship Programs
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- 27 months, full-time degree program (Master of Public Health)
- 11 months, full-time non-degree program
- Emphasis: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Boston University/Sargent College, Boston
- 16 months, full-time degree program (Master of Science in Nutrition)
- Emphasis: Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Frances Stern Nutrition Center, Boston
- 20 months, full-time degree program (Master of Science in Dietetics)
- Emphasis: Clinical Nutrition
- Simmons University, Boston
- 24 months, full-time degree program (Graduate Certificate in Sports Nutrition or MS in Nutrition and Health Promotion)
- 8 months, full-time non-degree program
- Emphasis: Community Nutrition, Health Promotion and Wellness, Eating Disorders
Non-Degree Clinical Internship Programs
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston – 10 months, full-time (Nutrition Therapy emphasis)
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston – 11 months, full-time (Clinical Nutrition emphasis)
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston – 12 months, full-time (Clinical and Management emphasis)
- Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge – 11 months, full-time (Nutrition Therapy emphasis)
Specialized Focus Internship Programs
- Priority Nutrition Care, Hingham – 8 months, full-time distance program (Business and Food Management emphasis)
- Wellness Workdays, Hingham
- 8 months, full-time non-degree program
- 11 months, part-time non-degree program
- Emphasis: Communications, Sports Nutrition, Worksite Wellness, and Health Promotion
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
After completing your education and supervised practice hours, you must pass the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians to earn your RD credential and qualify for Massachusetts licensure.
Understanding the CDR Examination
When you become eligible to test, the CDR will send you an email with instructions to register. You must take the exam within one year of your eligibility date. Review the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook thoroughly before registering.
Exam Format and Details:
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
- Questions: 125-145 questions covering food and nutrition sciences
- Passing Score: Scaled score of 25 or higher
- Results: You’ll receive your score immediately upon completion
- Registration: Online at the CDR website (payment by credit card)
Before taking the exam, you’ll sign the Code of Ethics required of all registered dietitians. Keep your CDR account credentials secure, as this account will contain your examination date, time, location, and eventually your score.
Testing Centers in Massachusetts
The CDR exam is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Massachusetts:
| Location | City |
|---|---|
| Pearson Professional Centers | Boston |
| Pearson Professional Centers | Waltham |
| Pearson Professional Centers | Worcester |
| Pearson Professional Centers | Springfield |
Important testing rules: You cannot skip questions or change answers once they have been entered into the computer. Please plan to arrive early and bring a valid form of identification.
Apply for Massachusetts Dietitian Licensure
Once you’ve passed the CDR examination and earned your RD credential, you must apply for Massachusetts state licensure to practice legally as a dietitian in the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Licensure Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ePLACE Portal. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dietetics and Nutrition oversees all licensure applications.
Required Documentation:
- Copy of your CDR registration card
- Official transcripts from your highest nutrition/dietetics degree (sent directly from your university registrar in a sealed envelope)
- Completed online application
- Application fee (paid online)
Mailing Address for Physical Documents:
Board of Dietitians and Nutritionists
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Maintaining Your Massachusetts Dietitian License
Your Massachusetts dietitian license (LD) expires every two years on your birthday. To maintain active licensure:
- Renewal Fee: $130 (must be submitted before your birthday deadline)
- Continuing Education Requirement: 30 hours every two years
- CE Program Standards: Programs must be at least 50 minutes long, organized learning experiences that contribute to professional competence in dietary and nutrition practice, and address human nutrition science
- Not Accepted: Marketing and technical skills programs
Maintain Your Registration and Pursue Specialty Certifications
CDR Registration Renewal
Your CDR registration as a dietitian renews every five years. You must complete 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during this period. The CDR offers an online CPE database and Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) Guide to help you find acceptable activities and document them properly.
Board Certification as a Specialist
Earning a specialty certification demonstrates advanced expertise and can significantly boost your career. A study in Today’s Dietitian magazine found impressive benefits among RDs with board certification:
- 93% experienced more pride and personal satisfaction
- Over 60% received higher salaries from employers
- 60% gained recognition from peers
- 45% received more credibility from other nutrition professionals
Requirements for CDR Board Certification
To become board-certified by the CDR in a specialty area, you must:
- Hold active RD registration for the past three years
- Complete 4,000 hours of professional practice in your chosen specialty within the past five years
- Pass the Board Certification as a Specialist in Dietetics examination for your specialty area
Available CDR Specialty Certifications
| Specialty Credential | Focus Area | Practice Settings |
|---|---|---|
| Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) | Cancer prevention and treatment nutrition | Hospitals, cancer centers, private practice |
| Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) | Kidney disease and dialysis nutrition | Dialysis centers, hospitals, clinics |
| Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP) | Infant, child, and adolescent nutrition | Children’s hospitals, pediatric clinics, schools |
| Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) | Athletic performance and sports nutrition | Sports teams, fitness centers, private practice |
| Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) | Aging and elderly nutrition | Nursing homes, senior centers, hospitals |
Some specialty certifications help satisfy your CDR’s CPE requirements for renewal. Recertification in the same specialty can satisfy consecutive renewal period requirements, making specialty certification a strategic career investment.
Explore Career Opportunities in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers a diverse range of career opportunities for registered dietitians across various settings, including clinical, community, research, and private practice.
Massachusetts Dietitian Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts dietitians earn competitive salaries above the national average:
| Experience Level | Massachusetts Average | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (25th percentile) | $66,700 | $58,790 |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile/Median) | $82,380 | $74,770 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $103,490+ | $95,000+ |
Metro Area Spotlight: Boston reported an average salary of $81,400 as of May 2024, with higher salaries in specialized clinical settings and private practice.
Career Settings in Massachusetts
With world-renowned medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts offers exceptional career opportunities:
- Clinical Dietetics: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities
- Community Nutrition: Public health departments, WIC programs, community health centers
- Food Service Management: Healthcare facilities, schools, corporate cafeterias
- Private Practice: Consulting, nutrition counseling, wellness coaching
- Research: Universities, medical research centers, food industry
- Education: Colleges, universities, coordinated programs, community education
- Sports Nutrition: Professional sports teams, fitness centers, athletic programs
Alternative Path: Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)
If you’re interested in entering the dietetics field more quickly, consider becoming a Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR). Massachusetts requires DTRs to be licensed, which requires completion of a minimum of an associate’s degree and 450 hours of supervised internship.
Currently, no DTR programs exist in Massachusetts. However, there are ACEND-accredited DTR programs in nearby states:
Connecticut:
- Gateway Community College, New Haven – Associate of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics
New York:
- State University of New York, Morrisville – Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technician/Nutrition Care
- Suffolk County Community College, Riverhead – Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology
- Westchester Community College, Valhalla – Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technician (Nutrition Care)
- Erie Community College, Williamsville – Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology/Nutrition Care
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Massachusetts?
Typically 4-6 years total. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, plus 9-12 months for a dietetic internship (if not completed through a coordinated program). Some students pursue master’s degrees, which extends the timeline to 5-7 years.
How much does it cost to become a registered dietitian in Massachusetts?
Total costs vary significantly depending on whether you attend a public or private institution. Expect tuition ranging from $ 40,000 to $200,000 or more for your degree, plus approximately $200 for the CDR examination fee, $130 for initial Massachusetts licensure, and ongoing continuing education costs.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a registered dietitian?
As of 2025, the CDR requires a master’s degree for initial RD eligibility. Students completing supervised practice after January 1, 2024, must have at least a graduate degree to be eligible for the registration examination. Check current CDR requirements as they evolve.
What’s the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist in Massachusetts?
Registered dietitians must meet specific education, examination, and licensing requirements through the CDR and the Massachusetts Board. The term “nutritionist” isn’t as strictly regulated in Massachusetts. For more information, visit our guide on becoming a nutritionist in Massachusetts.
Is Massachusetts a licensing state for dietitians?
Yes. Massachusetts requires all practicing dietitians to be licensed through the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists. You cannot legally practice as a dietitian in Massachusetts without proper state licensure.
Are dietetic internships paid in Massachusetts?
Most traditional dietetic internships are unpaid educational experiences, though some offer stipends or are combined with paid graduate assistantships. Distance and part-time programs may offer more flexibility for students who need to work during their internship.
Can I become a registered dietitian with an online degree?
Yes, as long as the program is ACEND-accredited. Many universities now offer online or hybrid DPD programs. However, you’ll still need to complete supervised practice hours through a dietetic internship, which requires in-person clinical experiences.
What is the pass rate for the RD exam?
The CDR reports that first-time pass rates typically range from 80-85% for candidates from ACEND-accredited programs. Pass rates are lower for repeat test-takers. Thorough preparation, including the use of study materials and practice exams, significantly improves success rates.
Do I need to live in Massachusetts to get licensed there?
No. You don’t need to be a Massachusetts resident to obtain licensure. However, you must meet all education, examination, and application requirements. If you plan to practice in multiple states, research each state’s specific licensure requirements as they vary.
Can I practice as a dietitian in other states with my Massachusetts license?
Licensure is state-specific and not automatically transferable from one state to another. However, Massachusetts participates in licensure reciprocity agreements with some states. If you plan to practice in another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure in that state, though the process may be streamlined with your existing RD credential.
What continuing education is required for Massachusetts dietitians?
Massachusetts requires 30 continuing education hours every two years for license renewal. Additionally, the CDR requires 75 CPE hours every five years for renewal of registration. Make sure your CE activities meet both the Massachusetts Board standards and the CDR requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Education Foundation: Complete a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program (Coordinated Program or Didactic Program in Dietetics)
- Supervised Practice: Complete 1,000 hours through a dietetic internship or equivalent professional experience
- National Credential: Pass the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians (scaled score of 25+)
- State Licensure: Apply for the Massachusetts dietitian license through the ePLACE Portal ($130 biennial renewal)
- Continuing Education: Maintain 30 CE hours every two years for the Massachusetts license and 75 CPE hours every five years for CDR registration
- Competitive Salary: Massachusetts dietitians earn an average of $82,380, with the Boston area offering $81,400 average
- Master’s Degree Requirement: As of 2025, CDR requires a graduate degree for initial RD eligibility for those completing supervised practice after January 1, 2024
- Career Advancement: Consider board certification in specialties like oncology, renal, pediatric, sports, or gerontological nutrition for higher earning potential
- Alternative Path: Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) offers faster entry with an associate’s degree and 450 supervised hours
- Massachusetts Advantage: World-renowned medical centers and research institutions provide exceptional career opportunities
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers one of the nation’s strongest healthcare education systems and dietitian career markets. With proper planning and dedication, you can join the more than 3,000 registered dietitians already making a difference in the Commonwealth’s healthcare landscape.
Begin by researching ACEND-accredited programs that align with your career goals and timeline. Whether you choose a coordinated program for an all-in-one experience or a didactic program with a separate internship, Massachusetts provides excellent educational pathways to your RD credential.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians, nutritionists, and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
