Steps to Become a Registered Dietitian in Oregon (2025)

Oregon’s commitment to public health and nutrition makes it an ideal state for registered dietitians (RDs, also known as RDNs—Registered Dietitian Nutritionists). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2023, Oregon ranks as the third-highest paying state for dietitians and nutritionists, with a mean annual wage of $82,280 compared to the national mean of $71,280.

If you’re not licensed in Oregon, you cannot practice as a licensed dietitian in the state. To work as a registered, licensed dietitian, you must earn your RD credentials from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and fulfill Oregon’s state licensure requirements administered by the Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Licensed Dietitians. View how to become a nutritionist in Oregon here.

Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation best describes you:

1. Complete Graduate-Level Dietetics Education in Oregon
2. Complete Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Oregon
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
4. Apply for Oregon State Licensure
5. Maintain Your Registration and Pursue Specialty Certifications

Complete Graduate-Level Dietetics Education in Oregon

Critical 2024 Update: As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) for RDN exam eligibility. The degree must be from an ACEND-accredited pathway. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredits the educational programs, while CDR sets the exam eligibility requirements. A bachelor’s degree alone is no longer sufficient for new candidates entering the profession.

Under Oregon state law and CDR requirements, you must complete a graduate degree in dietetics, human nutrition, food and nutrition, nutrition science, or food systems management from a regionally accredited college or university with ACEND program accreditation. This education prepares you for both the national CDR exam and Oregon licensure.

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.

ACEND-Accredited Programs in Oregon

Oregon offers both coordinated master’s programs (combining coursework and supervised practice) and traditional didactic programs that require a separate dietetic internship. Learn more about ACEND-accredited registered dietitian programs nationwide.

Oregon State University, Corvallis, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition with a Dietetics Option through its Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). This undergraduate program provides foundational coursework only and must be followed by a graduate degree and a dietetic internship to meet current CDR requirements for eligibility to take the exam. Coursework includes:

• Introduction to Public Health
• Elementary Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Human Nutrition Science (Macronutrient and Micronutrient Metabolism)
• Medical Nutrition Therapy
• Community Nutrition
• Foodservice Production and Organizations
• Communications in Dietetics
• Exercise Physiology

Oregon State University also offers a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics degree, which can be combined with their dietetic internship (see Step 2). This coordinated program allows you to complete both your graduate degree and supervised practice hours simultaneously, meeting the new 2024 requirements efficiently.

Complete Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Oregon

Following your graduate coursework, you must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in an ACEND-accredited program (many programs still require approximately 1,200 hours). This hands-on training is completed through a dietetic internship. Many students use the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS) to match with internship programs across the nation.

Oregon offers two primary dietetic internship options, both featuring coordinated programs that combine graduate education with supervised practice:

Oregon Dietetic Internship Programs

Important Note: If you choose a non-degree internship program, you must complete a separate graduate degree to meet ACEND’s 2024 requirements. Coordinated master’s programs that combine education and internship are the most efficient pathway.

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination

Upon completing your dietetic internship, you’re eligible to take the CDR registration examination. Your program administrator will contact CDR on your behalf or provide you with registration information.

CDR Exam Registration Process

You’ll receive an email when you’re eligible to register for the examination. The application fee is $250 (effective June 1, 2025), and registration is completed online through the CDR website. You must register, pay, and take the exam within one year of completing your internship.

After registration, Pearson VUE will contact you to schedule your exam. Schedule at a Pearson VUE testing center via your CDR/Pearson VUE account. Locations are subject to change, so please verify availability when scheduling.

Exam Format and Structure

The CDR exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination consisting of approximately 125 scored questions plus 25 pre-test questions. The exam covers four domains:

• Principles of Dietetics – Foundational nutrition science and professional practice
• Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups – Assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring
• Management of Food and Nutrition Programs – Leadership and Quality Improvement
• Foodservice Systems – Operations, safety, and sustainability

You’re allowed a total of 3.5 hours for your appointment, which includes approximately 3 hours of testing time, a 20-minute tutorial, and a 10-minute survey. Bring your Pearson VUE verification email and a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport) on exam day.

You can review your score immediately in your online account. The passing score is 25 on a scale of 0 to 50. Prepare using the CDR Study Guide and Registration Examination Handbook.

If you don’t pass, you can retake the exam. Contact CDR at [email protected] or call (312) 899-4859 to reauthorize for testing. Check the current retake waiting period and re-registration requirements for CDR. There’s no limit to retake attempts, though you must re-register and pay for each attempt.

Apply for Oregon State Licensure

Once you pass the CDR exam and receive your RD designation, you must apply for Oregon state licensure to practice as a licensed dietitian legally. Oregon licensure is issued by the Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Licensed Dietitians. Oregon recognizes the CDR exam and may waive the exam requirement if you hold a current CDR registration or a substantially similar out-of-state license.

Oregon Licensure Requirements

Complete the Dietitian License Application and submit:

• Application fee of $50
• Original license fee of $60 (1-year)
• Two forms of identification containing your legal name, one with a photograph
• Documentation of your qualifying pathway (transcripts, CDR exam score, internship verification)
• Fingerprint-based criminal background check (see HLO fingerprint process)

Mail your completed application, fees, and all supporting documentation to:

Oregon Health Licensing Office (HLO)
Board of Licensed Dietitians
1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180
Salem, OR 97301-2192

Maintain Your Registration and Pursue Specialty Certifications

Congratulations! You’re now a registered, licensed dietitian authorized to practice in Oregon. Here’s what you need to maintain your credentials:

Oregon State License Renewal

Renew your dietitian license annually through the HLO online system. The renewal fee is $60 for a 1-year license.

Complete 15 continuing education hours every licensure year, plus 1 hour of cultural-competency CE every other renewal. You may carry forward CE for up to four licensure years, with a maximum of 60 hours total.

CDR Registration Maintenance

To maintain your national RD registration, complete at least 75 continuing education credits and renew your designation every five years through the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Specialty Certifications

Consider advancing your career with CDR specialty certifications:

• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG) – Focus on older adult nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) – Cancer nutrition therapy
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP) – Child and adolescent nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) – Kidney disease nutrition
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) – Athletic performance nutrition
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) – Diabetes management

Nutrition Careers and Salary in Oregon

Oregon’s dietetics profession offers excellent opportunities. Registered dietitians work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community health programs, private practice, and corporate wellness throughout the state.

Oregon Dietitian Salary Overview

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2023, Oregon offers competitive wages for dietitians and nutritionists, ranking as the third-highest paying state in the nation for this occupation.

Oregon dietitians earn approximately $11,000 more annually than the national mean wage. The state employs approximately 660 dietitians and nutritionists, according to the May 2023 OEWS data.

The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area and other Oregon cities typically offer higher salary ranges due to the region’s higher cost of living and concentration of healthcare facilities. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, geographic location within the state, and employment setting. Explore comprehensive nutritionist and dietitian salary data nationwide to compare opportunities across different regions and specialties.

Top Employers in Oregon

Oregon dietitians work in healthcare systems, educational institutions, government programs, and private practice throughout the state. Major employers include:

• Healthcare Systems – Oregon Health & Science University, Legacy Health, Providence Health, Kaiser Permanente
• Educational Institutions – Oregon State University, University of Oregon, Portland State University
• Government & Community Programs – WIC programs, county health departments, Oregon Health Authority
• Private Practice & Consulting – Independent nutrition counseling, telehealth services
• Food Industry – Product development, culinary nutrition, food safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Oregon?

Plan on a 6-7 year end-to-end timeline to become a registered dietitian in Oregon. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree plus 1-2 years for a graduate degree, which often overlaps with supervised practice in coordinated programs. Allow an additional 2-3 months for CDR exam preparation and processing of the Oregon licensure application.

Do I need a master’s degree to become an RD in Oregon?

As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) for eligibility to take the RDN exam. The degree must be from an ACEND-accredited pathway. A bachelor’s degree alone is no longer sufficient for new candidates. This is a national requirement that applies to all states, including Oregon.

Does Oregon require a license to practice as a dietitian?

Yes, Oregon requires state licensure to practice as a dietitian. You cannot use the title “licensed dietitian” or practice dietetics in Oregon without obtaining a license from the Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Licensed Dietitians. This is in addition to your national RD credential from CDR.

Can I take the CDR exam before completing my internship?

No, you must complete your ACEND-accredited dietetic internship (1,200 supervised practice hours) before you’re eligible to take the CDR registration examination. Your internship program will verify your completion and notify CDR of your eligibility.

What are the continuing education requirements for Oregon dietitians?

Oregon requires 15 continuing education hours every licensure year, plus 1 hour of cultural competency CE every other renewal, to maintain your state license. You may carry forward CE for up to four licensure years, with a maximum of 60 hours total. Additionally, you must complete 75 continuing education credits every five years to maintain your national CDR registration. Credits that meet CDR requirements typically also satisfy Oregon’s requirements.

How much does it cost to become a registered dietitian in Oregon?

Total costs include tuition for your graduate degree (varies by institution, typically $30,000-$80,000), dietetic internship fees if separate from your degree program ($5,000-$25,000), CDR exam fee ($250, effective June 2025), Oregon license application fee ($50), original license fee ($60), criminal background check costs (approximately $50-$100), and annual license renewal fees ($60). Many students complete coordinated programs that combine graduate education and internship, potentially reducing overall costs and time.

Can I practice as a nutritionist in Oregon without becoming an RD?

Oregon has specific regulations about nutrition practice. While some non-licensed nutritionist roles exist, their scope of practice is limited compared to that of licensed dietitians. If you want to provide medical nutrition therapy, work in clinical settings, or use protected titles, you must be a licensed dietitian. Discover alternative pathways to becoming a nutritionist in Oregon.

Are Oregon’s dietetic internships competitive?

Yes, dietetic internships nationwide are highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 50% to 60%. Oregon’s programs at OSU and OHSU receive many qualified applications. Strengthen your application with strong academic performance, relevant volunteer experience, recommendation letters, and a compelling personal statement. Using DICAS to apply to multiple programs increases your chances of matching.

Key Takeaways

Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Oregon?

Oregon offers excellent opportunities for registered dietitians with competitive salaries (mean annual wage of $82,280), diverse practice settings, and strong community support for public health initiatives. Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, community health, sports dietetics, or private practice, your RD credentials open doors throughout the state.

Explore ACEND-accredited registered dietitian programs to find the right educational pathway for your career goals.

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.

2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed October 2025.

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD

Dr. Lena Voss, RD, PhD, is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritional Epidemiologist with over 18 years of experience in evidence-based nutrition. Holding a PhD from the University of Copenhagen, she specializes in dietary interventions for metabolic health and sustainable eating. Dr. Voss has published in leading journals like The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and contributed to global wellness programs

See Full Bio