Becoming a registered dietitian in Texas requires completing an ACEND-accredited education (with the new 2024 graduate degree requirement for CDR eligibility), completing supervised practice (often ~1,200 hours), passing the CDR exam (fee ~$200), the Texas Jurisprudence Exam (fee ~$35), and obtaining state licensure via TDLR (application fee ~$108). The process typically takes 5 to 6 years. The average salary ranges from approximately $63,000 to roughly $70,000, depending on experience and location.
Texas offers excellent opportunities for aspiring registered dietitians, with 8,117 RDs and RDNs currently practicing across the state. Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, community health, or private practice, becoming a licensed dietitian in Texas opens doors to a rewarding career helping Texans achieve better health through evidence-based nutrition care.
Important 2024 Update: As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires all students entering nutrition programs to complete a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) to become eligible for the registered dietitian credential. This is a CDR requirement for exam eligibility and is separate from Texas state licensure law. Bachelor’s degree pathways remain available for students who were already enrolled in ACEND-accredited programs before this date.
Note: Requirements, fees, and regulations discussed on this page are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose the situation that best describes you:
- Nutrition Career Information in Texas
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Texas
- Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Texas
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Examination
- Apply for Licensure as a Registered Dietitian in Texas
- Maintain Your Credentials as a Registered Dietitian in Texas
- Frequently Asked Questions
Nutrition Career Information in Texas
The Commission on Dietetic Registration reported that as of June 2025, there were 8,117 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Texas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary in Texas as of May 2024 is $67,100. According to Salary.com, dietitians in Texas earn about $63,202 (2025 estimate). Salary varies widely by metro area, employer, and years of experience.
Two of the state’s major metro areas, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Houston-The Woodlands-Pasadena, reported average salaries of $70,990 and $68,530, respectively, according to BLS data. Entry-level professionals typically earn between $ 57,000 and $60,000, while those with extensive experience can earn $94,000 or more.
In 2015, the Texas legislature passed a Senate bill that transferred the regulation of dietitian licensing from the Department of State Health Services to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). According to the TDLR, a dietitian is a professional who applies and integrates scientific principles of food, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, management, and behavioral and social sciences to provide proper care, education, and nourishment for individuals and groups.
Although dietitians and nutritionists don’t need to be professionally licensed in Texas to practice nutrition under non-protected titles, the use of the term “licensed dietitian” requires a state license. Many employers require or prefer state licensure even when it’s not legally mandatory. To qualify for licensure as a dietitian in Texas, you must complete the following steps.
Registered Dietitian Education in Texas
Texas requires an ACEND-accredited education program (at the bachelor’s or graduate level) and successful completion of a supervised practice (internship) to qualify for the CDR exam. As of January 1, 2024, CDR requires a graduate degree for new candidates to sit for the RD exam. This is separate from Texas licensure law. Always verify with TDLR for the current accepted educational pathways.
Aspiring registered dietitians must complete their education from a regionally accredited college or university. The program must be accredited by ACEND, the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
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).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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.
Important: 2024 CDR Eligibility Change: Starting January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration will require all new students to hold a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral level) to be eligible for the CDR examination and the registered dietitian credential. Bachelor’s degree programs alone no longer meet CDR eligibility requirements for students entering programs after this date, though Texas state licensure law may differ. Check both CDR and TDLR requirements.
There are two types of dietetics programs available in Texas, though the graduate degree requirement now applies to both pathways:
ACEND-Accredited Programs Leading to Registered Dietitian (RD) Licensure in Texas
| Institution | Location | Program Type | Degree Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Coordinated Program (CP) | Bachelor of Science in Dietetics |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas | Coordinated Program (CP) | Master of Clinical Nutrition |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Coordinated Program (CP) | Bachelor of Science in Dietetics |
| Abilene Christian University | Abilene | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Dietetics |
| Lamar University | Beaumont | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Texas A&M University | College Station | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (Dietetics) |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Dietetics |
| Texas Southern University | Houston | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Dietetics |
| University of Houston | Houston | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Foods – DPD Track |
| Sam Houston State University | Huntsville | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Nutrition |
| Texas A&M University – Kingsville | Kingsville | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Registered Dietitian Option |
| University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Nutrition and Dietetics Track |
| Texas State University | San Marcos | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Foods – Dietetics |
| Baylor University | Waco | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences – Nutrition Sciences DPD |
Note: Bachelor’s degree programs listed above may require completion of a graduate degree for CDR exam eligibility if you’re entering after January 1, 2024. Coordinated Programs (CP) integrate supervised practice with coursework. Didactic Programs (DPD) require a separate dietetic internship after degree completion. Contact programs directly to confirm current degree requirements and graduate program availability.
The following bachelor’s and master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Discover more about what each course of study provides through the locations listed below.
Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Texas
Once you have completed a didactic program in dietetics, you must apply for a dietetic internship. All DI programs in Texas include at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice. You must complete an ACEND-accredited DI before you can qualify to sit for the CDR examination.
ACEND-Accredited Dietetic Internship Programs in Texas
| Program Location | Duration | Program Type | Emphasis Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene Christian University | 11 months full-time | Non-degree | Community |
| Texas WIC Dietetic Internship, Austin | 8 months full-time | Non-degree | Community health |
| Lamar University, Beaumont | 11 months full-time | Non-degree | Nutrition education and counseling |
| Texas A&M University, College Station | 9 months full-time | Non-degree with graduate credit available | Clinical dietetics |
| Medical City Healthcare, Coppell | 10 months full-time | Non-degree | Foodservice management |
| Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas | 10 months full-time | Non-degree | Clinical/nutrition therapy |
| Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas | 9 months full-time | Non-degree | Nutrition therapy |
| Texas Woman’s University, Denton | 16 months full-time | MS in Nutrition or MS in Exercise and Sports Nutrition | Medical nutrition therapy |
| University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston | 16 months full-time | MS in Nutrition & Metabolism | Clinical and translational research |
| Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston | 12 months full-time | Non-degree | Medical nutrition therapy |
| Texas Woman’s University, Houston | 12 months full-time | MS in Nutrition or MS in Exercise and Sports Nutrition | Medical nutrition therapy |
| University of Houston | 7 months full-time | Non-degree (onsite and distance tracks) | Medical nutrition therapy |
| UT Health Science Center, Houston | 28 months full-time | Master of Public Health | Public health nutrition |
| Sam Houston State University, Huntsville | 17 months full-time | MS in Dietetics | Community research and wellness |
| US Army-Baylor University, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston | Full-time | Non-degree (optional MS in Nutrition) | Military skills |
| Texas A&M University, Kingsville | 10 months full-time | Non-degree (option for MS in Human Sciences) | Nutrition therapy |
| Texas Tech University, Lubbock | 15 months full-time | Non-degree | Medical nutrition therapy |
| Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches | 10 months full-time | Non-degree (option for MS in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics) | Community nutrition |
| Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View | 10 months full-time | Non-degree | School foodservice management |
| Baptist Health System, San Antonio | 10 months full-time | Non-degree | Cardiovascular and stroke |
| University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio | 8 months full-time or 11 months part-time | Non-degree | Diversity of care settings |
| Texas State University, San Marcos | 11 months full-time | Non-degree (option for MS in Human Nutrition) | Child nutrition |
| Baylor University, Waco | 10 months full-time | Non-degree (option for MS in Nutrition Sciences) | Public health and outreach nutrition education |
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
Upon completion of your DI program, you’ll receive notification to register for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination and pay the examination fee (approximately $200) at cdrnet.org.
The CDR exam is administered via Pearson VUE at over 250 test centers nationwide. After you successfully register and pay for the exam, you’ll receive an email notification from Pearson VUE asking you to schedule the date, time, and location of your exam.
Pearson VUE Testing Centers in Texas
Testing centers are located in Abilene, Amarillo, Bryan, Midland, Lubbock, Waco, Austin, Shavano Park, Arlington, Hurst, Dallas, Carrollton, San Antonio, and Tyler.
Take the time to prepare by reading the Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide, as well as the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates.
Exam Day, Format, and Scoring
On exam day, bring your government-issued photo identification and the confirmation email from Pearson VUE Exams to the testing center. As of March 15, 2024, CDR extended the exam time from 2.5 hours to 3 hours to reduce time pressure. The computer-based, multiple-choice examination includes 125 questions, 25 of which are pre-test questions that aren’t scored.
Upon completion of the exam, you can view your score by clicking the Report button in your online account. You must score at least 25 on a scale of 0 to 50 to pass the exam.
Note: The exam structure (number of items, scoring, and time limit) is set by CDR and may be subject to change. Always refer to the current CDR Candidate Handbook for the most up-to-date exam details.
If you don’t pass the exam, you may retake it after 45 days, provided you obtain reauthorization (and pay the examination fee) by emailing [email protected] or by calling (312) 899-4859.
Pass the Texas Jurisprudence Examination
Texas requires the Texas Dietitian Jurisprudence Exam (approximately $35 fee) as part of the licensure process. All individuals applying for licensure as a dietitian in Texas must complete the Texas Jurisprudence Exam before applying for licensure with the Board. This online exam is designed to ensure you’re familiar with Board rules and Texas dietitian regulations.
The jurisprudence exam must be completed within 30 days after paying the registration fee. The exam takes about 2 hours to complete, although there’s no time limit. You can stop and start the exam and complete it at your leisure. This is a no-fail exam designed for learning, not testing.
Apply for Licensure as a Registered Dietitian in Texas
Upon completing the Texas Jurisprudence exam, you’re eligible to apply online for state licensure as a registered dietitian. If you prefer, you may download the Dietitian License Application Form and complete it.
Understanding Texas Licensure: In Texas, holding a license permits you to use protected titles legally, such as “licensed dietitian.” Non-licensed individuals may practice nutrition under other titles, but many employers require state licensure or the RD credential. The Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends obtaining state licensure even though it’s not mandatory for all nutrition practice.
Required Application Materials
In addition to your application, you must submit (online or via mail):
- Proof of completing the Texas Jurisprudence exam
- Copy of your CDR card
- Application fee (approximately $108)
Mail the completed application and all required documents to:
Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711-2157
Maintain Your Credentials as a Registered Dietitian in Texas
Maintaining your credentials as a registered dietitian in Texas requires ongoing education and regular renewals. Here’s what you need to know:
Maintaining Your CDR Registration
To maintain your CDR registration, you must renew it every five years and show proof of at least 75 hours of continuing education units. You can find continuing education opportunities and track your completed work through the CDR’s Professional Development Portfolio (PDP).
Texas Jurisprudence Exam Requirement
The Board of Examiners of Dietitians requires that you complete the Texas Jurisprudence Exam every two years (and pay the fee of approximately $35) for renewal of your dietitian’s license in the state. License renewal requires 12 continuing education hours every 2 years, including jurisprudence compliance.
Renewing Your Texas License
You must renew your Texas license every 2 years and pay the renewal fee. You can renew online through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Online Licensing Services.
Before license renewal, you must complete at least 12 continuing education credits during your two-year cycle in Texas. All continuing education credits must be approved or offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration or by a regionally accredited college or university. Learn more about acceptable continuing education activities on the TDLR website.
Essential: Licensure requirements, fees, exam rules, and program structures are subject to change. Always refer to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and CDR for the most current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Texas?
The process typically takes 5-6 years: 4 years for an undergraduate degree, plus 1-2 years for a graduate degree or combined coordinated program, and 7-28 months for a dietetic internship (depending on the program structure). Students entering programs after January 1, 2024, must complete the graduate degree requirement set by CDR for exam eligibility. The timeline may vary based on the program type and whether you pursue a combined degree-internship program.
Do I need a license to practice as a dietitian in the state of Texas?
You don’t need a license to practice many aspects of nutrition work in Texas. However, you must have a state license to use protected titles, such as “licensed dietitian.” Many employers prefer or require both state licensure and the RD credential. The distinction between practicing nutrition and using protected titles is important under Texas law.
What does the 2024 graduate degree requirement mean for me?
As of January 1, 2024, CDR (not Texas state law) requires a graduate degree to sit for the RD exam. If you entered an ACEND-accredited program before 2024, you may still be eligible under the previous bachelor’s degree pathway. New students entering after this date must complete a graduate degree. Please check with both your program and CDR to determine your specific eligibility pathway, as requirements vary depending on your enrollment date.
What’s the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist in Texas?
Registered dietitians have completed ACEND-accredited education, supervised practice, passed the CDR exam, and may hold state licensure. Nutritionists may have various levels of education and typically don’t need state licensure in Texas to practice under non-protected titles. Learn more about becoming a nutritionist in Texas.
Can I complete my dietetic internship in Texas if I went to school elsewhere?
Yes, you can apply to Texas dietetic internships regardless of where you completed your didactic program, as long as your program was ACEND-accredited. Many Texas DI programs accept out-of-state applicants through the centralized DICAS application system.
How much do registered dietitians earn in the state of Texas?
Salary data varies depending on the source and methodology used. According to BLS data from May 2024, the average was $67,100. Salary.com reports range from approximately $63,000 to $70,000, depending on the specific role and data set. Entry-level professionals typically earn between $57,000 and $60,000, while experienced dietitians can earn $94,000 or more. Major metropolitan areas, such as Dallas and Houston, tend to offer above-average salaries. Salary depends heavily on experience, employer type, specialization, and location.
Is the CDR exam difficult?
The CDR exam is comprehensive, testing knowledge across all areas of dietetics practice. The exam includes 125 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 25 pre-test). With proper preparation using the CDR study materials and your program education, most candidates pass on their first attempt.
Can I take the CDR exam before completing my internship?
No, you must complete your ACEND-accredited supervised practice (either through a coordinated program or separate dietetic internship) before you’re eligible to register for the CDR examination.
Key Takeaways
- Starting in 2024, all new students must complete a graduate degree from an ACEND-accredited program to become registered dietitians.
- Texas has 20+ ACEND-accredited programs, including coordinated programs and didactic programs with separate internships.s
- The complete path to becoming a licensed RD in Texas takes 5-6 years and includes education, 1,200+ supervised practice hours, and passing two exams.ms
- While Texas doesn’t require licensure to practice dietetics, obtaining state licensure is necessary to use the “licensed dietitian” title and is preferred by many employers.
- Texas RDs earn competitive salaries averaging $67,100, with higher earnings in major metro areas like Dallas and Houston.
- Maintaining your credentials requires ongoing continuing education: 75 hours every 5 years for CDR and 12 hours every 2 years for the Texas license.e
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Texas?
Texas offers excellent opportunities for aspiring dietitians with diverse program options across the state. Whether you’re interested in clinical nutrition, community health, foodservice management, or research, the path to becoming a licensed registered dietitian in Texas positions you for a rewarding career helping Texans achieve better health through evidence-based nutrition care. Explore ACEND-accredited programs to find the right fit for your educational 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.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Grand Canyon University offers an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
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.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed as of October 2025.
