To become a registered dietitian in Wyoming, you need an ACEND-accredited master’s degree (effective January 2024), complete a dietetic internship or graduate program with supervised practice (1,000+ hours), pass the CDR exam, and obtain Wyoming state licensure. The process typically takes 5-6 years and leads to careers earning $43,790-$102,880 annually.
Wyoming offers exciting opportunities for nutrition professionals in a state known for its outdoor lifestyle and health-conscious communities. With only 187 registered dietitians currently practicing statewide, there’s significant demand for qualified nutrition professionals. Whether you’re drawn to clinical settings, community health programs, or private practice, Wyoming provides diverse career paths for registered dietitians.
The path to becoming a registered dietitian in Wyoming follows national standards while incorporating state-specific licensing requirements. As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires a master’s degree to become eligible for the RD exam, elevating the profession’s educational standards. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the process, from education requirements to career opportunities in the Equality State.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Master’s Degree Education Requirements in Wyoming
- Complete Dietetic Internship or Graduate Program with Supervised Practice
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Wyoming State Licensure as a Registered Dietitian
- Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
- Explore Career Opportunities in Wyoming
Complete Master’s Degree Education Requirements in Wyoming
Beginning January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum master’s degree to be eligible for the dietitian registration exam. The master’s degree can be in any field, but you must also complete coursework from an ACEND-accredited program. The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) ensures programs meet rigorous academic standards for dietitian preparation.
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.
University of Wyoming Programs
Wyoming offers multiple pathways through the University of Wyoming:
Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (Starting Spring 2026)
University of Wyoming, Laramie
18-month Master’s Program with Integrated Supervised Practice
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
ACEND-accredited as of August 2025
This new graduate program integrates coursework with supervised experiential learning, allowing students to complete both their master’s degree and required supervised practice hours in one cohort-based program. Students can complete their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and supervised practice requirements in just 5 years total.
Didactic Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD)
University of Wyoming, Laramie
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Food – Dietetics
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
Program Information
ACEND-accredited (requires separate internship and master’s degree)
Alternative Education Pathways
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any field, you can complete a master’s degree and pursue one of these options:
- Master’s + Separate Dietetic Internship: Complete any master’s degree, then apply to a competitive dietetic internship program
- Graduate Programs with Integrated Practice: Complete master’s programs that include supervised practice (like Wyoming’s new GPND)
- Online Master’s Programs: Many ACEND-accredited programs offer distance learning options
Popular nutrition degree programs that can serve as prerequisites include:
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa – Master of Science in Food and Nutrition
- University of Arizona, Tucson – Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
- Kansas State University, Manhattan – Master of Science in Dietetics
- University of Northern Colorado, Greeley – Master of Science in Dietetics
Use ACEND’s database to find all accredited programs nationwide.
Complete Dietetic Internship or Graduate Program with Supervised Practice
All future registered dietitians must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience. You can fulfill this requirement through a traditional dietetic internship (6-12 months) or through integrated graduate programs that combine coursework with supervised practice.
Important Note: Wyoming does not currently host any independent dietetic internship programs. However, the new University of Wyoming Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics (starting Spring 2026) includes supervised practice within the 18-month program.
Regional Dietetic Internship Options
| Program Location | Institution | Duration | Emphasis Areas | Program Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora, CO | Children’s Hospital Colorado | 10 months | Adult Acute Care, Pediatrics | Full-time, Non-degree |
| Colorado Springs, CO | Penrose-St. Francis Health | 10 months | Medical Nutrition Therapy | Full-time, Non-degree |
| Greeley, CO | University of Northern Colorado | 9-28 months | Management, Education, Counseling | Multiple options available |
| Pocatello, ID | Idaho State University | 16 months | Community Nutrition | Graduate degree program |
| Bozeman, MT | Montana State University | 40 weeks | Sustainable Food Systems | Full-time, Non-degree |
Application to dietetic internships is highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 40-60%. Strong academic performance, relevant work experience, and volunteer activities in nutrition-related settings strengthen your application. The University of Wyoming reports a 100% match rate for its DPD graduates, significantly higher than the national average.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
After completing your master’s degree and supervised practice requirements, you’re eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Examination. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge across all areas of dietetics practice and is required for the RD/RDN credential.
CDR Exam Details
- Format: Computer-based exam with a minimum of 125 questions (100 scored, 25 pretest)
- Time Limit: 3 hours
- Application Fee: $200
- Registration Window: Must test within one year of completing supervised practice
- Retake Policy: 45-day waiting period if needed, no limit on attempts
Wyoming Testing Locations
Within Wyoming, the CDR exam is available at:
- Casper: Primary testing site in Wyoming
Nearby testing locations include Ogden, Utah; Greenwood Village, Colorado; Westminster, Colorado; and Billings, Montana.
Exam Preparation Resources
- CDR Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide
- Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook
- Practice exams and review courses from various providers
- Study groups with fellow interns
Apply for Wyoming State Licensure as a Registered Dietitian
Wyoming requires state licensure for registered dietitians. The Wyoming Dietetics Licensing Board regulates the profession and defines dietetics as “the integration and application of principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, management, communication, and biological, physiological, behavioral, and social sciences to achieve and maintain optimal human health.”
License Application Requirements
To apply for Wyoming dietitian licensure, submit the following to the Wyoming Dietetics Licensing Board:
- Completed application form (available at dietetics.wyo.gov)
- $200 application fee (cashier’s check or money order payable to State of Wyoming)
- CDR credential verification sent directly from CDR
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, social security card, or passport)
Mail your complete application to:
Wyoming Dietetics Licensing Board
2001 Central Ave, Room 105
Cheyenne, WY 82002
The Board typically reviews applications within 2-5 business days. Upon approval, you’ll receive a wall certificate, a pocket identification card, and a receipt.
Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
Maintaining your credentials requires ongoing education and renewal activities at both state and national levels.
Wyoming License Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| License Duration | 2 years from the issue date | Biennial renewal |
| Application Deadline | 15 days before expiration | Renewal notice sent 90 days prior |
| CPE Requirements | 30 contact hours minimum | Per 2-year renewal period |
| Contact Hour Definition | 50+ minutes instruction/presentation | Ongoing documentation |
CDR Registration Renewal
Your national CDR registration renews every five years and requires:
- 75 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) over five years
- Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) maintenance
- Self-assessment and goal-setting activities
Use the CDR Professional Development Portfolio Guide to plan your continuing education activities.
Explore Career Opportunities in Wyoming
Wyoming’s registered dietitians work across diverse settings, from hospitals and long-term care facilities to schools, wellness centers, and private practice. The state’s focus on preventive healthcare and wellness creates numerous opportunities for nutrition professionals.
Common Practice Settings
- Clinical Settings: Hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers
- Community Health: Public health departments, WIC programs, community centers
- Food Service: Healthcare facilities, schools, corporate cafeterias
- Private Practice: Nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, consulting
- Education: Universities, community colleges, extension programs
- Sports Nutrition: Athletic programs, fitness centers, professional teams
Wyoming Registered Dietitian Salary and Job Market
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), there were 187 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Wyoming as of June 2025. This represents significant growth opportunities in an underserved market.
Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians in Wyoming earned competitive salaries as of May 2024:
- Average Annual Salary: $69,840
- Entry-Level (25th percentile): $43,790
- Experienced (90th percentile): $102,880+
- Rural Eastern Wyoming: $64,690 average
Factors affecting salary include experience level, practice setting, specialization, and geographic location within the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Wyoming?
The complete process typically takes 5-6 years, including earning a master’s degree (required since January 2024). This includes completing prerequisite coursework, a master’s degree program, and supervised practice experience. The University of Wyoming’s new integrated program allows completion in 5 years total.
Do I need a master’s degree in nutrition specifically?
No, the CDR requires a master’s degree in any field, but you must also complete ACEND-accredited coursework in nutrition and dietetics. You can earn a master’s in any subject and complete the didactic requirements separately, or choose an integrated nutrition graduate program.
Can I complete my education requirements online?
Yes, many ACEND-accredited programs offer online or hybrid formats for didactic coursework. However, supervised practice experiences must be completed in person at approved healthcare or community facilities.
What’s the difference between RD and RDN credentials?
RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are both valid, legally equivalent credentials. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics introduced RDN in 2013 to emphasize nutrition expertise, but both credentials represent the same qualifications and now require a master’s degree for new applicants.
Are there job opportunities for new graduates in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming’s low RD-to-population ratio creates excellent opportunities for new graduates. Healthcare systems, schools, and community health organizations actively recruit qualified dietitians. The state’s 187 practicing RDs serve a population of nearly 600,000, indicating significant demand.
Do I need to maintain both state and national credentials?
Yes, Wyoming requires both state licensure (renewed every 2 years with 30 CPE hours) and CDR registration (renewed every 5 years with 75 CPEUs) to practice as a registered dietitian. Each has separate continuing education requirements.
When does the University of Wyoming graduate program start accepting applications?
The University of Wyoming Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics will begin accepting applications for Spring 2026 admission. The 18-month program uses a cohort model and only admits students once per year in the spring semester.
Key Takeaways
- Master’s Degree Required: As of January 1, 2024, CDR requires a master’s degree (in any field) plus ACEND-accredited coursework
- Wyoming Options: University of Wyoming offers both traditional DPD and a new integrated graduate program starting Spring 2026
- Supervised Practice: Complete 1,000+ hours through a dietetic internship or an integrated graduate program
- National Certification: Pass the CDR examination to earn your RD/RDN credentials
- State Licensure: Obtain a Wyoming state license through the Dietetics Licensing Board
- Strong Job Market: Excellent opportunities with salaries ranging from $43,790 to $102,880+ annually
- Timeline: The Total process typically takes 5-6 years, with a master’s degree requirement
View how to become a nutritionist in Wyoming here.
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.
