How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Delaware

Delaware’s growing healthcare sector creates strong opportunities for nutrition professionals. With 358 Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists currently practicing in the state, Delaware offers multiple pathways to licensure and competitive compensation for qualified practitioners. Whether you’re pursuing the nationally recognized CDR route or Delaware’s alternative pathway with the State Jurisprudence Exam, understanding Delaware’s specific requirements is your first step toward a rewarding career.

Delaware recognizes Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionists (L.D.N.) and offers two distinct pathways to licensure. Both routes require dedication to education, supervised practice, and professional standards. This guide walks you through each step of becoming a registered dietitian in Delaware, from selecting your education program to maintaining your license and building your career. If you’re interested in alternative nutrition career paths, learn more about becoming a nutritionist in Delaware.

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

1. Complete Registered Dietitian Education Requirements in Delaware
2. Apply for Your Dietetic Internship in Delaware
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
4. Apply for Delaware State Licensure as L.D.N.
5. Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
6. Join Professional Dietary Organizations in Delaware
7. Explore Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations

Complete Registered Dietitian Education Requirements in Delaware

Delaware offers two pathways to becoming a registered dietitian. Your choice depends on whether you want to pursue national CDR registration or follow an alternative educational route.

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.

Understanding Delaware’s Two Pathways

Option 1: ACEND-Accredited Education Programs

The CDR pathway requires completion of an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) program. This route provides national portability and is recognized across all 50 states. Delaware offers two types of ACEND-accredited programs:

Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP) combine education and internship requirements into one integrated program. Delaware currently has one CP program:

• Delaware State University, Dover – Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutritional Science with Concentration in Dietetics

Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) fulfill educational requirements only. Students are required to complete a separate internship after graduation. Delaware offers one DPD program:

• University of Delaware, Newark – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

DPD coursework typically includes food science, human physiology, biochemistry, nutrition concepts, nutrition counseling, macronutrients and micronutrients, nutrition across the lifespan, and nutritional assessment. Most programs require biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and general chemistry as prerequisites. Explore the educational requirements for registered dietitians nationwide.

Option 2: Alternative Educational Pathway

Delaware accepts an alternative pathway for practitioners who don’t pursue CDR registration. This option requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Major in human nutrition, food and nutrition, nutrition education, dietetics, or food systems management
• Specific coursework: 3 credits in nutrition and disease or diet therapy, 3 credits in human physiology, 3 credits in biochemistry, and 12 credits in other dietetics/human nutrition courses
• 900 hours of Board-approved supervised practice (details in Step 2)
• Passing the State Jurisprudence Exam

This pathway limits your license to Delaware only and doesn’t provide the nationally recognized RD or RDN credential. Applicants must pass Delaware’s jurisprudence exam, which covers state-specific laws, regulations, and professional standards governing the practice of dietetics.

Online and Hybrid Program Options

Students who need flexibility may consider accredited online nutrition programs. The following programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by experienced nutritionists:

These programs can help fulfill educational requirements; however, students pursuing Delaware licensure should verify that the program’s accreditation status matches their chosen pathway.

Apply for Your Dietetic Internship in Delaware

Supervised practice is required regardless of which educational pathway you choose. The internship length and requirements differ between Option 1 and Option 2.

Option 1: ACEND-Accredited Dietetic Internship

Students following the CDR pathway must complete a 1,200-hour ACEND-accredited dietetic internship. Delaware offers one accredited program:

University of Delaware Dietetic Internship, Newark

• Duration: Eight months, full-time
• Options: Degree and non-degree tracks available
• Emphasis: Community nutrition
• Application: Through a centralized matching system

The University of Delaware program emphasizes community-based nutrition interventions, preparing interns for diverse practice settings. Students gain experience in clinical nutrition, food service management, and community health programs. Competition for internship spots is significant nationwide, so applicants should prepare strong applications and consider multiple programs. For more information about the internship process, please visit our Dietetic Internship Guide.

Option 2: Supervised Practice Experience

The alternative pathway requires 900 hours of supervised practice, meeting these standards:

• Experience must be pre-approved by the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition before beginning
• Supervision by a registered dietitian, Delaware-licensed healthcare practitioner, or professional with a doctoral degree in nutrition education, human nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, or food and nutrition
• Practice must occur within the United States or its territories
• The supervisor must document all experience using the Supervised Practice Experience Assessment Form
• Experience should cover clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and food service management

Students pursuing this option should contact the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition early to obtain approval for their supervised practice plan. The Board reviews proposed supervision arrangements to ensure they meet state standards before practice hours begin.

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination

Note: This step applies only to Option 1 candidates pursuing CDR registration. Option 2 candidates will be required to take the State Jurisprudence Exam as part of their licensure application (details provided in Step 4).

After completing your ACEND-accredited education and dietetic internship, you’re eligible to take the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians. This computer-based exam tests your knowledge across all areas of dietetics practice.

Exam Format and Content

The CDR exam is a comprehensive assessment covering:

• Principles of dietetics
• Nutrition care process
• Food and nutrient delivery
• Clinical and customer services
• Practice management and use of resources

The exam consists of 125 to 145 multiple-choice questions, administered over a three-hour period. You must answer at least 125 questions for the exam to be scored. The test uses adaptive questioning, so difficulty adjusts based on your responses.

Exam Registration and Preparation

Register for the exam through the CDR website. The examination fee is $200, payable by credit card. After payment, Pearson VUE will email you to schedule your exam at one of Delaware’s testing centers:

• Dover: 1012 College Road, Suite 104, The Kays Building
• Newark: 111 Continental Drive, Suite 109

Preparation resources include the CDR’s Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide and the Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates. Your DPD program and dietetic internship prepare you thoroughly, but many candidates find additional review helpful.

Exam Rules and Scoring

During the exam:

• You cannot skip questions
• You cannot return to previous questions
• You cannot review or change answers
• Results appear immediately upon completion

If you pass, CDR will send information about your new RD credentials within a few days. If you don’t pass, you may retake the exam after 45 days. Contact CDR at (312) 899-4859 for reauthorization. Learn more about CDR exam preparation and requirements.

Apply for Delaware State Licensure as L.D.N.

Delaware requires all dietitians and nutritionists to hold state licensure before practicing. The application process differs slightly between the two pathways.

Application Requirements for Option 1 (CDR Route)

If you completed the CDR registration pathway, submit the following to the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition:

• Completed State of Delaware Application for Licensure as a Dietitian/Nutritionist with a notarized affidavit
• Copy of your CDR registration card
• Request CDR to send credential verification directly to the Board (electronic or mail accepted)
• Licensing fee of $209 (check or money order payable to State of Delaware)

Application Requirements for Option 2 (Alternative Route)

If you completed the alternative pathway, submit:

• Completed State of Delaware Application for Licensure as a Dietitian/Nutritionist with notarized affidavit
• Official transcripts sent directly from your college or university to the Board, documenting your bachelor’s degree and required coursework
• Supervised Practice Experience Assessment Form completed and submitted directly by your internship supervisor, documenting 900 hours of Board-approved supervised practice
• Proof of passing the State Jurisprudence Exam
• If you’ve passed other dietetics or nutrition certification exams, request that the credentialing agency send verification to the Board and include copies of any certification or registration cards
• Licensing fee of $209 (check or money order payable to State of Delaware)

Submitting Your Application

Mail all materials to:

State of Delaware
Department of State
Division of Professional Regulation
Board of Dietetics/Nutrition
Cannon Building
861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Suite 203
Dover, DE 19904-2467

Processing typically takes four to six weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your license by mail and may use the credentials “L.D.N.” (Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist) in Delaware.

Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education

Delaware requires ongoing education to keep your L.D.N. license active and ensure you stay current with nutrition science and practice standards.

Delaware License Renewal Requirements

Your Delaware L.D.N. license expires on May 31 of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.). To renew:

• Complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years
• Renew online when you receive your renewal notice (typically mailed a few weeks before expiration)
• Pay the renewal fee online (fee amount included in renewal notice)
• Attest to CE completion during online renewal
• Maintain documentation of all CE in case of an audit

The Board randomly audits licensees to verify compliance with continuing education requirements. Keep certificates, transcripts, and records for all CE activities completed during each renewal period.

Acceptable Continuing Education

Delaware accepts the same Continuing Professional Education (CPE) approved by CDR for registration purposes, with these limitations:

• No more than 15 CPE hours from self-study
• No more than 6 CPE hours from exhibits
• No more than 10 CPE hours from presenting posters

Acceptable activities include workshops, seminars, academic coursework, online courses, conferences, webinars, and professional presentations. CE must relate to nutrition, dietetics, or healthcare.

Maintaining CDR Registration

If you hold CDR registration (Option 1 pathway), you must also maintain your national RD or RDN credential separately. CDR requires 75 hours of approved CPE every five years. Use the CDR online CPE database to find approved continuing professional education (CPE) activities. Certain specialty certifications can fulfill CPE requirements, as detailed in the CDR PDP Guide.

Join Professional Dietary Organizations in Delaware

Professional membership strengthens your practice through networking, continuing education, advocacy, and career development opportunities.

Delaware Dietetic Association

The Delaware Dietetic Association serves as the state affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Membership benefits include:

• Access to local networking events and meetings
• State-specific continuing education opportunities
• Legislative advocacy for nutrition professionals
• Job postings and career resources
• Mentorship programs for new practitioners
• Connections with Delaware RDs across practice settings

Delaware association members work in diverse settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practice, public health agencies, universities, fitness centers, schools, nursing homes, senior centers, school-based wellness centers, and community organizations.

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides national-level benefits:

• Access to evidence-based practice guidelines
• Subscription to peer-reviewed journals
• Discounts on continuing education
• Specialty practice group memberships
• Career development resources
• Professional liability insurance options

Specialty Certifications

After gaining practice experience, consider specialty certifications in areas such as:

• Pediatric nutrition (CSP)
• Renal nutrition (CSR)
• Oncology nutrition (CSO)
• Sports dietetics (CSSD)
• Gerontological nutrition (CSG)
• Obesity and weight management

Specialty certifications demonstrate expertise, increase earning potential, and expand career opportunities.

Explore Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations

Delaware Salary Data

According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, 358 Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists practiced in Delaware as of June 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong compensation for Delaware nutrition professionals as of May 2023:

Delaware offers slightly higher compensation than the national average, particularly for early-career professionals. Salaries vary based on practice setting, specialization, experience, and education level.

Practice Settings in Delaware

Delaware dietitians work in diverse environments:

• Hospitals and Medical Centers: Clinical nutrition, critical care, and outpatient counseling
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Nursing homes, assisted living, senior centers
• Community Health: WIC programs, health departments, community wellness initiatives
• Private Practice: Nutrition counseling, meal planning, wellness coaching
• Education: Universities, community colleges, school nutrition programs
• Fitness and Wellness Centers: Sports nutrition, weight management, wellness programs
• Corporate Wellness: Employee health programs, nutrition education
• Food Service Management: Healthcare facilities, schools, corporate dining

Job Outlook

The nutrition and dietetics field continues to grow as healthcare systems emphasize preventive care and chronic disease management. Delaware’s aging population and focus on public health create steady demand for qualified nutrition professionals. Specializations in diabetes management, bariatrics, oncology nutrition, and sports dietetics offer particularly strong growth opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The CDR pathway typically takes 4-5 years: four years for a bachelor’s degree (or combined CP program) plus 8-12 months for the dietetic internship (if not included in your degree). The alternative pathway takes a similar timeframe but requires only 900 Board-approved supervised hours instead of 1,200. Add several weeks for exam scheduling and licensure processing.

Can I become a registered dietitian online in Delaware?

You can complete DPD coursework online through ACEND-accredited distance programs, but you must complete supervised practice hours in person. Some programs offer hybrid formats combining online didactic learning with in-person clinical rotations. The CDR exam and Delaware licensure process are the same regardless of how you completed your education.

What’s the difference between Option 1 and Option 2 in Delaware?

Option 1 (CDR route) requires ACEND-accredited education, 1,200 hours of internship experience, and passing the CDR exam. It provides national RD/RDN credentials recognized in all states. Option 2 (alternative route) requires a bachelor’s in nutrition, 900 Board-approved supervised hours, and passing Delaware’s State Jurisprudence Exam. However, your license only applies in Delaware and doesn’t transfer to other states without meeting additional requirements.

Do I need a license to work as a dietitian in Delaware?

Yes. Delaware law requires licensure for anyone providing nutrition services as a dietitian or nutritionist. You cannot legally use the title “dietitian,” “nutritionist,” “licensed dietitian,” or “licensed nutritionist” without holding an active Delaware license. Unlicensed practice may result in penalties.

Can I transfer my dietitian license from another state to Delaware?

Delaware offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who meet equivalent standards. If you hold a current licensure in another state and meet Delaware’s education, experience, and examination requirements, you can apply for licensure by endorsement. This process typically requires submitting verification of your out-of-state license, documentation of equivalent credentials, and paying Delaware’s licensing fee. Contact the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition to confirm your eligibility before applying.

How much does the CDR exam cost?

The CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians costs $200. This fee covers one exam attempt. If you need to retake the exam, you’ll pay an additional $200 for each attempt. Factor in study materials and review courses when budgeting for exam preparation.

What happens if I fail the CDR exam?

You can retake the exam after a 45-day waiting period. Contact CDR to request reauthorization. Most candidates pass on their first or second attempt. Use your score report to identify areas for improvement and focus your additional study time. Consider joining a study group or using additional review resources.

Are there scholarships for dietetics programs in Delaware?

Both Delaware State University and the University of Delaware offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers scholarships specifically for students pursuing a career in the field of dietetics. Check with your program’s financial aid office and apply as early as possible. Many state and local organizations also offer scholarships with a focus on nutrition.

Can I work as a nutritionist in Delaware without being an RD?

Delaware’s scope of practice law is complex. While some nutrition services don’t require RD credentials, anyone providing medical nutrition therapy, nutrition assessment, or nutrition care plans must hold an L.D.N. license. To ensure compliance, review the Delaware statute or consult the Delaware Board of Dietetics/Nutrition about your specific situation.

What’s the job market like for dietitians in Delaware?

Delaware offers a robust job market for dietitians, with opportunities available in hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, public health agencies, private practice settings, and wellness centers. The state’s healthcare focus and aging population create consistent demand. Competition exists for preferred positions, so networking through the Delaware Dietetic Association helps.

Key Takeaways

• Delaware offers two pathways to dietitian licensure: the national CDR route (1,200 hours, portable to all states) or an alternative pathway (900 Board-approved hours, State Jurisprudence Exam, Delaware-only)
• Both pathways require a bachelor’s degree, supervised practice, and passing the required examinations
• The CDR exam costs $200 and covers comprehensive dietetics knowledge across all practice areas
• Delaware-licensed dietitians earn an average of $75,060 annually, slightly above the national average
• License renewal occurs every two years on May 31 of odd-numbered years and requires 30 CE hours
• Delaware has two ACEND-accredited education programs and one accredited dietetic internship
• Delaware offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state practitioners who meet equivalent standards
• Professional membership in the Delaware Dietetic Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides networking, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities
• The state’s 358 practicing RDs and RDNs work in diverse settings, from hospitals to private practice

Ready to Start Your Nutrition Career in Delaware?

Take the first step toward becoming a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist in Delaware. Explore accredited programs, connect with the Delaware Dietetic Association, and begin your journey toward a rewarding career helping others achieve optimal health through nutrition.

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.

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.

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