Becoming a registered dietitian in Mississippi requires completing a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, 1,000 hours of supervised experience through a dietetic internship, passing the CDR examination, and applying for state licensure. As of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree is required to be eligible for the CDR exam. The process typically takes 5-6 years, with average annual salaries of $61,780.
As of June 2025, the Commission on Dietetic Registration reported 809 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) practicing in Mississippi. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians in the state earned an average salary of $61,780 as of May 2024. Early-career professionals earned approximately $49,020, while those with extensive experience earned $80,160 or more during this time.
Mississippi offers multiple pathways to become a licensed registered dietitian through ACEND-accredited programs at institutions such as Delta State University, the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. As of January 1, 2024, aspiring RDs must complete at least a master’s degree to be eligible for the CDR examination. After completing your registered dietitian education, 1,000 hours of supervised experience through a dietetic internship, and passing the CDR’s national registration exam, you’ll be ready to apply for licensure as a dietitian in Mississippi.
If you’re ready to join the ranks of Mississippi’s registered dietitians, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose the situation that best describes you:
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Mississippi
- Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Mississippi
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Dietitian Licensing and Registration in Mississippi
- Maintain Your Registration and Licensure in Mississippi
Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health requires all aspiring licensed dietitians to first become registered through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This means you must complete registered dietitian education that’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
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
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.
As of January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a minimum of a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program to be eligible to take the registration examination. This graduate degree requirement applies to all new RDs nationwide.
Mississippi offers two main educational pathways. Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CPDs) provide both education and supervised experience in a single, integrated program. Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) provide the educational component only, requiring you to complete your supervised experience separately through a dietetic internship.
Mississippi ACEND-Accredited Programs
| Institution & Location | Program Type | Degree Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Delta State University, Cleveland | Coordinated Program (CP) | Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences – Nutrition and Dietetics |
| University of Mississippi, University | Coordinated Program (CP) | Master of Science in Food and Nutrition Services – Nutrition |
| University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Mississippi State University, Mississippi State | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Nutrition – Food and Nutrition |
| University of Mississippi, University | Didactic Program (DPD) | Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition |
Additional Nutrition Education Programs
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 individual course of study has to offer through the locations listed below.
Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health and the CDR mandate that you must complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised professional experience through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship. If you completed a Coordinated Program, your supervised experience was integrated into your degree. If you completed a Didactic Program, you’ll need to apply for a separate dietetic internship.
Mississippi offers three ACEND-accredited dietetic internships with different emphases and requirements. Please note that individual programs may require more than the minimum 1,000 hours of experience.
Mississippi Dietetic Internships
| Institution | Duration | Program Type | Emphasis | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Coast Dietetic Internship, Biloxi | 8 months full-time (31 weeks, 40 hours/week) | Non-degree, post-baccalaureate | Entrepreneurship | 1,240 supervised practice hours, including 1 week orientation, 11 weeks clinical nutrition, 8 weeks foodservice management, 7 weeks community nutrition, and 4 weeks elective rotations |
| University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg | One year full-time | Degree program (MS in Nutrition and Food Systems) | Health promotion and education | GPA of 2.75 on last 65 undergraduate hours, GPA of 3.0 on DPD coursework, GPA of 2.70 on science prerequisites (general chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology) |
| Mississippi State University, Mississippi State | 11 months full-time | Non-degree (6 graduate credit hours) | Nutrition education and therapy | Overall GPA of 3.0 in DPD, nutrition courses GPA of 3.25, and passed the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Rotations at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Fresenius Medical Care, Starkville School District, MSU Extension Service, North Mississippi Medical Center, and other facilities |
Dietetic internships are highly competitive. Most programs use a centralized computer matching system through the Dietetic Internship Centralized Application Service (DICAS). Start your application process at least a year before you want to begin your internship.
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
The CDR and the Mississippi State Department of Health both require that you pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Exam for Dietitians before you may legally work as a licensed and registered dietitian in the state of Mississippi. Review the CDR’s Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates, which will explain in detail the application and examination process.
You may register online through the CDR and pay the $200 exam fee. Pearson VUE Exam Centers in Mississippi at the following locations administer this exam:
- Jackson – 1755 Leila Drive, Suite 404
- Jackson – 6360 I-55 North, Suite 250
- Tupelo – 431 W. Main St., Suite 340
CDR Exam Format and Content
You have 180 minutes to complete the test. The questions may number as high as 145, and all have multiple-choice answers. You must answer a minimum of 125 questions for the exam to be scored. You can’t skip questions or change answers you’ve already entered into the computer.
| Content Domain | % of Exam | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Dietetics | 25% | Education and communication/technology, research applications, food science, nutrient composition of foods, nutrition, and supporting sciences |
| Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups | 40% | Screening and assessment, diagnosis, intervention and planning, evaluation, and monitoring |
| Management of Food and Nutrition Programs | 21% | Functions of management, human resources, financial management, public relations and marketing, and quality improvement |
| Food Service Systems | 14% | Menu development, procuring, producing, distributing, and servicing, safety and sanitation, facility planning, and equipment |
A test center proctor will provide you with a score report at the end of the exam. A scaled score of 25 or higher passes the exam. If you pass, you may legally use the credentials RD (Registered Dietitian) after your name.
Apply for Dietitian Licensing and Registration in Mississippi
After earning your RD credentials, you’re ready to apply for licensure as a dietitian in Mississippi. The Mississippi State Department of Health manages the licensing process for dietitians in the state.
Download the Mississippi Dietitian Application for Licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Health website. You’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Completed and notarized application form
- Passport-sized photo of yourself
- Copy of your driver’s license or social security card
- Copy of your CDR card proving your Registered Dietitian status
- Application fee of $100
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Professional Licensure – Dietitian
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Once your license is issued, you may legally use the LD (Licensed Dietitian) credentials after your name in addition to your RD credentials.
Maintain Your Registration and Licensure in Mississippi
Maintaining your credentials as a registered dietitian in Mississippi requires ongoing continuing education and license renewal. You’ll need to meet requirements from both the CDR for your national registration and the Mississippi State Department of Health for your state license.
Mississippi Dietitian License Renewal
You must renew your Mississippi dietitian license every two years. The Mississippi Department of Health will mail you a renewal notice 30 days before your license is set to expire. During each two-year licensure term, you must complete 30 hours of approved continuing education and submit proof of this with your renewal form and fee.
If you meet the CDR’s continuing professional education requirements, you may use those continuing education hours to satisfy Mississippi’s requirement. This means you can fulfill both requirements simultaneously by completing CDR-approved continuing education.
CDR Registration Renewal
You’re required to renew your CDR registration every five years. The CDR expects you to complete 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each five-year period. CDR’s online CPE database and PDP Guide can help you locate approved CPE and accurately document it.
| Credential | Renewal Period | CE Hours Required | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Dietitian License (LD) | Every 2 years | 30 hours | Renewal notice sent 30 days before expiration, submit proof of CE with renewal form and fee |
| CDR Registration (RD) | Every 5 years | 75 hours | Use CDR’s online CPE database to find and document approved continuing education |
Career Opportunities and Salary Information in Mississippi
Registered dietitians in Mississippi work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, long-term care facilities, community health organizations, and private practice. The profession offers opportunities for specialization in clinical nutrition, community health, foodservice management, sports nutrition, pediatrics, oncology, and diabetes education.
Mississippi Registered Dietitian Salary Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists and dietitians in Mississippi earned an average salary of $61,780 as of May 2024. Salary ranges vary significantly based on experience, location, and work setting.
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Entry-Level (25th percentile) | Experienced (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (Statewide) | $61,780 | $49,020 | $80,160 |
| Jackson Metro Area | $65,460 | Data not available | Data not available |
| Gulfport-Biloxi Metro Area | $61,840 | Data not available | Data not available |
| Hattiesburg Metro Area | $56,250 | Data not available | Data not available |
For more comprehensive salary information and career outlook data for registered dietitians nationwide, visit our nutritionist and dietitian salary guide.
Career Growth and Specializations
Mississippi registered dietitians can pursue advanced certifications in specialized areas such as:
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) – Work with athletes and sports teams
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP) – Focus on children’s nutrition
- Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO) – Specializes in cancer care
- Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR) – Work with kidney disease patients
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) – Specializes in diabetes management
If you’re also interested in broader nutrition career options, view how to become a nutritionist in Mississippi here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Mississippi?
It typically takes 5-6 years to become a registered dietitian in the state of Mississippi. This includes 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for a required master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, and 8-12 months for a dietetic internship (if not completed through a coordinated program that integrates supervised experience). After completing these requirements, you’ll need to pass the CDR exam and apply for state licensure.
Do I need a master’s degree to become an RD in Mississippi?
Yes, as of January 1, 2024, the CDR requires all individuals taking the registration exam to have completed at least a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program. This means if you’re starting your education now, you must plan to complete a graduate-level degree to become eligible for the CDR exam and earn your RD credentials. This requirement applies nationwide, not just in Mississippi.
What’s the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist in Mississippi?
A registered dietitian (RD) must complete an ACEND-accredited program, a dietetic internship, pass the CDR exam, and obtain state licensure. Nutritionists in Mississippi may have varying levels of education and certification. The RD credential is nationally recognized and required for many clinical positions, while a nutritionist is a broader term with fewer standardized requirements.
How much does the CDR exam cost?
The CDR exam costs $200. This fee covers the computerized examination administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. If you need to retake the exam, you’ll pay the full fee again.
Does Mississippi require RD licensure?
Yes, Mississippi requires licensure for dietitians. After passing your CDR exam and earning your RD credentials, you must apply for state licensure through the Mississippi State Department of Health. The application fee is $100, and the license must be renewed every two years.
Can I practice as an RD in Mississippi with an out-of-state license?
No, you must obtain Mississippi licensure to practice as a registered dietitian in the state. However, if you’re already licensed in another state and hold current RD credentials from the CDR, the process should be straightforward. Contact the Mississippi State Department of Health Professional Licensure Division for information about reciprocity or endorsement.
What continuing education is required for Mississippi RDs?
Mississippi requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years for license renewal. You must also complete 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years to maintain your CDR registration. CDR-approved CE can satisfy both requirements.
Where can I find approved continuing education courses?
You can find approved continuing education through the CDR’s online CPE database at www.cdrnet.org. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also offers numerous continuing education opportunities through conferences, webinars, and online courses. Many state dietetic associations provide approved CE as well.
Key Takeaways
- Complete ACEND-accredited education: Choose from five Mississippi programs offering either coordinated programs (CP) or didactic programs (DPD) in dietetics at institutions like Delta State University, University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and University of Southern Mississippi. As of January 1, 2024, a master’s degree is required for CDR exam eligibility.
- Gain supervised experience: Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours through an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship in Mississippi, with programs in Biloxi, Hattiesburg, and Mississippi State offering different specialization areas.
- Pass the CDR examination: Take the 180-minute computerized exam covering principles of dietetics, nutrition care, management, and foodservice systems, requiring a scaled score of 25 or higher to pass.
- Obtain Mississippi licensure: Apply through the Mississippi State Department of Health with proof of RD credentials, paying a $100 application fee to legally use the LD designation.
- Maintain credentials through continuing education: Complete 30 hours of CE every two years for Mississippi license renewal and 75 hours every five years for CDR registration renewal.
- Competitive salary potential: Mississippi RDs earn an average of $61,780 annually, with experienced professionals earning $80,160 or more in metropolitan areas like Jackson.
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Career in Mississippi?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed registered dietitian in Mississippi. Research ACEND-accredited programs, connect with current RDs in your area of interest, and start planning your educational pathway today. With Mississippi’s growing healthcare sector and increasing focus on preventive nutrition, now is an excellent time to pursue this rewarding career.
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
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.
Important Note: Licensing requirements, continuing education mandates, and renewal procedures are subject to change over time. Always verify current requirements directly with the Mississippi State Department of Health Professional Licensure Division and the Commission on Dietetic Registration for the most up-to-date information.
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 September 2025.
