To become a registered dietitian in Missouri, you need a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, complete a 900-hour dietetic internship, pass the CDR exam, and obtain state licensure. Missouri offers 8 ACEND-accredited programs and requires both registration and licensing to practice.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration reports that as of June 2025, there were 2,092 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in Missouri. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for nutritionists and dietitians in Missouri was $62,120 as of May 2024. Early career professionals earned about $50,680, while those with extensive experience earned $84,080 or higher during this time.
Education, experience, and passing an examination are required for both becoming registered and licensed to practice dietetics in Missouri. Registered dietitian education programs in Missouri offer comprehensive pathways to this rewarding healthcare career.
Note: Program counts and fees should be verified with current ACEND listings and Missouri state requirements for 2025.
Follow the step-by-step process or choose what situation that best describes you:
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Missouri
- Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Missouri
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for Dietitian Licensing and Registration in Missouri
- Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
- Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
- Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Missouri
Complete Registered Dietitian Education in Missouri
The Missouri Division of Professional Regulation State Committee of Dietitians requires completion of undergraduate or graduate ACEND-accredited (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) registered dietitian education. Those who meet the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requirements are eligible for state 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.
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.
Missouri ACEND-Accredited Programs Leading to Registered Dietitian Licensure
| Institution | Program Type | Degree Offered | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri- Columbia | Coordinated Program (CP) | BS in Nutrition and Foods + MS in Dietetics | Three-year program |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Human Environmental Sciences – Dietetics | Four years |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Foods and Nutrition: Dietetics | Four years |
| College of the Ozarks | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Nutrition & Dietetics | Four years |
| Missouri State University | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Dietetics | Four years |
| Fontbonne University | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Dietetics | Four years |
| Saint Louis University | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Nutrition and Dietetics | Four years |
| University of Central Missouri | Didactic Program (DPD) | BS in Dietetics | Four years |
Missouri Licensure Requirements
Missouri’s licensure requirements specify that you must have at least a bachelor’s degree and have completed coursework in the following areas:
- Nine semester hours in biological sciences, which must include microbiology, human anatomy, and physiology
- Six semester hours in chemistry, including biochemistry
- Six semester hours in behavioral sciences, such as educational psychology, counseling psychology, sociology, or psychology
- Six semester hours in management, including institutional management and food service management
- 25 semester hours in foods and nutrition, with coursework in each of these areas:
- Food science
- Human nutrition
- Advanced human nutrition
- Applied human nutrition
- Nutrition through the life cycle
- Clinical nutrition
- Medical dietetics
- Diet therapy
Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions, and Professional Registration State Committee of Dietitians requires all registered dietitians to complete an ACEND-accredited dietetic internship of at least 900 hours.
| Institution | Program Duration | Focus Area | Degree Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State University | 9 months full-time | Nutrition education emphasis | Non-degree (graduate degree available) |
| Northwest Missouri State University | 9 months full-time | Community emphasis | Non-degree |
| Cox College, Springfield | 11 months (accelerated) or 22 months (part-time) | Nutrition diagnostics emphasis | MS in Nutrition Diagnostics available |
| Missouri State University | 9 months full-time | Public affairs and rural health | Non-degree |
| Saint Louis University | 15 months full-time | Multiple concentrations | MS in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| VA St. Louis Health Care System | 10 months full-time | Health promotion and disease prevention | Non-degree |
Alternative: Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)
If you prefer a shorter education path, consider becoming a Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR). These professionals complete ACEND-accredited programs that usually last about two years, including a 450-hour internship. Missouri offers DTR education at:
- St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley – Associate of Applied Science in Dietetic Technology with Management Option or Nutrition Care Option
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
After completing your education and internship, you must pass the CDR Exam for Registered Dietitians before becoming registered and licensed in Missouri.
CDR Exam Details
| Exam Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $200 (payable online through CDR account) |
| Format | Up to 145 multiple-choice questions |
| Time Limit | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Passing Score | Scaled score of at least 25 |
| Registration | Online through Pearson VUE |
Missouri Pearson VUE Testing Centers
- Columbia – 1700 East Pointe Drive, Suite 204
- Kansas City – 4240 Blue Ridge Blvd., Suite 705
- Kansas City – 9200 Ward Pkwy., Suite 101
- St. Louis – 10805 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 402
- St. Louis – 20225 Craigshire Rd, Suite 130
- Springfield – 2833 A East Battlefield, Suite 106
You must complete at least 125 questions for proper scoring. Questions cannot be skipped or changed once answered. Upon passing, you’ll earn the RD (Registered Dietitian) credential.
Apply for Dietitian Licensing and Registration in Missouri
Missouri requires both CDR registration and state licensing to practice as a dietitian. You must first be registered with CDR (RD/RDN) before applying for Missouri licensure (LD). After passing the CDR exam, apply for the Missouri state licensing.
Missouri Licensing Application Process
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Missouri Application for Licensure as a Licensed Dietitian |
| Fee | $50 check or money order to State Committee of Dietitians (verify current fee) |
| Documentation | Copy of CDR registration card |
| Notarization | Completed application must be notarized |
| Submission Address | State Committee of Dietitians, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335 |
Once licensed, you may use both RD (Registered Dietitian) and LD (Licensed Dietitian) credentials in Missouri.
Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
Missouri Dietitian License Renewal
Your Missouri dietitian license requires biennial renewal by April 1 of each even-numbered year. The renewal process includes:
- Renewal fee: $20 (verify current 2025 fee)
- Late fee: An Additional $50 if submitted after the 29-day grace period
- No continuing education required by the State Committee of Dietitians
CDR Registration Renewal
CDR registration must be renewed every five years with 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE). Use the CDR’s online CPE database to find acceptable activities and track your hours.
Explore Career Opportunities and Specializations
Missouri offers diverse career opportunities for registered dietitians across various healthcare, community, and business settings.
Popular Career Settings in Missouri
| Setting Type | Examples | Typical Job Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and kidney dialysis centers | Clinical dietitian, medical nutrition therapist |
| Community Health | County health departments, WIC programs | Community nutritionist, public health dietitian |
| Educational | Schools, universities, and medical schools | Nutrition educator, school nutrition coordinator |
| Sports/Fitness | Sports programs, wellness centers | Sports nutritionist, wellness coordinator |
| Business | Food companies, private practice | Food scientist, consultant dietitian |
Missouri Salary Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), dietitians and nutritionists in Missouri earned:
- Average salary: $62,120 per year
- Entry-level (25th percentile): $50,680
- Experienced (75th percentile): $84,080+
- St. Louis metro area: $68,290 average
Alternative Path: Becoming a Health Coach in Missouri
If you’re interested in nutrition counseling but prefer a shorter education path, consider becoming a health coach. Missouri doesn’t regulate health coaching, offering more flexibility in practice and education requirements.
Health Coach vs. Registered Dietitian
| Aspect | Health Coach | Registered Dietitian |
|---|---|---|
| Education Required | Certificate programs (3-12 months) | Bachelor’s degree + internship (4-5 years) |
| Licensing in Missouri | Not required | Required |
| Scope of Practice | Lifestyle coaching, general wellness guidance | Medical nutrition therapy, clinical practice |
| Time to Practice | 6-12 months | 4-5 years |
Health coaches focus on behavior change, motivation, and lifestyle modifications rather than medical nutrition therapy. This path allows you to help clients achieve wellness goals while requiring less formal education than a registered dietitian licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in Missouri?
Typically 4-5 years total: a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, followed by a 9-12 month dietetic internship. Some coordinated programs combine education and internship into a streamlined 3-year format.
Does Missouri require licensure for registered dietitians?
Yes, Missouri requires both CDR registration and state licensure to practice as a dietitian. You need both RD and LD credentials to work legally in the state.
Can I practice in Missouri with an out-of-state RD license?
You must obtain Missouri state licensure even if you’re already registered with CDR and licensed in another state. Missouri has specific licensing requirements that must be met.
What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian in Missouri?
Registered dietitians have completed accredited education, internships, and passed national exams. The title “nutritionist” is not regulated in Missouri, so qualifications vary widely. RDs have standardized education and can provide medical nutrition therapy.
How much do registered dietitians make in Missouri?
According to BLS data (May 2024), the average salary is $62,120 annually. Entry-level positions start around $50,680, while experienced dietitians can earn $84,080 or more. Metro areas like St. Louis typically offer higher salaries.
Are there online dietetic programs in Missouri?
While some coursework may be available online, dietetic internships require hands-on supervised practice that cannot be completed entirely online. Contact Missouri ACEND-accredited programs directly about their online course offerings.
Key Takeaways
- Education Requirements: Complete a bachelor’s degree from one of Missouri’s 8 ACEND-accredited programs
- Practical Experience: Finish a 900-hour dietetic internship at an approved Missouri facility
- National Certification: Pass the CDR exam to earn your RD credential
- State Licensing: Apply for the Missouri LD license with $50 fee and required documentation
- Dual Requirements: Missouri requires both national registration (RD) and state licensure (LD)
- Career Outlook: Strong job prospects with an average salary of $62,120 in Missouri
- Alternative Path: Consider health coaching for a shorter education timeline
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Journey in Missouri?
Take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career by exploring Missouri’s accredited nutrition programs. Research program requirements, application deadlines, and start building the foundation for your dietetic career today.
View how to become a nutritionist in Missouri 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
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.
2024 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 September 2025.
