How to Become a Registered Dietitian in New York

New York stands as one of the nation’s premier destinations for registered dietitian careers, offering exceptional earning potential and diverse opportunities across healthcare, education, and private practice. As of June 2025, over 7,260 registered dietitians practice in the state, earning an average salary of $80,500 according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Becoming a registered dietitian in New York represents both a rewarding career choice and a significant professional achievement.

The path to becoming a registered dietitian in New York requires dedication, education, and meeting specific state licensing requirements. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring nutrition careers or a career changer seeking a fulfilling healthcare profession, this comprehensive guide outlines every step you need to take to achieve your RD credentials in the Empire State.

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

1. Complete Registered Dietitian Education in New York
2. Apply for Your Dietetic Internship (DI) in New York
3. Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
4. Apply for State Licensure in New York as a Registered Dietitian
5. Maintain Your New York State License and CDR Registration

Complete Registered Dietitian Education in New York

The foundation of your registered dietitian career begins with proper education and training. The most straightforward path to meeting both CDR and New York’s requirements is earning a bachelor’s degree or higher from an educational program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) 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.

Under New York law, these programs must include at least 45 semester hours in the following professional dietetics and nutrition content areas:

• Assessment and evaluation of the nutritional status of individuals, families, and communities
• Counseling, education, and communication skills
• Ethics and professionalism
• Food service management
• Human nutrition needs throughout the life span
• Interpretation of nutrition information and its application
• Nutrient composition of food
• Principles of nutrition in health and disease
• Diet modifications

Understanding ACEND-Accredited Program Types

New York offers two distinct pathways through ACEND-accredited programs. Understanding the difference between these program types is crucial for planning your educational journey and timeline.

Coordinated Programs in New York (4 Programs)

Coordinated programs streamline your path to becoming a registered dietitian by combining both educational coursework and supervised practice requirements into a single, integrated program. Upon completing a CP in New York, you’re immediately eligible to sit for the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam and receive your RD designation.

New York offers four coordinated programs:

Buffalo State – SUNY, Buffalo
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Pace University, Pleasantville
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Utica College
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition

Didactic Programs in New York (13 Programs)

Didactic programs in dietetics provide comprehensive classroom education culminating in a bachelor’s or graduate degree in dietetics. These programs don’t include the supervised practice component necessary to achieve the registered dietitian credential. After completing a DPD, you must apply for and complete a dietetic internship program separately before qualifying to sit for the CDR exam.

New York offers 13 didactic programs at institutions across the state:

Brooklyn College, CUNY, Brooklyn
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Long Island University Post, Brookville
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Buffalo State – SUNY, Buffalo
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Queens College – CUNY, Flushing
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Cornell University – Ithaca, Ithaca
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Hunter College – CUNY, New York City
Master of Science in Nutrition-Didactic Program track

New York University, New York City
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

State University of New York at Oneonta, Oneonta
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics

Plattsburgh State University of New York, Plattsburgh
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition

Syracuse University, Syracuse
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

The Sage Colleges, Troy
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science

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 New York

If you have completed a didactic program, your next critical step is to apply for and successfully complete a dietetic internship in New York. This supervised practice experience bridges classroom learning with real-world application, preparing you for independent practice as a registered dietitian.

Per ACEND accreditation standards (2024), New York law requires dietetic internships to include at least 800 hours of supervised practice. All ACEND-accredited programs exceed this requirement, providing 1,200 hours of supervised practice across diverse settings, including hospitals, community health centers, food service operations, and private practices.

Application Timeline and Competitive Selection

Dietetic internship positions are highly competitive. Most programs use a centralized computer matching system. Start researching programs and requirements at least one year before your desired start date. Application cycles typically occur in February for programs beginning the following summer or fall.

ACEND-Accredited Dietetic Internships in New York (17 Programs)

New York offers 17 ACEND-accredited dietetic internship programs, each with unique emphases and structures. Programs range from full-time options completed in 9-13 months to part-time options extending up to 24 months.

Herbert H. Lehman College, CUNY, Bronx
Year-long, part-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on medical nutrition therapy

James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx
Year-long, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on nutrition therapy

Brooklyn College, Brooklyn
Nine month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on independent practice

Long Island University/Post, Brookville
Ten month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on medical nutrition therapy and health and wellness

Queens College – CUNY, Flushing
Ten month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on advanced community nutrition

Northwell Health Dietetic Internship, Manhasset
Ten month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on pediatrics, maternal and child health

City University of New York, New York
Nine month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on public health nutrition

Hunter College – CUNY, New York
Nine month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on community and public health nutrition education

New York University, New York
13-month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on nutrition therapy

New York – Presbyterian Hospital, New York City
Year long, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on nutrition therapy\

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook
Ten month, full-time, non-degree program or
24 month, part-time non-degree program
Emphasis on clinical/nutrition therapy

Syracuse University, Syracuse
Nine month, full-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on program monitoring and outcomes management

The Sage Colleges, Troy
Ten month, full-time, non-degree program or
22-month, part-time, non-degree program
Emphasis on communications

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination

After completing your ACEND-accredited education and supervised practice (either through a coordinated program or DPD plus dietetic internship), you become eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration exam. This computer-based examination is required for both CDR registration and New York state licensure.

Registration and Preparation

Your program administrator typically contacts the CDR on your behalf once you have completed your requirements. You’ll receive email correspondence with detailed instructions on registering for the exam and paying the $200 application fee (as of 2024). You have 365 days from completing your supervised practice to register and take the exam.

After successful registration and payment, Pearson VUE Exams will send you a second email to schedule your exam date, time, and location. It’s recommended to schedule your exam 2-3 months after completing your internship to allow adequate preparation time.

Exam Preparation Resources

The CDR provides comprehensive study materials including:

• Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide – Detailed content breakdown covering all exam domains
• Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates – Official guide with exam format, sample questions, and test-taking strategies
• Practice Exams – Computer-based practice tests simulating the actual exam experience

Many successful candidates recommend studying 2-3 hours daily for 6-8 weeks before the exam. Focus on areas where you feel less confident, particularly food service management and medical nutrition therapy.

Testing Locations in New York

Within New York, you may take the CDR exam at one of the following Pearson VUE testing centers:

• Brooklyn
• Forest Hills
• Islandia (Long Island)
• Lake Success (Queens)
• New York City (centers at Herald Square, Lexington Ave., William St., W. 44th St.)
• Staten Island
• White Plains
• Yonkers

Exam Format and Scoring

The CDR exam is a computer-based test consisting of 125-145 multiple-choice questions, including 25 non-scored pretest questions. You’ll have 2.5 hours to complete the exam with access to a simple on-screen calculator.

On exam day, bring your Pearson VUE confirmation email and government-issued photo ID. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time to complete check-in procedures.

Upon completing the exam, you can immediately check your score by clicking the “report” button in your online account. The exam uses a scaled scoring system from 0 to 50. You must score at least 25 to pass. According to CDR statistics (2024), the national pass rate for first-time test takers is approximately 80%.

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you may retake the test after 45 days. Contact the CDR to reauthorize testing by calling (312) 899-4859.

Apply for State Licensure in New York as a Registered Dietitian

New York requires all dietitians and nutritionists to hold state licensure to practice professionally. After passing your CDR exam and receiving your RD designation, you must apply for certification through the New York State Education Department.

New York State Licensure Requirements

To qualify for New York dietitian-nutritionist licensure, you must demonstrate:

• Completion of education requirements (bachelor’s degree minimum from ACEND-accredited program)
• Completion of supervised practice (1,200 hours through coordinated program or dietetic internship)
• Successful passage of the CDR registration examination
• Good moral character and fitness to practice

Application Process

Begin your application through the New York State Education Department online portal. The application process includes:

1. Create an online account at the NYSED Office of Professions portal
2. Complete the application form for dietitian-nutritionist licensure
3. Submit the licensure/first registration fee of $294 (as of 2024)
4. Upload required documentation, including official transcripts, verification of supervised practice completion, and CDR certification
5. Provide professional references if requested

If you need to mail any documentation, send it to:

NYS Education Department
Office of the Professions
Dietetics-Nutrition Unit
89 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12234-1000

Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks for complete applications. You’ll receive notification of your licensure approval via email and can verify your license status through the NYSED verification search tool.

Maintain Your New York State License and CDR Registration

Maintaining your credentials requires attention to both CDR registration renewal and New York state licensure requirements. These have different cycles and requirements.

CDR Registration Renewal

Per CDR requirements (2024), the Commission on Dietetic Registration requires registration renewal every five years. To maintain your RD credential, you must document at least 75 hours of continuing professional education during each renewal period.

CPE requirements include:

• Minimum 75 CPE credits over five years
• Documentation in your CDR Professional Development Portfolio
• At least 50% of credits must be CDR-approved activities
• Activities must relate to nutrition, dietetics, or management

Find approved CPE educational activities through the CDR CPE Accreditation Program database. Activities include conferences, webinars, self-study courses, research presentations, and academic coursework.

New York State License Renewal

New York requires license renewal every three years through the online renewal system. Unlike some states, New York doesn’t mandate continuing education for licensure renewal. However, maintaining your CDR registration (which does require CE) is necessary to maintain your RD designation.

The state renewal process includes:

• Completing the online renewal application
• Paying the triennial registration fee
• Confirming continued good standing
• Updating practice information if it has changed

Staying Current in the Field

Beyond minimum requirements, successful registered dietitians engage in ongoing professional development through:

• Professional organization membership (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, specialized practice groups)
• Pursuing specialty certifications (Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, Sports Dietetics, Renal Nutrition, etc.)
• Attending state and national conferences
• Participating in research and evidence-based practice initiatives
• Mentoring dietetic interns and students

New York Registered Dietitian Salary and Job Market

New York offers registered dietitians some of the most competitive compensation in the nation. Understanding salary expectations and career opportunities helps you plan your professional future and make informed decisions about specialization and practice location.

Statewide Salary Data

As of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians and nutritionists in New York earned an average annual salary of $80,500, which is significantly higher than the national average of $74,770. This places New York ninth among all states in terms of registered dietitian compensation.

Salary ranges by experience level (BLS, May 2024):

• Entry-Level (25th percentile): $64,120 per year
• Mid-Career (50th percentile/median): $78,200 per year
• Experienced (75th percentile): $95,300 per year
• Senior-Level (90th percentile): $103,500 per year

Metropolitan Area Breakdown

Salaries vary significantly by region within New York. Metropolitan areas typically offer higher compensation due to the increased cost of living and concentration of healthcare facilities.

Career Opportunities and Specializations

According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (June 2025), there were 7,260 Registered Dietitians and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists practicing in New York. This robust professional community creates diverse opportunities across multiple settings:

• Hospitals and Healthcare Systems – Clinical nutrition therapy, patient education, specialized units (oncology, ICU, cardiac rehab)
• Outpatient Clinics – Diabetes education, weight management, gastrointestinal disorders
• Long-Term Care Facilities – Nutritional assessment and care planning for elderly populations
• Schools and Universities – Child nutrition programs, campus dining services, nutrition education
• Community Health Centers – Public health nutrition, WIC programs, food security initiatives
• Private Practice – Individual nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, corporate wellness programs
• Food Service Management – Healthcare food service, commercial operations, quality assurance
• Research and Academia – University faculty positions, nutrition research, grant-funded projects
• Industry – Food product development, marketing, regulatory affairs

Job Growth Outlook

According to BLS projections (2021-2031), employment of dietitians and nutritionists is expected to grow 7% nationally, faster than the average for all occupations. In New York specifically, factors driving demand include:

• An aging population requiring nutritional care management
• Increased public awareness of nutrition’s role in preventing chronic disease
• Growing emphasis on population health management
• Expansion of diabetes prevention and management programs
• Integration of nutrition professionals into primary care settings

Are you interested in exploring the career path of a nutritionist in New York as well? View requirements, certifications, and career options for nutritionists practicing in the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The total timeline is typically 5 to 6 years. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, 9-12 months for a dietetic internship (if you completed a didactic program rather than a coordinated program), plus time for the CDR exam and state licensure application. Coordinated programs can reduce this timeline by integrating education and supervised practice.

How much do registered dietitians make in New York?

As of May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dietitians in New York earn an average annual salary of $80,500. Entry-level RDs earn approximately $64,120, while experienced dietitians can earn over $103,500. The New York City metropolitan area offers the highest salaries, averaging $85,140 annually.

Can I work as a dietitian in New York without a license?

No. New York State requires licensure for both dietitians and nutritionists to practice professionally. You must hold a valid dietitian-nutritionist license issued by the New York State Education Department to provide nutrition services, use the title “dietitian” or “nutritionist,” or represent yourself as qualified to provide nutritional care.

What’s the difference between a coordinated program and didactic program?

A coordinated program (CP) combines both the required classroom education and 1,200 hours of supervised practice into one integrated program, making you immediately eligible for the CDR exam upon graduation. A didactic program (DP) provides only the classroom education component. After completing a didactic program, you must separately apply for and complete a dietetic internship before becoming eligible for the CDR exam.

Is the New York RD license reciprocal with other states?

Many states recognize credentials from other states, but specific reciprocity requirements vary. If you hold New York licensure and want to practice in another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure in that state. Some states accept your CDR registration and New York license with minimal additional requirements, while others may require additional documentation or examinations. Check with the licensing board in your specific state.

How much does the CDR exam cost?

As of 2024, the CDR registration examination application fee is $200. This fee covers the exam itself and is paid when you register through your online CDR account. Additional costs may include study materials (study guides, practice exams), which typically range from $50-$200, and potential retake fees if you don’t pass on your first attempt.

Do I need continuing education to maintain my New York dietitian license?

New York State doesn’t require continuing education for license renewal. However, you must maintain your CDR registration to retain your RD credential, and according to CDR requirements (2024), the CDR mandates 75 continuing professional education credits every five years. Most RDs complete more than the minimum to stay current with evidence-based practice.

Can I take the CDR exam before completing my internship?

No. You must complete all supervised practice requirements (either through a coordinated program or dietetic internship) before becoming eligible to take the CDR exam. Your program director must submit verification of completion to the CDR before you receive authorization to schedule your exam.

Key Takeaways

• New York offers 17 ACEND-accredited education programs (4 coordinated, 13 didactic) and 17 dietetic internship programs, providing diverse pathways to becoming a registered dietitian
• The complete timeline to become a registered dietitian in New York is typically 5-6 years, including education, supervised practice, examination, and licensure
• As of May 2024, according to BLS data, New York registered dietitians earn an average salary of $80,500 annually, ranking ninth nationally, with the NYC metro area averaging $85,140
• State licensure is mandatory in New York for all dietitians and nutritionists, requiring ACEND-accredited education, 1,200 hours of supervised practice, CDR exam passage, and a $294 licensure fee (2024)
• According to CDR statistics (2024), the CDR exam has approximately an 80% first-time pass rate and costs $200, with multiple testing centers throughout New York State
• Per CDR requirements (2024), maintaining credentials requires CDR renewal every five years with 75 continuing education credits, while New York state licensure renews every three years without CE requirements
• According to CDR data (June 2025), New York employs 7,260 dietitians, more than any other state, offering exceptional career opportunities across clinical, community, food service, research, and private practice settings

Ready to Begin Your Registered Dietitian Journey in New York?

Starting your path to becoming a registered dietitian is an investment in a rewarding healthcare career that combines science, compassion, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With New York’s exceptional educational programs, competitive salaries, and diverse career opportunities, there’s no better time to take the first step.

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.

Explore ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics programs throughout New York and begin your application process today. Whether you’re drawn to clinical nutrition, community health, research, or private practice, your registered dietitian career starts with choosing the right educational program.

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

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