Becoming a registered dietitian in North Carolina requires a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program, completing a dietetic internship, passing the CDR exam, and obtaining state licensure through NCBDN.
North Carolina offers excellent opportunities for aspiring registered dietitians. With 3,948 registered dietitians currently practicing in the state and average salaries reaching $66,540 annually, it’s a rewarding career path with strong job prospects. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or considering a career change, this comprehensive guide outlines exactly how to become a registered dietitian in North Carolina.
View how to become a nutritionist in North Carolina here.
Table of Contents
- Registered Dietitian Job Information in North Carolina
- Complete Registered Dietitian Education in North Carolina
- Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in North Carolina
- Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
- Apply for State Licensure in North Carolina
- Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
- Frequently Asked Questions
Registered Dietitian Job Information in North Carolina
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, there were 3,948 Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in North Carolina as of June 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that dietitians and nutritionists in the state earned an average salary of $66,540 as of May 2024. Early career professionals earned about $57,200, while those with extensive experience earned at least $85,160 during this time.
| North Carolina Metro Area | Average Salary | Job Market |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $71,980 | Above state average |
| Wilmington | $64,660 | Competitive market |
| Raleigh-Durham | $68,200 | Growing opportunities |
According to the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (NCBDN), its mission is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of North Carolina from harmful nutrition practices. The Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act, effective in 1991 and amended in 2018, regulates the practice of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists in North Carolina. Their rules for registered dietitians align with the mandates of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the national governing body.
Registered Dietitian Education in North Carolina
The Dietetics/Nutrition Practice Act mandates that all applicants to become registered dietitians in North Carolina complete education that has been approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This education must:
- Be at the bachelor’s degree level or higher
- Be in one of these majors: human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, food systems management, community nutrition, public health nutrition, nutrition education, nutrition, nutrition science, clinical nutrition, applied clinical nutrition, nutrition counseling, nutritional and functional medicine, nutritional biochemistry, nutrition and integrative health or an equivalent course of study
- Must include the following coursework:
- 15 semester hours of clinical or life sciences, including human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry
- Three semester hours of behavioral sciences
- 24 semester hours of food and nutrition, with at least 3 semester hours in each category: diet therapy, medical dietetics, clinical nutrition; nutrition through the life cycle; foods, food science, food composition, and menu planning, food service management
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.
ACEND-Accredited Programs in North Carolina
ACEND-accredited dietetic programs fulfill both North Carolina’s mandates for education for registered dietitians and the CDR’s requirements. The CDR requires all applicants for the registered dietitian exam to have a minimum of a master’s degree. There are two pathways to achieve this education in North Carolina:
- Coordinated Programs (CP): Include both coursework and supervised practice (1,200+ hours)
- Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD): Coursework only, requiring separate dietetic internship completion
| Institution | Location | Program Type | Degree Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | Boone | DPD | BS & MS in Nutrition, Concentration in Dietetics |
| Western Carolina University | Cullowhee | DPD | BS in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| North Carolina Central University | Durham | DPD | BS in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| University of North Carolina | Greensboro | DPD | BS in Nutrition, Human Nutrition and Dietetics Concentration |
| East Carolina University | Greenville | DPD | BS in Nutrition and Dietetics |
| Meredith College | Raleigh | DPD | MS in Nutrition |
Apply for your Dietetic Internship (DI) in North Carolina
Following the completion of a DPD in North Carolina, you must apply to and successfully complete a dietetic internship (DI) to qualify to sit for the CDR exam. North Carolina offers several high-quality dietetic internship programs:
| Program | Duration | Type | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University DI, Boone | 24 months | Full-time degree | Rural Health, MS in Nutrition |
| Western Carolina University DI, Cullowhee | 22 months | Full-time degree | Nutrition Education, MS in Health Sciences |
| Duke University Hospital DI, Durham | 10 months | Non-degree | Clinical Nutrition Therapy, Pediatric Nutrition |
| North Carolina Central University DI, Durham | 45 weeks | Non-degree | Medical Nutrition Therapy |
| UNC Greensboro DI, Greensboro | Full-time | Graduate certificate | Post-BS Graduate Certificate |
| East Carolina University DI, Greenville | 15 months | Non-degree | Clinical, Community, Food Service, Rural Health |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University DI, Hickory | 9 months | Non-degree | Childhood Obesity Prevention |
| Meredith College DI, Raleigh | 11 months | Non-degree | Clinical, Food Service Management, Community |
Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination
Upon successful completion of a DI program or CP program, you’re eligible to sit for the CDR exam, a computer-based, multiple-choice examination. You have 365 days from program completion to register and take the exam.
The exam consists of 125-145 questions covering:
- Principles of Dietetics – 25 percent
- Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups – 40 percent
- Management of Food and Nutrition Programs – 21 percent
- Foodservice Systems – 14 percent
Testing centers in North Carolina include Durham, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Greenville, Wilmington, and Charlotte. You must score at least 25 (on a scale of 0 to 50) to pass.
Apply for State Licensure in North Carolina
Once you’ve passed the CDR exam, you must apply for state licensure with the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (NCBDN). The application process requires:
- Online registration at the NCBDN website (Category A: RDN/LDN Application)
- Payment of required fees: $213 total ($50 application + $125 issuance + $38 background check)
- Submission of requested documentation
- Criminal background check completion
Maintain Your Registration and Apply for Specialty Certifications
Congratulations! You’re now a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist in North Carolina! Your RDN license renews annually on March 31 with a $75 renewal fee. You’ll receive reminder emails 60 days before expiration.
To maintain your license, you must keep your CDR registration current, requiring 75 continuing education hours every 5 years. All CPE activities must meet standards in the CDR’s Professional Development Portfolio Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a registered dietitian in North Carolina?
Typically 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 6-24 months for a dietetic internship, plus time to pass the CDR exam and obtain state licensure. Master’s degree programs may extend this timeline.
What’s the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist in North Carolina?
Registered dietitians must complete ACEND-accredited education, supervised practice, pass the CDR exam, and maintain state licensure. Nutritionists have varying requirements and may not need formal credentials to practice.
How much do registered dietitians make in North Carolina?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered dietitians in North Carolina earned an average salary of $66,540 as of May 2024, with entry-level positions starting around $57,200 and experienced professionals earning $85,160 or more.
Are there online dietetic programs available in North Carolina?
While some coursework may be available online, ACEND-accredited programs require hands-on laboratory work and supervised practice that must be completed in person. Check with individual North Carolina institutions for specific online offerings.
Can I become a registered dietitian with an associate degree in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an ACEND-accredited program. As of 2024, the CDR requires a master’s degree for all new registered dietitians.
Key Takeaways
- North Carolina requires ACEND-accredited education, a dietetic internship, CDR exam passage, and state licensure
- Six institutions offer dietetic programs in NC, with eight dietetic internship options available
- The CDR now requires a master’s degree for all new registered dietitians
- The average salary for RDs in NC is $66,540, with higher earnings in Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham
- Annual license renewal costs $75, with 75 continuing education hours required every 5 years
Ready to Start Your Registered Dietitian Journey in North Carolina?
Take the first step toward your rewarding career in nutrition and dietetics. Explore accredited programs, compare internship opportunities, and connect with the resources you need to succeed.
Find Accredited Dietetic Programs
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.
