How to Become an RD in North Dakota 2025

North Dakota offers rewarding career opportunities for registered dietitians who want to make a meaningful impact on community health. According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration, several hundred registered dietitians and registered dietitian nutritionists currently practice in North Dakota, serving communities across the state’s urban and rural areas. With an aging population and growing awareness of the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases, demand for qualified dietetics professionals continues to increase.

In North Dakota, you cannot practice or represent yourself as a dietitian or use the terms “dietitian,” “licensed dietitian,” “registered dietitian,” or “licensed registered dietitian” unless you hold valid state licensure. The North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice (NDBODP) regulates all licensed registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists practicing in the state, ensuring practitioners meet rigorous education and competency standards.

If you’re interested in the broader field of nutrition counseling, view how to become a nutritionist in North Dakota here. This guide focuses specifically on the registered dietitian credential and the licensure requirements in North Dakota.

Complete Registered Dietitian Education in North Dakota

Your journey to becoming a registered dietitian in North Dakota begins with earning the proper educational credentials. The North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice requires that you complete a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree in dietetics or food and nutrition from an accredited college or university. However, to qualify for both state licensure and national registration through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), you must complete an education program specifically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

Starting January 1, 2024, the CDR implemented a graduate degree requirement for new registered dietitian candidates. Individuals who established eligibility for the registration exam before December 31, 202,3, are grandfathered under previous requirements. If you’re beginning your dietetics education now, you’ll need to complete a master’s degree as part of your pathway to becoming an RD. This change reflects the profession’s evolution and the increasing complexity of nutrition science and clinical practice.

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 Your Program Options: Coordinated Programs vs. Didactic Programs

You can pursue two different types of ACEND-accredited programs in North Dakota, each with distinct advantages:

ACEND-Accredited Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota is home to two ACEND-accredited coordinated programs that allow you to complete both your education and supervised practice requirements:

North Dakota State University, Fargo
Program: Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition
This coordinated program allows you to earn both undergraduate and graduate credentials while completing your supervised practice hours. Upon completion, you’re immediately eligible to sit for the CDR examination.

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
Program: Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
This coordinated program integrates supervised practice with undergraduate coursework, preparing you to take the CDR exam upon graduation.

North Dakota State University also offers a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) for students who prefer to complete their academic coursework separately from supervised practice:

North Dakota State University, Fargo
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics (DPD)
This program provides the academic foundation in nutrition science, but it requires you to apply separately to a dietetic internship to fulfill the supervised practice requirement.

The following programs offer comprehensive nutrition education delivered by experienced registered dietitians and nutrition professionals. Explore what each program offers:

Additional Pathway: Licensed Nutritionist in North Dakota

North Dakota also licenses nutritionists who meet specific educational requirements. To become a licensed nutritionist in North Dakota, you must hold a master’s or doctorate in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, public health nutrition, or nutrition education. Alternatively, you can qualify with a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or food and nutrition, plus at least 9 semester hours of nutrition credits, with two of those hours being in advanced nutrition. If your degree is more than 10 years old, you’ll need to document at least 75 hours of continuing education when applying for licensure.

Apply for Your Dietetic Internship in North Dakota

If you completed a coordinated program (CP), you’ve already fulfilled the supervised practice requirement and can skip ahead to Step 3. However, suppose you graduated from a didactic program in dietetics (DPD). In that case, you must now apply to and complete a dietetic internship to satisfy the supervised practice requirement (typically 1,200 hours) mandated by the CDR.

A dietetic internship provides hands-on experience across multiple practice settings, including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, and foodservice management. These supervised practice hours give you the real-world experience needed to work competently as a registered dietitian. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced RDs who help you develop clinical skills, professional judgment, and confidence in applying nutrition science to diverse patient populations.

Dietetic Internship Options for North Dakota Students

Although North Dakota doesn’t currently host any ACEND-accredited dietetic internship programs within its borders, several excellent options are available nearby. The closest program is located at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, just across the border from North Dakota.

South Dakota State University, Brookings
This program offers two pathways:

• 22-month full-time degree program culminating in a Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Science
• Full-time non-degree program for those who already hold a graduate degree

Both programs emphasize community nutrition, making them particularly relevant for practitioners planning to work in public health, extension services, or community wellness programs throughout rural and urban North Dakota.

You can also apply to dietetic internship programs throughout the United States. Many programs now offer distance or hybrid formats that allow you to complete rotations in your home area while participating in online coursework and virtual seminars. This flexibility can be particularly valuable if you’re planning to establish your career in North Dakota and want to build relationships with local healthcare facilities during your internship.

The Dietetic Internship Application Process

Most dietetic internships participate in the centralized computer matching process administered by D&D Digital. Your DPD program director will guide you through this process, helping you identify programs that align with your career interests and complete your application materials. The application typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and verification that you’ve completed all DPD requirements.

Competition for dietetic internships can be intense, so it’s wise to apply to multiple programs that match your interests and career goals. Starting your preparation early and working closely with your program director can significantly improve your chances of matching with your preferred internship.

Pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration Examination

After completing your coordinated program or your didactic program plus dietetic internship, you’re now eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This computer-based, multiple-choice examination is the final step to earning your registered dietitian credential. Passing this CDR exam demonstrates that you possess the knowledge and competency required to practice safely and effectively as an entry-level dietitian.

CDR Exam Structure and Content

The examination covers four major content domains that reflect the full scope of dietetics practice:

• Principles of Dietetics: 25 percent of the exam
• Foodservice Systems: 14 percent of the exam
• Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services: 21 percent of the exam
• Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups: 40 percent of the exam

The exam emphasizes clinical nutrition care, reflecting the reality that many registered dietitians work directly with patients in healthcare settings. However, the comprehensive content ensures you’re prepared for the diverse roles RDs fill across the profession.

Registering for the CDR Exam

Your dietetic internship program director may contact CDR on your behalf to verify your completion of all requirements, or they may provide you with instructions to complete this step yourself. Once CDR verifies your eligibility, you’ll receive email correspondence with instructions for registering for the examination and paying the $200 examination fee. You can complete both registration and payment online through the CDR website.

After you complete the registration process, your information will be forwarded to Pearson VUE, the testing company that administers CDR examinations at centers nationwide. Within North Dakota, you can take the CDR exam at testing centers in Bismarck and Fargo, making it convenient to test close to home.

Preparing for Exam Success

The CDR provides two essential resources to help you prepare:

• Comprehensive Study Outline and Study Guide: Details the knowledge areas covered on the exam and includes study recommendations
• Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook for Candidates: Explains exam policies, procedures, and what to expect on test day

Many candidates also form study groups with their classmates or use commercial exam preparation materials to supplement their studies. Most DI programs include exam preparation sessions during the final weeks of the internship.

What to Expect on Exam Day

On exam day, arrive at your testing center with your photo ID and your confirmation email from Pearson VUE. The testing center will provide you with a basic calculator for use during the exam. You’ll also have approximately 30 minutes before the exam begins to familiarize yourself with the computer-based testing interface and format.

You’ll have 2.5 hours to complete the examination. Immediately after finishing, you can view your score by checking the “report” section of your online account. The exam employs a scaled scoring system ranging from 0 to 50, and you must achieve a score of at least 25 to pass.

If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you must wait at least 45 days before retaking the examination. You can reauthorize to test by contacting CDR via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (312) 899-4859. Most candidates pass on their first attempt, particularly those who complete comprehensive exam preparation.

Note: Exam format, duration, passing scores, and testing center locations are subject to change. Always consult the current CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians Handbook and contact Pearson VUE directly to confirm testing center availability and current procedures.

Apply for Licensure as a Registered Dietitian in North Dakota

Congratulations on passing the CDR exam! You now hold the national registered dietitian credential. To practice legally in North Dakota, you must take one more step: obtaining state licensure through the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice. North Dakota law prohibits anyone from practicing as a dietitian or using dietitian-related titles without proper state licensure, making this final step essential for beginning your career.

North Dakota Licensure Application Requirements

The North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice requires you to submit a complete application package that includes:

• Completed Application for Licensure: The three-page application form available on the NDBODP website
• Official transcripts: Sent directly from your dietetic education program to the Board
• Application fee: $60 made payable to the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice
• Proof of CDR registration: Verification that you’ve passed the CDR exam and hold current RD credentials

Mail all three pages of your completed application, along with your application fee, to:

Pat Anderson, NDBODP Executive Secretary
2304 Jackson Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501

You can contact Pat Anderson at 701-838-0218 or via email at [email protected] if you have questions about the licensure application process or need clarification on any requirements.

License Processing Timeline

The Board typically processes complete applications within 4-6 weeks; however, processing time may vary depending on the volume of applications and whether all required documentation has been submitted. Incomplete applications or missing transcripts can delay the process, so it’s essential to follow up with your educational institution to ensure they’ve sent your official transcripts directly to the Board.

Once the Board approves your application, you’ll receive your North Dakota dietitian license and can legally begin practicing as a registered and licensed dietitian in the state. When certified, you’re authorized to use protected dietitian titles in North Dakota as defined by state statute, including “Licensed Dietitian” (LD), “Registered Dietitian” (RD), and related designations.

Maintain Your Registration and Pursue Specialty Certifications

Earning your registered dietitian credential and North Dakota license marks the beginning of your professional journey, not the end. Maintaining your credentials requires ongoing continuing education to ensure you stay current with the evolving field of nutrition science, emerging research, and best practices in dietetics.

North Dakota License Renewal and Continuing Education

North Dakota license renewal requires maintaining current CDR registration, which involves completing at least 75 hours of continuing professional education during each five-year recertification period. While the state doesn’t impose additional continuing education requirements beyond CDR’s standards, you must meet CDR’s CPE requirements to keep both your national registration and North Dakota license active.

You can renew your North Dakota license online through the Board’s renewal portal. The renewal cycle aligns with your CDR registration cycle, simplifying the process of maintaining both credentials simultaneously.

CDR Continuing Professional Education Requirements

The CDR requires all registered dietitians to complete at least 75 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each five-year recertification period. These CPE hours ensure that you continually expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and stay informed about advances in nutrition science and clinical practice.

You have flexibility in how you earn these hours. CPE activities can include:

• Attending professional conferences and workshops
• Completing online courses and webinars
• Publishing research or professional articles
• Participating in professional presentations
• Engaging in self-study programs
• Pursuing additional formal education

The CDR’s Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) Guide helps you choose continuing education activities that align with your career goals and practice areas. You can also use CDR’s online CPE database to find approved activities. The North Dakota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers professional development opportunities specifically designed for practitioners in the region, including programs addressing rural health challenges and agricultural nutrition issues relevant to North Dakota communities.

Pursuing Specialty Certifications

As you advance in your career, you might choose to pursue specialty certifications that demonstrate advanced knowledge in specific practice areas. The CDR offers several specialty certifications, including:

• Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO)
• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)

Each specialty certification requires additional education, experience, and examination beyond your basic RD credential. These certifications can enhance your expertise, increase your marketability, and potentially lead to higher compensation.

Professional Membership Opportunities

Joining professional organizations offers valuable networking opportunities, advocacy platforms, and access to additional educational resources. Consider membership in:

• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The national professional organization for nutrition and dietetics professionals
• North Dakota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: The state affiliate providing local networking and professional development
• Practice-specific dietetic practice groups (DPGs): Focused communities within the Academy aligned with your specialty area

These memberships connect you with colleagues, provide access to cutting-edge research and practice resources, and offer opportunities to shape the future of the profession through advocacy and leadership.

Nutrition Careers in North Dakota

North Dakota offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities for registered dietitians in various settings, including clinical, community, and foodservice settings. Registered dietitians serve communities throughout the state, from metropolitan areas like Fargo and Bismarck to rural communities across North Dakota’s vast landscape. The tight-knit professional community creates opportunities to make a significant impact on population health and build meaningful relationships with colleagues across practice settings.

Salary and Compensation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, dietitians and nutritionists in North Dakota earned an average annual salary of $67,840. However, compensation varies based on experience, specialty area, practice setting, and geographic location within the state.

Early career professionals typically earn around $58,980 annually, while experienced dietitians with specialized certifications or advanced practice roles can earn $83,440 or more. Dietitians working in metropolitan areas often command higher salaries than those in rural communities. However, rural positions may offer other benefits, such as loan repayment programs, a lower cost of living, and unique practice opportunities.

Salary data sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Individual earnings vary based on experience level, specialty certifications, practice setting, and geographic location within the state.

Career Settings and Opportunities

Registered dietitians in North Dakota work in diverse settings, each offering unique challenges and rewards:

Clinical/Healthcare Settings: Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities employ the majority of RDs in North Dakota. Clinical dietitians assess nutritional needs, develop nutrition care plans, and provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with chronic diseases, surgical recovery needs, or complex medical conditions.

Community and Public Health: Public health departments, WIC programs, cooperative extension services, and community health centers employ RDs to develop nutrition education programs, conduct community needs assessments, and implement population-level nutrition interventions. These roles are critical in North Dakota’s rural communities, where access to healthcare services can be limited.

Food and Nutrition Management: Healthcare facilities, schools, universities, and corporate dining services need RDs to manage foodservice operations, ensure regulatory compliance, develop menus that meet nutritional standards, and train foodservice staff.

Private Practice and Consulting: Some RDs establish private practices offering nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, or consulting services to individuals, healthcare organizations, or businesses. Telehealth has expanded opportunities for private practice RDs to serve clients across North Dakota’s vast geographic area.

Job Outlook and Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for dietitian and nutritionist positions nationwide, driven by an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and the growing recognition of the role of nutrition in health and wellness. North Dakota faces explicit challenges related to rural health access, making dietitians essential members of healthcare teams working to improve population health outcomes.

The state’s agricultural economy also creates unique opportunities for RDs with interests in food systems, agrarian nutrition, farm-to-table initiatives, and rural health promotion. North Dakota’s strong cooperative extension system provides additional career pathways for dietitians interested in community education and outreach.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The typical pathway takes 4-6 years, depending on your chosen route. Coordinated programs that integrate education and supervised practice can be completed in 4-5 years, leading to a combined bachelor’s/master’s degree. Didactic programs followed by separate dietetic internships typically require 5-6 years total, including time for internship matching and completion. The graduate degree requirement that took effect January 1, 202,4, may extend timelines for students beginning their education after that date.

Do I need a license to practice as a registered dietitian in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota law requires all individuals who practice as dietitians or use dietitian-related titles to hold a valid state license issued by the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice. You cannot legally work as a dietitian in North Dakota without holding this license, even if you already have the national RD credential from the CDR.

Does North Dakota accept dietitian licenses from other states?

North Dakota evaluates licensure applications on an individual basis. If you’re already licensed in another state, contact the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice to discuss your specific situation. You’ll likely need to provide proof of your out-of-state license, CDR registration, and educational credentials. Requirements may vary depending on your state’s licensing standards and the length of your practice.

What does it cost to become a registered dietitian in North Dakota?

Total costs include tuition for your degree program (which varies widely by institution), dietetic internship costs (if applicable, including program fees and living expenses during the internship), the $200 CDR examination fee, and the $60 North Dakota license application fee. Educational costs are your most significant expense, with tuition ranging from approximately $20,000-$100,000+, depending on whether you attend in-state public universities or private institutions, and whether you complete a bachelor’s or master’s program.

Can I work as a nutritionist instead of a registered dietitian in North Dakota?

North Dakota also licenses nutritionists, but with different requirements and a scope of practice. Licensed nutritionists must hold at least a master’s degree in a nutrition-related field or a bachelor’s degree with specific advanced nutrition coursework. The registered dietitian credential typically offers broader career opportunities, particularly in clinical settings where RDs can provide medical nutrition therapy. Many employers, especially hospitals and healthcare systems, specifically require the RD credential.

What career opportunities are available for registered dietitians in North Dakota?

North Dakota RDs work in hospitals and healthcare facilities, public health departments, WIC programs, long-term care facilities, school nutrition programs, cooperative extension services, private practice, corporate wellness, and food and nutrition management. The state’s rural character creates opportunities for innovative practice models, including telehealth nutrition counseling and community-based prevention programs. Sanford Health, Essentia Health, and various critical access hospitals across the state regularly employ registered dietitians.

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a registered dietitian in North Dakota requires completing an ACEND-accredited education program (a graduate degree is required for candidates beginning after January 1, 2024), fulfilling supervised practice requirements (typically 1,200 hours), passing the CDR examination, and obtaining state licensure through the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice.
• North Dakota offers two coordinated programs at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota that combine education and supervised practice, allowing you to become eligible for the CDR exam immediately upon graduation.
• North Dakota law requires all practicing dietitians to hold state licensure. You must maintain both your CDR registration and your North Dakota license throughout your career by completing 75 hours of continuing professional education every five years.
• Registered dietitians in North Dakota earn an average annual salary of $67,840, according to BLS data, with experienced practitioners and those holding specialty certifications earning significantly more. Career opportunities exist across various settings, including clinical, community, foodservice, and private practice, throughout the state.

Ready to Start Your Journey Toward Becoming a Registered Dietitian?

Explore ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics programs that can help you achieve your career goals. Compare program options, specializations, and formats to find the right fit for your educational needs.

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.

Essential: Licensure requirements, fees, exam formats, and program availability are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the North Dakota Board of Dietetic Practice and the Commission on Dietetic Registration before beginning your educational pathway.

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.

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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