Shaping Tomorrow’s Nutrition Leaders

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) is committed to supporting students at every stage of their journey to becoming future leaders in nutrition and dietetics. Whether you’re just beginning your education or preparing to advance in the field, NJAND offers the resources and guidance necessary for success.

Transform your passion for nutrition into a meaningful career by following a supportive pathway to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR). Take the first step towards making a difference in people’s lives with NJAND’s help.

Pathway to Becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Becoming an RDN involves specific educational and professional steps. Here are the main pathways to achieving RDN certification:

Nutrition and Dietetics Technician Program (NDTR)

An associate degree level coursework and supervised practice for eligibility

Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)

An undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in nutrition, food science, and dietetics. After completing the program, students can apply for a dietetic internship (DI) to meet supervised practice requirements before sitting for the RDN exam. If not, students would be NDTR eligible without having to meet additional academic or supervised practice requirements.

Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP)

A combined academic and supervised practice program that allows students to earn their degree and complete internship requirements simultaneously, streamlining the path to becoming an RDN.

Dietetic Internship (DI)

A post-graduate program for students who have completed a DPD. The DI provides supervised practice in various settings (e.g., hospitals, community programs, foodservice management) and prepares students for the RDN exam.

Master’s Program in Clinical Nutrition or Dietetics

Some universities offer master’s programs that combine advanced coursework and an internship. A master’s degree is increasingly required for RDs, especially for those pursuing clinical or administrative roles.

Graduate Program (GP)

A pathway for individuals with degrees in other fields who wish to pursue dietetics. The certificate program includes dietetics coursework and supervised experiential learning.

The Future Education Model (FEM)

A new graduate-level program that integrates academic coursework and supervised practice into a streamlined curriculum, eliminating the need for a separate internship. This model offers a more direct and efficient pathway to becoming an RDN.

Changes to Dietetic Education

As of January 2024, a master’s degree will be required for all new Registered Dietitians. This change is in response to the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)’s new standards aimed at elevating the profession and ensuring RDNs possess advanced knowledge and skills in nutrition and dietetics.

ACEND-Accredited Programs

Attending an ACEND-accredited program is crucial to meeting the educational requirements to become an RDN/DTR. Below is a list of accredited universities in New Jersey offering nutrition and dietetics programs:

  • Camden County College
  • Komplete Business Dietetic Internship
  • Montclair State University
  • Rowan University
  • Rutgers University
  • Saint Elizabeth University

For more details on specific programs, application processes, and requirements, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accredited Programs Directory or the universities’ websites.

Preceptors

Your nutrition career journey begins with securing the right preceptor. The Academy offers a Preceptor Finder to help you connect with experienced mentors within a certain geographical or specialty area who can guide you through your professional path.

Become a Student Member

As a student member of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you gain access to a range of resources and opportunities to help you succeed in your studies and career:

  • Free State Academy Affiliate Membership
  • Student Liaison Leadership Opportunities
  • Networking & Career Insights
  • Join Dietetic Practice Groups (DPGs) & Member Interest Groups (MIGs) to explore career pathways and practice specialties
  • Academy Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
  • Online Access to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Food & Nutrition Magazine®
  • Evidence Analysis Library Access
  • Subscriptions to Daily News, On the Pulse, and other listservs
  • Academy Career Toolbox Access
  • Discounted Registration for FNCE®, State Conferences, and Other Events

Resources

If you’re considering a career as an RDN, there are several valuable resources available to help guide your journey. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) provides an extensive range of tools, including information on preceptors, mentors, internships, career pathways, certifications, scholarships, and exam preparation.

Visit the Academy’s Student Page to access these resources, as well as national leadership opportunities. Explore resources here.

Interested in recruitment resources? Check out additional videos to get started:
Exploring a Career in Dietetics Video