The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently projected that the U.S. employment of dietitians could increase 15 percent over the next eight years, equating to an additional 9,900 new job opportunities by 2024. With diet-related chronic diseases at an all-time high in the States, it’s no surprise dietitians are in demand. But training to become a dietitian in the States is not straightforward, especially if you are an international student. Besides the time commitment, there also are financial considerations and coming to grips with the U.S. educational system. But for the right student, obtaining a dietetics degree in the U.S. can be a highly rewarding experience. 
Even if you don’t plan to stay in the States long term, gaining an international degree gives you exposure to a new culture, a different way of learning and the opportunity to work with diverse populations. So, what steps do you need to take to become a dietitian in the States and what are the career options after you qualify?
Choosing a Path
When considering which college to apply to, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons. Would you be more comfortable at a smaller privately run college or would you prefer a larger, state college? Can you afford private college tuition, or would you be better off opting for a more cost-effective, state-funded alternative? Tuition in the U.S. is expensive in comparison to many other countries, and most student visas do not allow you to work while you are enrolled in an academic program. With that being said, some colleges offer great value for money so it’s important to consider all your options before applying.
The Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics, or ACEND, is the accrediting agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Only those that have obtained specific academic qualifications and completed supervised practice hours approved by ACEND are eligible to sit for the registration examination to earn the registered dietitian nutritionist credential, or RDN for short. I highly recommend reviewing the ACEND website for further information about the academic requirements and next steps for students looking to move into the profession.
Broadly speaking, there are two paths you can take. The first option is to enroll in an ACEND-accredited coordinated program in dietetics. This can be either a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an approved university that combines in-classroom learning with supervised practice in the field. These programs take anywhere between two and a half to four years to complete, depending on prior academic qualifications. Once complete, you can sit for the registration exam to obtain the RDN credential. The second option is to enroll in an ACEND-accredited didactic program in dietetics. These programs typically take around two years of full-time study, depending on the program. After completing the program, you will be eligible to complete a dietetic internship — more about that later.
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite requirements can easily be overlooked. Before applying to any dietetics program, it’s essential to contact the school you wish to apply to and ask about specific entry requirements. Prerequisite courses for nutrition degrees usually include anatomy and physiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry. Any international college-level courses also will need to be converted into the U.S. equivalent, known as a Grade Point Average, or GPA, for the application. There are many companies that offer this service.
Some universities also may require you to sit for Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, and the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. This is a standardized test used by most graduate schools throughout the U.S.
Student Visas
If you want to study in the States and you are not a U.S. citizen, you will have to apply for a student visa. Applying for a visa can take a long time, so it’s important to plan ahead. The steps and requirements for applying for a student visa can be found on the U.S. consulate website of your respective country. In a nutshell, the application involves extensive paperwork, proof of financial support and an in-person interview at the consulate. Generally, student visas can be issued 120 days before the start date of your program. There are strict work restrictions on student visas. However, in some cases, students can work on their school campus for up to 20 hours per week.
The Internship
If you have completed a didactic program in dietetics, as opposed to a coordinated program, you will need to apply to and complete a dietetic internship. These internships are generally unpaid and involve at least 1,200 hours of supervised practice working with RDNs in a variety of settings. Rotations include foodservice management, community nutrition and clinical nutrition.
There are only a limited number of accredited dietetic internships in the U.S., which makes getting a spot highly competitive, especially in major cities. With this in mind, it is important to gain dietetics-related volunteer and work experience. This will set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your motivation and commitment to the profession. Full-time internships typically take between nine months to one year to complete and vary in cost. After completing the internship you will become eligible to sit for the registration exam. Beginning in 2024, a master’s degree from an ACEND-accredited institution will be required to sit for the exam.
Optional Practical Training
Immigration services offer international students the opportunity to remain in the States after completing their studies to obtain practical training. The program is known as Optional Practical Training, or OPT, students can remain in the country for one year and training must be related to the student’s major field of study.
