Dear Cindy – Dietician Wants the USA

I am a citizen of India, and I have completed my MSc in Nutrition & Dietetics from a recognized university. I also have one year of work experience in a hospital. I want to work in the United States as a dietician, and I want to know the licensing procedures and other related formalities. I would also like to know what other qualifications would make the procedure of getting a job in the US easier. Will getting an RD certification help?

Sincerely,

M

To work as a dietician, you will have to hold certification by the American Dietetic Association's Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

Reciprocity eligibility is available for those who hold certification with any of the following foreign regulatory boards: Dietitians of Canada; Dutch Association of Dietitians/Ministry of Welfare, Public Health and Culture; Philippine Professional Regulation Commission; Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute; Health Professions Council, United Kingdom.

Otherwise, according to the CDR, to become certified, you must fulfill academic, practice, and exam requirements. The academic requirements include holding a baccalaureate degree granted by an American regionally accredited college/university or foreign equivalent, and having completed a Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education (CADE) accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics. As a foreign graduate, you will have to have your credentials evaluated (a list of agencies is available on the ADA's page for those with foreign credentials). The practice requirements involve completing a CADE-accredited dietetic internship or accredited coordinated program.

Since different states have different regulations, you will also have to see the licensing requirements for the state in which you would like to work.

Additionally, you would have to find an employer who would be willing to sponsor a visa for you.