Questions and Answers on Dietetic Registration Eligibility

Virginia Department of Health's Dietetic Internship Program

1. What are the requirements for registration eligibility for dietitians?
To be eligible to take the registration examination, the individual must meet the academic and supervised practice requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.


Academically, the individual must have at least a baccalaureate degree, granted by a U. S. regionally accredited college or university. In addition, the individual must meet the ADA Didactic program (Plan V) academic requirements.


All programs designed to meet the supervised practice requirements must be approved or accredited by ADA. The current credentialing pathways to become a Registered Dietitian are a dietetic internship or a coordinated program.
2. How do I obtain a Verification Statement of Completion of the Didactic Program?
To have your transcripts evaluated, contact the university or college you attended. If they cannot evaluate your transcripts, contact a university with an approved Plan V Program in your area and request an evaluation of your college transcripts. This is a time-consuming process, and many universities are charging a fee for this service. Note: it is best to contact the college/university during the fall or spring semester for this service.


In Virginia the following Universities have a Didactic Program in Dietetics:


Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
James Madison University
Norfolk State University
Virginia State University
Radford University



In Maryland the following Universities have a Didactic Program in Dietetics:


Morgan State University
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
3. What do I do if my degree is from a college or university outside the U.S.?
First you need to have your degree validated as equivalent to a baccalaureate or master´s degree. There are several agencies which perform this service for a fee. For current procedures contact the American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education (CADE) 1-800-877-1600 extension 5400 or by internet: http://www.eatright.org/students/getstarted/international.aspx . This does not eliminate the need for a Verification Statement of Completion of the Didactic Program. Contact a college or university with a program in your area, to have your college transcripts evaluated.


4. How do I meet the Didactic Program requirements?
You will need to take specific classes to meet the requirements. For food service classes, you could take courses from dietetic technician or hotel/restaurant management programs. Also, you could take some correspondence courses; but first discuss this option with a Didactic Program Advisor. Please note, Plan IV is no longer being used to establish eligibility to take the Dietetic Registration Exam.


5. Where do I find financial aid information?
The American Dietetic Association website has information regarding any financial aid or scholarships. www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/career_394_ENU_HTML.htm


6. Who can I contact to get information about WIC job vacancies in Virginia?
All state job postings in Virginia may be found online at:
www.dhrm.state.va.us/employmentandcareers.html


All state job postings in Maryland may be found online at:
http://dbm.maryland.gov/jobseekers/Pages/JobSearch.aspx


7. How do I meet the Didactic Program requirements?
Kathleen Sergent, MA, RD at kathleen.sergent@vdh.virginia.gov or by phone at 804-864-7832 for Virginia applicants.  Maryland applicants contact Connie Webster at websterc@dhmh.state.md.us or by phone at 410-767-5244.