Dietetics Information

What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?

Dietitians are trustworthy and credible sources of nutrition knowledge and advice. Training to become a dietitian typically involves a four-year undergraduate degree followed by additional training through a dietetic practicum program.

The title 'dietitian' is legally protected in each province so that only qualified practitioners who have met specific education and practice requirements can use this title. The term 'Registered Dietitian' refers to a person who is registered with the provincial regulatory body in the province where they are working. The professional designations RD, RDN, PDt or RDt (or the French equivalent Dt.P.) indicate a Registered Dietitian. In Manitoba, dietitians are registered through the College of Dietitians of Manitoba (CDM).

Why become a Registered Dietitian?

Dietitians are regulated health professionals who work in diverse jobs, primarily within health promotion, disease prevention and treatment programs. Dietitians work in settings such as: 

• community clinics and public health agencies where disease prevention is key;
• hospitals or long-term care facilities where treatment and rehabilitation are goals;
• and food service where they provide safe, nutritious food choices.

To work as a nutrition professional within these areas, one must be a Registered Dietitian. In addition to these settings, dietitians also work in other diverse areas and fields: 

• The food industry, pharmaceutical companies, and government departments employ dietitians to work in nutrition promotion and marketing; nutritional health monitoring; and policy development
• Some dietitians continue their education at the graduate level in universities to obtain a Masters or Doctorate degree. A graduate degree enables the dietitian to teach at colleges and universities, engage in research related to food and nutrition, or become a director of a practicum program.
• Some dietitians work in their own private practice where they counsel individuals and groups and/or consult to business and other organizations.

How do I become a Registered Dietitian?

To become a Registered Dietitian, you must: 

1. Graduate from an accredited undergraduate program (ex. UM's B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Option - Dietetic Preparation)  
2. Complete one of the approved Canadian Dietetic Practicum programs  or combined Masters/Practicum programs (ex. UM's Master of Applied Human Nutrition)   
3. Pass the national Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)
4. Apply to the provincial regulatory body (ex. College of Dietitians of Manitoba) where you will practice as a Registered Dietitian.

For more details, please review How to Become a Dietitian. 

1.)  Graduate from an accredited undergraduate program (ex. UM's B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Option - Dietetic Preparation)  

The undergraduate degree program B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Option - Dietetic Preparation) in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is an accredited program that allows eligible students to apply for a post-degree Dietetic Practicum program. 

Students who complete the B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Option - Dietetic Preparation) also complete pre-professional academic requirements to apply for other programs, such as Medicine and Law. 

International students wishing to become a dietitian in Canada can find information about: 

• Studying in Canada as an international student
• Working in Canada after you graduate: who can apply

2.) Complete one of the approved Canadian Dietetic Practicum programs  or combined Masters/Practicum programs (ex. UM's Master of Applied Human Nutrition)   

A Dietetic Practicum program is the training received after completing an undergraduate program and provides the experience necessary to qualify as a Registered Dietitian. The Practicum consists of supervised practical learning within the scope of nutrition care. This enables students to apply the knowledge gained during their undergraduate program in practice-based settings. 

Practicum placements typically occur in institutional (clinic, hospital, long-term care), business/industry and community settings. Examples of learning experiences include: 

• general medicine
• diabetes education
• pediatric and geriatric care
• community and public health nutrition
• food literacy education
• menu planning
• cost-management
• quality improvement, and
• human resource management.

Practicum programs vary in length. Some are stand-alone, and some are combined with graduate-level (Masters) training. UM offers the Master of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN) program, which combines Masters training and practicum experience. 

Applying for Dietetic Practicum programs in Canada

A list of dietetic education programs across Canada is available on the Accreditation Canada website. Programs differ in their application procedures and requirements, therefore it is recommended to visit each program website to determine eligibility.

Entry into a Dietetic Practicum program is competitive. Students typically apply in the last year of their undergraduate program, or up to three years post-graduation. It is strongly recommended that students seek advice from an academic advisor during your undergraduate program if you are interested in pursuing a Dietetic Practicum.

For more info about the undergraduate program requirements to pursue a Dietetic Practicum, review the the B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Option - Dietetic Preparation) or the B.Sc. in Human Nutritional Sciences Second Degree Program, and contact an academic advisor at aginfo@umanitoba.ca. 

Gaining experience related to food, nutrition, and dietetics through both paid and/or volunteer positions can help your chances of securing a Practicum placement. Opportunities exist in hospitals, long-term care facilities, food service, industry, or community-based organizations. Examples include: 

• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba
• Diabetes Canada
• Osteoporosis Society of Manitoba
• Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month,
• and many others.

It is recommended that applicants take the time to build good professional working relationships with employers, volunteer supervisors, dietitians and professors. These people are helpful when you require letters of reference to apply for Dietetic Practicum programs.

Review Applying for a Post-Degree Practicum [PDF] for more info. 

3.) Pass the national Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)

The Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE) is a standardized exam for graduates of a Dietetics Practicum program to demonstrate that they have the minimal level of competence to practise as a Registered Dietitian. 

4.) Apply to the provincial regulatory body (ex. College of Dietitians of Manitoba) where you will practice as a Registered Dietitian 

You can find more info on the following websites of professional dietetic organizations: 

• College of Dietitians of Manitoba (CDM), the provincial regulatory body for dietetics in Manitoba
• Dietitians of Canada (DC), the national professional organization for dietitians which you can join as a student

Academic Advising

To further discuss the pathway to become a Registered Dietitian, you can connect with academic advisors in the Student Services Office of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. 

E-mail: aginfo@umanitoba.ca

In-person: Academic advisors are available for drop-in advising in 160 Agriculture Building at the following times: 

• Monday & Tuesday afternoons: 1:30-3:30 PM
• Thursday mornings: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM