Registered Dietitians (RDs) are recognized as trained food and nutrition experts in Canada. They can translate complex nutritional sciences into simple terms that the public can understand. These individuals can be found working with patients or managing food systems in healthcare facilities, aiding in nutrition policies for the government, collaborating with manufacturers in the food industry, and more.
Below we break down the academic and practical education steps necessary to become a Canadian RD.
* Note: Nutritionists, health coaches, holistic nutritionists do not have the same education, training, and responsibilities as RDs.
Step 1: Complete a Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) accredited four-year undergraduate nutrition degree.
In these programs, students complete classes in various subject areas ranging from:
· Sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology)
· Social sciences
· Nutrition (clinical, community, food service)
If you are applying to these programs from high school, pre-requisite courses may include math, biology, and chemistry. Alternatively, if you are using with a non-dietetic degree, some of your previous studies may be transferred. As a result, you will then spend a minimum of two years pursuing a nutrition degree.
Step 2: Complete a Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) accredited dietetic internship/practicum.
The dietetic internship consists of a minimum of 1,250 hours (approximately 35 hours/week for 35 weeks) in practical experience for students that RDs supervise. Students will practice clinical nutrition care, nutrition management, and population and public health, leading them to meet the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice (ICDEP). The ICDEP sets a standard for all RDs in Canada, in which, upon completion of training, students should be able to practice safely, effectively, and ethically at entry-level.
Nationally, there are three different types of internship routes students can enroll in:
- Fully integrated internship/practicum with the undergraduate degree
Eight available | Duration: 5 years
o Internship placements are throughout the degree or after in-class courses are completed
o Students will receive their nutrition degree and training required to become a dietitian
- Partially integrated internship/practicum with the undergraduate degree
Four available | Duration: 5 years, or four years undergraduate degree + 1 to 2 years post-degree internship program
o The 5-year stream is similar to the fully integrated internships/practicums, except there are limited spots of enrollment for internship
o Students that were unsuccessful in securing an internship will have the option to apply to post-degree internship programs
- Not integrated undergraduate degrees
Four available | Duration: 4 years undergraduate degree + 1 to 2 years post-degree internship program
o Consists of academic education only. As such, students will need to apply to a post-degree internship program
o There are two different types of post-degree internship programs:
- Post Degree Practicum
12 available | Duration: 1 year
§ Offered by hospitals and healthcare facilities and can be affiliated with universities
§ Students will receive practical training required to become a dietitian
§ If affiliated with a university, students will complete graduate course work and receive a graduate diploma
- Combined Masters Practicum
Six available | Duration: 2 years
§ Offered through universities
§ Students will receive practical training required to become a dietitian
§ Students will complete graduate course work and receive a Master’s degree
To apply to post-degree internship programs, students need to have competitive grades, references and present an application (usually consisting of a resume and cover letter) conveying the student’s readiness for practical training through acquired nutrition-related work/volunteer experiences. If successful, students will be invited for an interview by the hospital or university. Each post-degree internship program has limited enrollment. As such, the application process can be pretty competitive.
Step 3: Pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE)
The CDRE is a four-hour, computerized, 185 multiple-choice, pass/fail exam administered twice a year by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. The CDRE is required for all provinces except Quebec.
Students are tested on knowledge, comprehension, and critical thinking. The questions are associated with the five ICDEP practice competencies (professional practice, communication and collaboration, nutrition care, population and public health, and management).
The purpose of this exam is to differentiate between competent and non-competent practitioners; the CDRE is not to be an “exit” exam from internship/practicum. Students have three attempts to pass the CDRE. As of March 2020, the examination fee was $525.
Step 4: Register with the provincial regulatory body
Upon completing the nutrition degree, internship training, and passing the CDRE, students can register with the regulatory body in the Canadian jurisdiction that they plan on practicing in. Dietitians may now use the protected titles in their province. Usually, this includes a Registered Dietitian; however, other titles may also be saved in specific areas.
There are ten provincial regulatory bodies in Canada – see a list.
Due to the Health Professions Act, all dietitians must participate in the Continuing Competency Program (CCP) held by their regulatory body. Participation in the CCP occurs annually. The program usually requires dietitians to assess themselves relative to standards of practice, create learning goals, record and track learning activities, and log their learning outcomes. A certain percentage of these reports will be randomly audited by the regulatory body to ensure quality assurance.
Summary:
A visual summary of the different routes and individual can pursue to become a Registered Dietitian in Canada.
The requirements to become a dietitian in Canada are relatively comprehensive. The rate-limiting step is securing a spot in a dietetic internship program. Gaining nutrition-related work and volunteer experience, early application preparation, and coaching are factors that can advance an individual’s odds in attaining an internship offer.
PS. All Access Dietetics is currently offering dietetic internship coaching for Canadian nutrition students! Make sure to check out one of our free resources and Get Matched Coaching for more details.
