Complete your high school degree or pursue a GED if finishing high school is not an option.
Enroll in an accredited university that offers Dietetics or Nutrition Science as a major. A list of accredited programs is available from the American Dietetic Association at eatright.org. If a program is not accredited, you can still get a degree in nutrition, but you will not be able to fit for the exam to become a registered dietitian.
Complete the pre-professional program requirements. Meet with your academic advisor immediately upon arrival at the college to identify the courses that apply to the nutrition or dietetics degree. Usually, the pre-professional program phase lasts two years. The remaining two years is devoted to the professional program.
Apply to the professional dietetics program and be accepted. Competition is stiff for these programs, so focus on doing well in the course work leading up to application. Complete both a written and oral application.
Complete all required course work in the professional program. If you're in a coordinated program, this may involve concurrent practical experience or on-the-job training. Other dietetic programs have you complete schooling and then do a one-year internship. Either way, you must complete practical experience to become a dietitian.