Student & Future Dietitian Resources

Explore a Career in Nutrition and Dietetics

Interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides resources to help you explore the profession, including:

• Pathways to becoming an RDN or DTR
• Types of accredited dietetics education programs
• Financial aid resources
• Salary information and career outlook
• Additional resources to help you begin your journey in nutrition and dietetics

Explore the Accredited Program Directory to learn more about programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), including programs available throughout Illinois.

Recently passed your RDN or DTR exam?
Explore career opportunities by visiting our Job Postings page.

Get Involved with the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics!

The Illinois Academy offers many opportunities for students to connect with the profession, develop leadership skills, and build relationships with nutrition and dietetics professionals across the state.

Student membership provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, leadership experiences, and career development tools to support your journey toward becoming a nutrition and dietetics professional. To learn more about all the benefits available to student members, click here. 

Volunteering with the Illinois Academy is a great way to meet and network with dietitians across Illinois, develop professional skills, and contribute to your local professional organization. Students can get involved by joining committees and participating in Academy initiatives. Start your involvement by completing our Volunteer Interest Survey.

The Illinois Academy Pathway to Leadership Program is an eight-month leadership development experience designed to prepare future leaders in nutrition and dietetics. Students work alongside Illinois Academy committees to gain hands-on experience and develop skills in key areas that support the profession at the district, state, and national levels.

The Outstanding Dietetics Student Award Program recognizes emerging leaders and outstanding achievements among students enrolled in ACEND-accredited and approved dietetics education programs. This award celebrates students who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the profession, and involvement in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Illinois Academy is honored to recognize one outstanding student from each type of ACEND-accredited dietetics education program.

The Illinois Academy Virtual Poster Presentation opportunity provides dietetics students with a platform to showcase their research, projects, and scholarly work with nutrition and dietetics professionals across Illinois. This career development opportunity is especially valuable for graduate students, student researchers, and those beginning their investigative journey. Participants gain experience presenting their work, receiving professional recognition, and building connections within the dietetics community. The highest-scoring poster will receive a $100 gift card award.

Spring Assembly
Interested in attending Spring Assembly? Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow aspiring dietitians, network with nutrition professionals, and expand your knowledge through engaging educational sessions on a variety of topics. Illinois Academy members have the opportunity to sponsor dietetics students to attend Spring Assembly when completing their registration. To be considered for a sponsorship, IAND student members must submit an application and be available to attend this educational event.

Student Honor Cord Program

The Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) Honor Cord Program recognizes the dedication, leadership, and achievements of students graduating from ACEND-accredited nutrition and dietetics programs across Illinois.

This program provides an opportunity for graduating students to be recognized by IAND for their commitment to service, leadership, professional development, and lifelong learning as they enter the nutrition and dietetics profession.

Program Requirements

Each graduating student must earn a minimum of 10 total hours/points to qualify for the Honor Cord Program. Students must earn hours/points from all three categories during the current academic year to meet program requirements.

Students may earn points through service activities that support community health, nutrition, or wellness.

• Documentation must be verified by the organization or site where the community service was completed and submitted with the application.

• Food banks
• Meals on Wheels
• Hospital volunteer opportunities
• Community service through student organizations or clubs related to nutrition and/or health
• Other community-based service opportunities

Students may earn points by participating in approved professional learning opportunities that support their development as future nutrition and dietetics professionals.

• Official Continuing Professional Education (CPE) certificates must be submitted with the application.
• CPE activities must be completed during the current academic year, beginning August 15 and ending before February 15.

• Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo® (FNCE®)
• Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics conferences
• Other state dietetic association conferences
• Dietetic district meetings
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) training (e.g., NFPE, NCP)
• Webinars approved for RDN CPE credit

Students may earn points through involvement in leadership activities within the profession, academic programs, and student organizations.

• Membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2 points — required)
• Leadership position within a university nutrition, health, or related student organization/club (2 points)
• Appointed Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (IAND) position (example: Pathway to Leadership student) (4 points)

Apply for the Honor Cord Program

Students graduating during the 2025–2026 academic year who are interested in participating in the Honor Cord Program may submit an application here:

[Honor Cord Program Application]

Questions about the program? Please contact Student Involvement Committee Co-Chairs Dr. Jessica Nigg or Dr. Jen Zuercher at [email protected].

Updated July 2026