The jump from dietetic intern to practicing professional is one of the biggest transitions in a dietitian's career. As your academic program wraps up, that familiar safety net can feel like it’s slipping away, leaving you with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and—let’s be honest—a little bit of anxiety about the future.
But here is the good news: In many states, you don’t have to wait for those official RD initials behind your name to jump-start your career.
At HHS, we believe the shift from graduation to your first official job should be seamless. Here is how you can step straight into the workforce as a Registered Dietitian Eligible (RDE) professional.
The Power of the Dietetic Internship
One of the greatest advantages of a dietetic internship is the immediate exposure to real-world employers. At HHS, hosting interns during their food service and clinical rotations is one of our favorite parts of the job. It’s a dynamic partnership that offers massive mutual benefits:
- Elevating the Profession: Hosting interns ensures a steady stream of qualified professionals enter the workforce through hands-on training and knowledge transfer from seasoned RDs.
- Mutual Learning: It’s a two-way street. Preceptors help you bridge textbook knowledge with real-world clinical scenarios, while you bring fresh perspectives and the latest evidence-based practices into our facilities.
- Career Guidance: Our preceptors don't just supervise; they mentor. They offer invaluable insights into career paths, goal setting, and navigating the industry.
- Long-Term Networking: Positive internship experiences build lifelong professional relationships between interns, preceptors, and the broader HHS network.
Our investment in your future doesn't end when your rotation clock stops. If your career goals align with our facility's needs, we love welcoming interns into the permanent HHS family—whether at the site where you trained or at any of our locations nationwide.
Stepping Into the Workforce: The RDE Advantage
After you graduate from your internship program, HHS hires high-performing candidates as Registered Dietitian Eligible (RDE).
What Does Working as an RDE Look Like?
As an HHS RDE, you hit the ground running. You will continue to see patients and manage responsibilities much like you did during your internship, with a designated facility RD providing support and signing off on your chart notes. Just a quick caveat that not all states and localities allow this.
While you log hours and gain experience, we ensure you aren't studying in isolation. HHS connects you with exam preparation resources and plugs you into a supportive network of fellow RDEs and newly credentialed RDs who are navigating the exact same journey.
Once you pass the CDR exam and secure your credentials, you will seamlessly transition into your official RD role—no more sign-offs required.
Note: Regulations vary by location, so double-check your state and local guidelines regarding RDE charting privileges.
Beyond the Exam: Growing Your Career with HHS
Passing the exam is just the beginning. As a fully credentialed RD with HHS, we continue to fuel your professional growth with a robust suite of benefits designed to help you thrive:
Benefit Category |
What HHS Offers |
|
Compensation |
Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages for full-time employees. |
|
Lifelong Learning |
At least 16 free CEUs per year, plus opportunities for conference and specialty certification reimbursements. |
|
Career Development |
Clear pathways into advanced clinical, food service management, and corporate leadership roles. We also reimburse Academy, CDR, and state license fees. |
|
Collaboration |
Access to a nationwide network of dietetics and culinary professionals to share resources, ideas, and clinical support. |
|
Recognition |
Our RDs are our stars. We celebrate your wins with employee spotlights, research presentation opportunities, and more. |
Real Success Stories
Want to see what this trajectory looks like in action? One of our very own RDs shared her personal journey of evolving from an HHS intern into an RDE, passing her exam, and thriving as a credentialed professional.
Read Jordan’s story here to see how she did it!
Take the Next Step
Whether you are currently completing an internship with HHS or are looking for an employer that will support you while you study for the RD exam, we want to hear from you.
Don't let the exam schedule pause your career momentum. Explore our open positions today, apply as an RDE, and let’s build your future together!
