How to become a travel dietitian

Thinking about becoming a travel dietitian? You’re not alone. Travel work is a career path many dietitians are curious about, yet few resources exist to research it, including how it works, how you’re paid, what to expect, and whether it’s realistic as a long-term career. 

We’ve pulled together a FAQ-style guide based entirely on the questions our recruiting team hears in webinars and 1:1 conversations with dietitians. If you’re looking for everything you need to know about becoming a travel dietitian, this is it.

In this article:

Getting started as a travel dietitian

How do I become a travel dietitian?

The first step is to pass your RD registration exam. If you already have your RD or RDN credential, reach out to a reputable staffing company like Dietitians On Demand. You’ll follow the same application process as you would for a local position. Submit a resume to the job you’re interested in. From there, you’ll connect with a recruiter who will review the role with you in detail. When working with us, you can browse our open travel jobs on our job board. Or, submit your resume to our database and make sure to indicate you are interested in traveling on your resume.

For travel positions, recruiters will walk through: 

• An anticipated start date  
• Travel expectations 
• Housing considerations 
• Travel reimbursement and compensation structure 
• Licensure needs, onboarding, and timing 

If you see a posting you’re curious about, you can apply directly to the position by submitting a resume. For roles with Dietitians On Demand, you can also reach out to the contact listed on the job posting to ask for more details before applying. 

Travel dietitian work is a type of consultant dietitian work. Curious if it’s worth it? Read more here. 

What exactly is a travel dietitian?

A traveling dietitian is someone who temporarily relocates for work. These assignments typically last several weeks to several months, and some even convert to a salaried position at the facility. A travel dietitian works for a consulting company (like Dietitians On Demand) at the client site.

Do I have to pay a fee to work with Dietitians On Demand? 

No. Candidates never pay a fee to work with us. 

We’re a dietitian staffing company, which means: 

• Clients come to us when they need a dietitian
• We match clients with qualified dietitians from our database 

It’s completely free to: 

• Join our database 
• Work with our regional account managers 
• Be considered for open roles 

Similarly, it’s important to note recruiters are not headhunters. A recruiter will contact you about a job only if you’ve indicated interest in a role.

Steps to apply for a travel dietitian job

Travel dietitians apply for a job by browsing the job board, submitting an application and completing the hiring process. For Dietitians On Demand travel jobs, think of the application as a way to indicate to our recruiters that you want more details about a certain position. Here’s how to apply for a travel dietitian jobs in three easy steps:

• Visit our dietitian job board
• Filter the job board by type “travel”
• Browse for jobs that look interesting to you
• Complete the application form and attach a resume
• From here, a recruiter will reach out for a pre-screen call and to coordinate the next steps.

READ MORE: The perks of being a travel dietitian.

Travel dietitian assignments, timing & relocation

How soon will I start an assignment or contract? 

Even if a start date is listed as “ASAP,” a few logistics need to be in place before a dietitian can begin working. The ASAP start date means you’ll start as soon as pre-screening and onboarding are complete, not necessarily tomorrow.  

Typically, onboarding takes about 5 to 10 business days, depending on: 

• Facility requirements 
• How quickly you can complete paperwork, screenings, etc. 
• How far you’re traveling. Dietitians On Demand aims to make this easier and can often build in a little cushion for travel time before your first day on-site. 

How is relocation handled for travel jobs?

In terms of budgeting for relocation, travel dietitians receive travel reimbursement. This is an untaxed amount included in each paycheck, and it can be used as the dietitian sees fit. This amount varies per contract, location and facility.  

The travel reimbursement offered is the full amount we can provide to put towards all travel expenses (including clothing/scrubs purchased for travel/work). This puts the dietitian in control of how the money is spent. As an additional employee perk, Dietitians On Demand partners with ZayZoon, which gives our dietitians with established pay histories instant access to their wages ahead of payday.

For travel contracts with Dietitians On Demand, you’ll receive: 

• Travel reimbursement as part of your compensation package 
• One additional day of travel compensation at the start of your assignment 
• One additional day of travel compensation at the end of your assignment 

These extra days of pay are meant to help with relocation-related expenses as you move to and from your assignment. 

What happens when my assignment ends? 

As is the nature of contract work, a staffing company can’t guarantee continuous employment, but at Dietitians On Demand, the team works hard to line up a dietitian’s next assignment, if that’s what the dietitian wants.  

What that looks like: 

• As an end date approaches, your regional account manager keeps an eye out for your next assignment. 
• The more flexible you are (location, setting, start dates), the easier it is to keep you working. 

New travel jobs open often, though not always in a dietitian’s dream location. Some travel dietitians prefer to take a break between contracts, especially if their ideal role isn’t immediately available.  

If a dietitian wants their next role in a specific state or region, prefers a certain setting (acute care, LTC, outpatient, etc.) or plans to take time off between contracts, work closely with a regional account manager. Trusting that they’ll work within your preferences as much as possible and remaining flexible yourself and the keys to success.  

Compensation, pay and benefits for travel dietitians

How does travel dietitian compensation work? 

Travel roles are paid differently than local roles. 

For local (non-travel) work: 

• Your entire wage is taxable income  

For travel roles: 

• You receive a taxable hourly wage 
• And a non-taxable travel reimbursement 

The travel reimbursement portion is tax-free, which can positively impact your take-home pay. 

Often, hourly rates advertised on a job posting are for local dietitians. When accepting a travel role, the hourly rate may look different than what’s posted on a job board, but the overall package includes added, untaxed travel reimbursement that is usually calculated at a weekly rate. 

What does travel reimbursement cover? It’s largely up to the dietitian, but it’s typically expected to help with: 

• Housing costs while on assignment 
• Other travel-related living expenses 
• Transportation like rental car or gas 

What’s the difference between W-2 and 1099 pay? 

A registered dietitian working at a clinical faciltiy should be paid as a W-2 employee. All RDs hired by Dietitians On Demand are W-2 employees, not 1099 contractors. 

Comparing a W-2 pay rate to a 1099 pay rate is not apples-to-apples. An employer who hires W-2 employees typically:  

• Covers employer taxes 
• Offers benefits 
• Carries a dietitian’s liability insurance 
• Handles other reimbursable expenses 

As a 1099 contractor, you are your own employer, meaning you’re responsible for those employer-side taxes, standard withholdings, benefits and liability insurance. The higher hourly rate for a 1099 contractor must stretch a lot further. 

Looking for a deeper dive on W-2 vs 1099 pay for consultant dietitians? Read this. 

Do you offer health benefits? 

Yes. Dietitians On Demand offers a full benefits package for travel dietitians. Eligibility is based on an employment offer of at least 30 hours per week, and coverage becomes effective on the first day of the following month after you start. Since all travel roles are a minimum of 32 hours per week, travel dietitians typically qualify for benefits. 

Benefits include: 

• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision 
• 401(k) with matching 
• Sick pay 

Find our most recent employee benefits summary here.

How long can I take a break between assignments and keep my benefits? 

In general, most travelers take a few weeks to one month off between assignments. To maintain benefits, Dietitians On Demand typically needs your next contract signed and lined up. Longer breaks can be tricky to cover, and they’re less common, most dietitians aren’t looking to be away from work much longer than a month at a time. 

What about taxes?

Many traveling dietitians have questions about how to file their taxes when they have lived and worked in several different states over the course of the year. While we cannot offer specific tax advice, at the end of the year, traveling dietitians can expect to pay federal income tax, state income tax for their home state (if applicable), and state income tax for any other states (if applicable) in which they have worked and earned money. 

However, you should be eligible to claim a credit on your resident state return for taxes filed and paid to the states where you are not a resident. In addition, some states have reciprocal tax agreements, meaning they have a relationship with each other and won’t charge you double taxes.

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Job types, settings & remote work 

Are all consultant dietitian jobs travel jobs? 

No. Travel work as a dietitian is considered consulting, but not all consultant dietitians are travel dietitians. In fact, Dietitians On Demand’s job board is a mix of travel and local positions. Many consultants work near their home and never travel far. 

Travel dietitians may: 

• Travel within their region 
• Take contracts across the country 
• Temporarily relocate for each assignment 

Some dietitians start with a travel job close to home to “test drive” the travel lifestyle before going farther out. 

Does Dietitians On Demand offer remote or work-from-home positions? 

Sometimes, but it’s not the norm. Search the keyword “remote” on the job board to see any current opportunities offering remote options. 

Most of short-term consulting roles require a dietitian to be on-site at: 

• Hospitals 
• Long-term care communities 
• Outpatient clinics 

If remote work is allowed, it must be approved by your on-site supervisor, even for activities like charting from home. Remote work is not typically part of a travel contract. 

Licensure, onboarding and job security for travel dietitians

How is state licensure handled for travel jobs?

You’ll find out that each state has a different process to apply for a dietitian license. To find the application requirements, a simple internet search to find a specific state’s dietitian licensure board will usually suffice, or CDR has a great resource on each state’s specific license requirements. If you are hopping between several job assignments in different states, you’ll soon rack up lots of licenses. Keep the paperwork in a safe location.  

Full or partial reimbursement for license costs is provided on a case-by-case basis and must be negotiated before signing the offer letter.

A few key points: 

• Some states process licenses in days, others can take weeks 
• Some facilities will let you start with pending licensure, while others require an active license before your first day 
• There can be both state-level rules and facility-level rules layered together 
• You can always reach out to your regional account manager for help thinking through the timing

Looking for more information about the interstate licensure compact? Check out this podcast episode. 

What if a travel job gets canceled? 

It’s not common, but it does happen from time to time, it’s part of the reality of contract work. If a contract is canceled, it’s a letdown (and a surprise) to both the candidate and the staffing company.  

With a nationwide network of job opportunities, the team at Dietitians On Demand works to help you find another assignment that aligns with your interests. We know you’re taking a risk when you commit to travel, and we take that seriously. 

If a travel dietitian has a confirmed start date and incurs travel costs prior to an assignment starting, they are eligible for reimbursement. It is recommended to pay any travel expenses after a start date has been confirmed.

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Housing, transportation & life logistics

How does housing work for travel dietitians? 

You are responsible for finding your own housing, but we don’t leave you totally on your own. And travel reimbursement is designed with housing costs in mind, since that’s usually the biggest added expense for travel work. 

Most travelers use: 

• Airbnb 
• Furnished Finder 
• VRBO 

It may also be possible to connect with other travel dietitians who’ve worked at that facility or in the area before. They can share what they liked, or disliked, about certain properties or areas.

What do dietitians typically do for car transportation? 

There’s a wide range of approaches travel dietitians take when it comes to transportation and getting to and from work while on assignment. Since a staffing company doesn’t specify how you must handle transportation, it’s up to what fits your lifestyle and budget.  

Typically travel dietitians use these methods: 

• Drive their own car from contract to contract (this is the most common) 
• Ship their car to the assignment location 
• Rent a car for the duration of the contract 
• Make use of public transportation 
• Travel and live in an RV, combining housing and transportation 

How do travel dietitians usually handle their mailing address? 

Most travelers maintain a “home base” address, such as a home they own or rent, or a parent’s or family member’s address. Some also update their mailing address as they move, depending on how long they’ll be in one location. It really comes down to what’s simplest and most stable for you.  

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Training, support & new grads 

What kind of training does Dietitians On Demand provide? 

While it’s not possible to train dietitians for each specific facility (that’s handled on-site), we do offer a ton of professional, setting-specific resources, including: 

• Webinars 
• Infographics 
• Free CPEUs 
• Patient-friendly handouts 

If you’re considering a role or start a new contract and feel like you need support, reach out to your regional account manager. We can connect you with resources that match the setting or skillset you want to strengthen. 

Will I get any orientation at the facility, or am I expected to work independently on day one? 

There’s almost always some form of orientation, though the length and depth can vary by facility. 

You can generally expect an on-site orientation to cover: 

• The facility 
• Their EMR system 
• Workflow and expectations 

The facility will receive a summary of your qualifications and resume from the staffing company, so they know whether you’re a brand-new RD, a mid-career clinician or a seasoned specialist. Some facilities are looking for travelers who can ramp up quickly. Others are open to more support and onboarding, especially if they know a dietitian is newer. 

Do travel dietitians receive training or support for specific EMR systems? 

Because there are many different EMRs, and many different versions of each EMR, a staffing company does not offer formal EMR training. Instead, this is part of the facility-specific orientation. 

Are newly credentialed RDs considered for travel assignments? 

Yes, absolutely! It’s exciting to work with newer RDs who are eager, motivated, and flexible. Some facilities may request a specific number of years of experience (e.g., “minimum 2 years”), and those roles may not be the best fit for a new RD. 

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to the recruiting team to share your background and interests. They can help guide you toward assignments that are realistic for your experience level.

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Making travel a long-term career 

Can I really make traveling as a dietitian my career? 

Yes, you can, and many dietitians do. The key ingredients for success: flexibility and communication.  

Good communication with your regional account manager and flexibility with locations, settings, and start dates opens the door to more opportunities and faster placements that fit your needs.  

Some big perks of the travel lifestyle: 

• Built-in breaks between contracts to go home, rest, or take a vacation 
• A chance to diversify your experience 
• Work in different states 
• Experience different facility types 
• Work with different patient populations 

Many travelers end up with incredibly rich, varied resumes in just a few years.  

Is this job for me?

Working as a traveler opens up the world. You can go anywhere and see everything. A sense of adventure is one of the most important characteristics of a travel dietitian. Besides that, there are a few other considerations that can help to determine if traveling is for you.

• Travel dietitians have a sense of adventure
• Staying open-minded keeps travel work approachable
• Cultural competence is key to adapting to new environments quickly
• Exceptional communication skills enhance the travel experience
• Flexibility is a shared characteristic among travel dietitians

As a travel dietitian in a new location, you also may find yourself alone. Many of our travelers bring their pets along for the adventure, and you will always have the support of your dedicated Regional Account Manager, and a direct line of communication to them.

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Life as a travel dietitian

Life as a travel dietitian is full of adventure. Whether you’re responding to staffing shortages during a pandemic, checking things off your bucket list or greeting state surveyors on your first day, there is always something new to tackle. Working as a travel dietitian is exciting and allows you grow in leaps and bounds, both clinically and personally.

Travel dietitians have to be many things, but most important: be flexible. No two places are alike. Each facility, computer program, culture and population are different, as well as actual job. When preparing to start a new travel assignment, follow these steps for success:

1. Research the location
2. Pack your bags (we have a handy packing list)
3. Research the facility
4. Keep your first day questions simple and consistent

If you’re interested in applying to travel with us, submit your name and resume to this travel dietitian job posting. One of our Regional Account Managers will reach out to you to discuss potential opportunities that you may be a good fit for.

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How to hire a travel dietitian for your facility

The process for requesting a travel dietitian is actually no different than the process to request ANY dietitian coverage. You’ll just submit a Coverage Request Form, found here. There’s a line on the form to indicate any travel allowance and this can include covering specific costs (like mileage and lodging), or if you have a specific weekly or monthly budget allowance, you can indicate that as well.

Once the form has been submitted you’re in good hands. A member of our sales team will reach out to discuss your need, provide insight on local and travel dietitian staffing options and guide you through the entire process from start to finish.

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Dietitians On Demand is the nationwide leader in staffing registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long term care and food service positions. Our dietitians cover a vacancy, maternity leave, vacations, FMLA or increases in census. Check out our job openings, or request your coverage today!