Why Choose A Registered Dietitian?

What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements.   Many Registered Dietitians hold advanced degrees and additional certifications in specialized areas of practice such as pediatrics, renal, prenatal, nutrition support and diabetes education.  Because dietitians are crossed trained in many diverse areas, these professionals hold a wide variety of job positions including: hospitals, HMOs, private practice, health care facilities, community and public health settings, food and nutrition industry, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness, academia, and research.

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The RD credential can only be used by dietetics professionals who are currently authorized by the Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics formerly called the American Dietetic Association. The RD credential is a legally protected title.  Registered Dietitians may call themselves “nutritionists,” but not all nutritionists are dietitians!  The difference is education and clinical experience. Some states have licensure laws that define the scope of practice for someone using the credential nutritionist, but not all. Therefore, in many states anyone could call themselves a “nutritionist” regardless if they have had the proper education and training.  The nutrition expert is the Registered Dietitian!

What are the educational and professional requirements needed to become a Registered Dietitian?

  • Complete the minimum of a Baccalaureate degree granted by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university, or equivalent.
  • Meet all academic requirements (Didactic Program in Dietetics) as approved by CADE of the American Dietetic Association. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
  • Complete a supervised practical experience at a health-care facility, community agency and/or foodservice corporation that is accredited/approved by the CADE of the American Dietetic Association.
  • Successfully pass a Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed as a RD.
  • Receive a Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) identification card to prove current credential status as a Registered Dietitian.
  • Accrue a minimum of 75 hours of approved continuing professional education within a specific five-year reporting period.