Q&A

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:

Educational Requirements:

• Obtain a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree from a university or college accredited by a US regional accrediting body.

• Complete coursework that is accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Match Process into Internship/Supervised Practice Program:

• Successfully complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program. This program typically takes place in various settings, including health-care facilities, community agencies, or foodservice corporations and typically lasts around 2 years when coordinated with a master's degree. This program typically lasts around 2 years when coordinated with a master's degree.

Research Project/Capstone (part of your Master's/Internship)​

• Undertake a research project or capstone as part of the master's degree or internship requirements.

National Examination:

• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Additional information about the examination can be found on CDR’s website at www.cdrnet.org.

Apply for Licensing (per state)​ & Regulation

• Apply for state licensing and adhere to any additional regulations specific to the state in which you plan to practice.

Continuing Education:

• Engage in ongoing evidence-based/CDR-approved professional development by completing continuing education requirements to maintain registration as an RDN.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIETITIAN AND A NUTRITIONIST?

The biggest difference between dietitians and nutritionists lies in the legal restrictions that each title carries. Only nutritionists that become registered with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) may legally declare themselves as dietitians or more precisely, registered dietitians (RDs).

Unlike dietitians, the nutritionist profession is much less protected under the law. In fact, nutritionists that do not intend to use the titles of “dietitian” or “registered dietitian” are often free from government regulation. Some states may require nutritionists to obtain an occupational license from a Board of Nutrition, while other states allow individuals to practice as nutritionists without any previous education, training or work experience.

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According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered dietitians are required to complete a formal education program that results in at least a baccalaureate degree. This program must be approved by the Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and include a practical component performed in a career-related site. Dietitians study a variety of subjects, ranging from:

• Foodservice systems management

• Food and nutrition sciences

• Computer science

• General Chemistry & Organic Chemistry

• Business

• Microbiology

• Sociology

• Biochemistry

• Physiology/Anatomy

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INITIAL NUTRITION COUNSELING APPOINTMENT?​

In this appointment we will go over your Initial Nutrition Counseling Application along with your Nutrition History form. The Nutrition Application is a way to see if we are a good fit for each other, as well as give me an idea on which services/packages will be best for you! This Nutrition History will outline all of your medical history, health habits (eating, sleep, stress, exercise/movement), medications/supplements, your lifestyle behaviors, etc. During our appointment we will get some background information and break down your day to day lifestyle. We will then go through your typical eating habits/schedule. We will work side by side to see what the best initial goals for you are, and then discuss action plans moving forward.