Plate of broth with dumplings and vegetables

What Is a Registered Dietitian?

Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) in the U.S., having fulfilled the following criteria.

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Educational and Professional Requirements

1. Accredited DPD Program

Earning a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or a foreign equivalent. This includes completing coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program (DPD, CP, GP, or FDE). Visit www.eatrightpro.org/acend for a list of accredited programs.

2. Dietetic Internship

Completing the required supervised practice/experience via an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated Program (CP), Graduate Program (GP), or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP). DI typically requires 1200+ hours of supervised practice. More information on these programs can be found at www.eatrightpro.org/acend.

3. A Master's Degree

Starting January 1, 2024, a master's degree will be required to sit for the RDN credentialing exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

4. National Examination

Passing a national examination conducted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Details about the exam are available at www.cdrnet.org.

5. Continuing Education

RDNs must also fulfill continuing professional education requirements to maintain their credential (75 CPE credits every five years).

6. Additional Certifications

Some RDNs hold additional certifications in specialized practice areas, granted through CDR or other medical and nutrition organizations, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, oncology, gerontological nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education.

Reference

College Coursework

What do Nutrition students learn?

Food and nutrition sciences
Biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, etc.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Business, economics, etc.
Foodservice systems
Culinary arts
Behavioral social sciences
Communication, psychology, etc.

Every RD is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is an RD.

Anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist."
The term "Nutritionist" could denote someone with a Ph.D. in nutrition science or someone with minimal training.
The terms RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are interchangeable.
In the U.S., only "Registered Dietitians" are qualified to work in clinical or medical settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Nutritionist
vs
RD?

Where do RDNs work?

1. Healthcare

Registered Dietitians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, offering nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy.

2. Sports Nutrition

They educate on the interconnection between food, fitness, and health in sports nutrition and corporate wellness initiatives.

3. Food and Nutrition Industries

Dietitians are involved in communication, public relations, marketing, product development, and culinary consulting within food and nutrition-related businesses.

4. Private Practice

Dietitians may work independently or under contract with healthcare or food companies, engaging with a range of stakeholders.

5. Community and Public Health

In these settings, they teach and advise the public on healthy eating to improve quality of life.

6. Educational Roles

At universities and medical centers, they instruct healthcare professionals in the intricate science of food and nutrition.

7. Research Positions

Dietitians conduct vital nutrition research in food and pharmaceutical companies, as well as in academic and hospital settings.

8. Foodservice Management

RDs may manage foodservice operations in various environments, including schools and correctional facilities, handling everything from food procurement to overseeing staff.

9. More

Everyone's path is unique.

You can build your own career!