What is a Registered Dietitian?

A Dietitian is food and nutrition expert with the credentials to advise individuals on what to eat to live a healthy lifestyle and meet health goals. RDN is a recent addition to the credentials as almost anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”, a term that is not regulated. Both RD and RDN can be used interchangeably. It is important to note that every Registered Dietitian is a Nutritionist, but not every Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.

To become a Dietitian, one must complete the following:

Minimum education of a bachelor’s degree with approved course work and education received through an approved and accredited program via Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Approved coursework includes extensive chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, human physiology, biology, culinary arts, business courses, nutrition science, and food science courses.

Completed a supervised practice component with accredited sites (by the ACEND), practicums vary in length from 6-12 months at a variety of locations/experiences (food service, community, hospital/clinical, outpatient, wellness, etc. This is combined with either undergraduate or graduate studies.

Passed a national exam administered by Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Complete continuing education requirements to maintain registration – 75 credits every five years.

Insurances will cover RD/RDN consultations, as we are the preferred provider on their lists of professional care.

If you are interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist click here