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| What is the difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist? |
Who Can Claim They Are a Registered Dietitian or RD?
The title "registered dietitian or RD can only be used by dietetics
practitioners who are currently authorized to use the credential by the
Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic
Association. These are legally protected titles. Individuals with these
credentials have completed specific academic and supervised practice
requirements, successfully completed a registration examination and
maintained requirements for recertification" (ADA website, 2009).
Who is a Registered Dietitian?
A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who has completed a
four-year undergraduate nutrition-related degree or a graduate
nutrition-related degree which includes a rigorous course of study in
the scientific areas of inorganic and organic chemistry,
biochemistry,physiology, microbiology, human anatomy and
physiology classes. Other classes may include, but are not limited to,
general nutrition, nutrition and human development, medical nutrition
therapy, food composition & preparation, food science, nutrition
assessment, food service and management, business, economics,
culinary arts, communication, and computer science. Dietetic
programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dietetic
Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
The title "registered dietitian or RD can only be used by dietetics
practitioners who are currently authorized to use the credential by the
Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic
Association. These are legally protected titles. Individuals with these
credentials have completed specific academic and supervised practice
requirements, successfully completed a registration examination and
maintained requirements for recertification" (ADA website, 2009).
Who is a Registered Dietitian?
A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who has completed a
four-year undergraduate nutrition-related degree or a graduate
nutrition-related degree which includes a rigorous course of study in
the scientific areas of inorganic and organic chemistry,
biochemistry,physiology, microbiology, human anatomy and
physiology classes. Other classes may include, but are not limited to,
general nutrition, nutrition and human development, medical nutrition
therapy, food composition & preparation, food science, nutrition
assessment, food service and management, business, economics,
culinary arts, communication, and computer science. Dietetic
programs must be accredited by the Commission on Dietetic
Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
|
After graduating with a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited educational institution, individuals are
required to complete an internship (just like a medical doctor), or complete an approved coordinated
undergraduate program that combines supervised practice with the last two years of college. Interns receive
first-hand experience in the following diverse settings: clinical nutrition (hospital setting), long-term care (nursing
homes), community nutrition (schools, WIC, etc), and food service (hospital, nursing, corporate, schools, etc)
as well as participate in research and additional course work.
The final step for future registered dietitians is to pass a national board examination before they can receive the
credentials R.D. (registered dietitian). By the time an individual receives their RD credential, they have specialized
knowledge in the area of nutrition.
Registered dietitians also must complete continuing education courses regularly in order to keep their registration
current.
A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who applies principles of food and nutrition to health.
RDs may also earn additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition,
nutrition support, and diabetes education. "These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing
agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but
are not required" (ADA website, 2009).
In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners.
Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.
What are the different settings in which dietitians practice?
• Management dietitians work in healthcare institutions, schools, cafeterias and restaurants.
• Clinical dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance
organizations, and other healthcare facilities.
• Community dietitians work in public and home health agencies, daycare centers, health and recreations clubs,
and in government-funded programs.
• Educator dietitians work in colleges, universities and medical centers.
• Research dietitians work in government agencies, food and pharmaceutical companies, and in major universities
and medical centers.
• Consultant dietitians work under contract with a healthcare facility or in their own private practice.
• Business dietitians work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations and purchasing
in food and nutrition related industries.
What is a "Nutritionist"?
Many people refer to themselves as a "nutritionist". The term nutritionist can be misleading. A nutritionist does
not have to meet all of the rigorous requirements a registered dietitian must meet. A nutritionist is not required to
complete a degree, a supervised experience, a national board examination, or continuing education courses.
Source:
*American Dietetic Association website. October 22, 2009. http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.
xsl/CADE_748_ENU_HTML.htm
*Dallas Dietetic Association website. October 22, 2009. http://www.dallasdietitian.com/about/dietitian.asp
required to complete an internship (just like a medical doctor), or complete an approved coordinated
undergraduate program that combines supervised practice with the last two years of college. Interns receive
first-hand experience in the following diverse settings: clinical nutrition (hospital setting), long-term care (nursing
homes), community nutrition (schools, WIC, etc), and food service (hospital, nursing, corporate, schools, etc)
as well as participate in research and additional course work.
The final step for future registered dietitians is to pass a national board examination before they can receive the
credentials R.D. (registered dietitian). By the time an individual receives their RD credential, they have specialized
knowledge in the area of nutrition.
Registered dietitians also must complete continuing education courses regularly in order to keep their registration
current.
A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who applies principles of food and nutrition to health.
RDs may also earn additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition,
nutrition support, and diabetes education. "These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing
agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but
are not required" (ADA website, 2009).
In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners.
Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.
What are the different settings in which dietitians practice?
• Management dietitians work in healthcare institutions, schools, cafeterias and restaurants.
• Clinical dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance
organizations, and other healthcare facilities.
• Community dietitians work in public and home health agencies, daycare centers, health and recreations clubs,
and in government-funded programs.
• Educator dietitians work in colleges, universities and medical centers.
• Research dietitians work in government agencies, food and pharmaceutical companies, and in major universities
and medical centers.
• Consultant dietitians work under contract with a healthcare facility or in their own private practice.
• Business dietitians work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations and purchasing
in food and nutrition related industries.
What is a "Nutritionist"?
Many people refer to themselves as a "nutritionist". The term nutritionist can be misleading. A nutritionist does
not have to meet all of the rigorous requirements a registered dietitian must meet. A nutritionist is not required to
complete a degree, a supervised experience, a national board examination, or continuing education courses.
Source:
*American Dietetic Association website. October 22, 2009. http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.
xsl/CADE_748_ENU_HTML.htm
*Dallas Dietetic Association website. October 22, 2009. http://www.dallasdietitian.com/about/dietitian.asp
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