Registered Dietitians
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Skilled in promoting behavioral change, RDs provide more than just casual dietary instruction. Registered Dietitians (RDs) are health care professionals who use their expertise in food and nutrition to help individuals make positive lifestyle changes.
Education, Licensing & Specialties
RDs have met academic and professional requirements including:
| Bachelor’s degree | Earn a bachelor’s degree with course work approved by the Academy’s Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems, management, business, sociology, chemistry, and physiology. |
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| Supervised Practice | Complete an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or foodservice corporation. This is usually completed in 8-24 months. |
| Credentialing Exam | Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. |
| Master’s Degree & PhD | Approximately 50 percent of RDs hold advanced degrees. |
| Specialty Certifications | Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as Pediatrics (CSP), Renal (CSR), Oncology (CSO), Sports Nutrition (CSSD) and Diabetes Education (CDE). |
| Continuing Education | Completes professional portfolios and continuing educational requirements to maintain registration. |