Registered Dietitian, Dietitian, or Nutritionist?
The terms nutritionist and dietitian are frequently used interchangeably; however, that is misleading. A dietitian is a registered dietitian (RD). Both terms are legally protected and regulated by the American Dietetic Association. On the other hand, the term nutritionist is not regulated in the United States. Consequently, people may call themselves nutritionist without any of the professional and educational training required of dietitians. A dietitian is your nutrition expert.
Becoming a Registered Dietitian
Attaining the registered dietitian credential takes a lot of work. Educational and professional requirements have to be met from an accredited program which include a bachelor’s degree and completion of a Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) program (coursework includes anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biochemistry). In addition, a year-long dietetic internship of at least 900 hours through an accredited program must be completed. THEN, an individual is qualified to sit for the registration exam. Once the exam is passed, an individual is permitted to be called a dietitian/registered dietitian. Seventy-five units of continuing education must to be completed every five years to maintain registration status. Furthermore, each state has licensure requirements. More than half of all dietitians have a post-graduate degree.
