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What Sets A Dietitians Apart?

Every Registered Dietitian is a Nutritionist, but not every Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.

What Is A Registered Dietitian?

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:

  • Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

  • Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.

  • Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website at www.cdrnet.org.

  • Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

  • For additional information regarding criteria and credentials CLICK HERE or visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website

Why Choose A Registered Dietitian?

Every Registered Dietitian is a Nutritionist, but not every Nutritionist is a Registered Dietitian.

While a nutritionist may have knowledge regarding particular dietary issues, they are not required to have met certain educational standards and have not met the regulations set forth by a national accrediting board/commission.

A Registered Dietitian is qualified to review lab values, medications, and past medical history to determine the current plan of action for your needs.