3 answers
Carmen
Student
Lawrence, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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what are the requirements to be a Registered Dietitian?
It varies by state
most states require a bachelors degree, a masters long with internships, and pass an exam to be a licensed nutritionist
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3 answers
Lehna Thompson, MPA
Consulting
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Lehna’s Answer
To become a registered dietitian (RD) in the United States, you typically need to complete a specific set of educational and professional requirements. These requirements are established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which is the credentialing agency for dietitians. Here are the general steps to become a registered dietitian:
1. Educational Requirements:
a. Bachelor's Degree: You must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree should be in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Many aspiring dietitians pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Accredited Dietetic Internship:
After completing your bachelor's degree, you need to complete a dietetic internship program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Dietetic internships typically last around 6 to 12 months and provide hands-on experience in various clinical, community, and foodservice settings. These internships are competitive, and acceptance can be based on your academic performance and letters of recommendation.
3. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians:
After completing the accredited dietetic internship, you must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This exam is administered by the CDR and assesses your knowledge and skills in dietetics. It covers various topics related to nutrition, food science, and dietetics practice.
4. State Licensure (if applicable):
Some states require dietitians to obtain a state license in addition to becoming a registered dietitian. The requirements for state licensure can vary, so check with your state's licensing board for specific details.
5. Continuing Education:
To maintain your RD credential, you'll need to participate in continuing education and meet the CDR's requirements for ongoing professional development. This may include completing continuing education units (CEUs) and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of dietetics.
6. Stay Current with the Code of Ethics:
Registered dietitians are expected to adhere to a code of ethics that governs their professional conduct. This includes maintaining confidentiality, providing evidence-based nutrition advice, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
7. Optional Specializations:
Dietitians can pursue additional certifications or specializations in areas such as sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition, or gerontological nutrition. These certifications often require additional coursework and exams.
1. Educational Requirements:
a. Bachelor's Degree: You must have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The degree should be in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field. Many aspiring dietitians pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.
2. Accredited Dietetic Internship:
After completing your bachelor's degree, you need to complete a dietetic internship program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Dietetic internships typically last around 6 to 12 months and provide hands-on experience in various clinical, community, and foodservice settings. These internships are competitive, and acceptance can be based on your academic performance and letters of recommendation.
3. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians:
After completing the accredited dietetic internship, you must pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians. This exam is administered by the CDR and assesses your knowledge and skills in dietetics. It covers various topics related to nutrition, food science, and dietetics practice.
4. State Licensure (if applicable):
Some states require dietitians to obtain a state license in addition to becoming a registered dietitian. The requirements for state licensure can vary, so check with your state's licensing board for specific details.
5. Continuing Education:
To maintain your RD credential, you'll need to participate in continuing education and meet the CDR's requirements for ongoing professional development. This may include completing continuing education units (CEUs) and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of dietetics.
6. Stay Current with the Code of Ethics:
Registered dietitians are expected to adhere to a code of ethics that governs their professional conduct. This includes maintaining confidentiality, providing evidence-based nutrition advice, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
7. Optional Specializations:
Dietitians can pursue additional certifications or specializations in areas such as sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, renal nutrition, or gerontological nutrition. These certifications often require additional coursework and exams.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Check out bls.gov for this exciting job title. Dietitians and Nutritionists are the masterminds behind food service and nutritional programs, guiding individuals towards healthier lifestyles. They operate in a variety of dynamic settings, including nursing facilities, clinics, and cafeterias within state and local governments. Generally, a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for this role, along with some training. In many states, a license is also a necessity. This is your chance to make a real difference in people's lives, promoting health and wellness through nutrition.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Carmen!
I'm thrilled to hear about your interest in becoming a registered dietitian in the United States. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Start by earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field from a college or university that's accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
2. Next, you'll need to complete an internship or supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics, which can be part of an accredited program or a graduate degree program.
3. While not mandatory in all states, it's highly recommended to earn a master's degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited institution.
4. You'll then need to pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD), which is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This exam will test your knowledge in nutrition science, food science, and dietetics practice.
5. Finally, you'll need to get licensed in the state where you plan to practice. Some states require this, while others do not.
Remember, the specific requirements can vary by state, so it's a good idea to check the requirements in the state where you plan to practice. Some states may also have additional requirements like continuing education or certification in a specialty area.
Here are three helpful resources that provide more information on the process:
1. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) website has details on the registration examination and the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.
2. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) website provides information on the accreditation of degree programs and the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.
3. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) website provides information on the job outlook and salary range for registered dietitians.
I hope you find this information helpful! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Web Resources:
Here are some additional websites that you might find useful:
1. Commission on Dietetic Registration (cdrnet.org)
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org)
3. Public Health Degrees (publichealthdegrees.org)
4. Department of Nutrition, University of Nevada, Reno (unr.edu)
5. Emilie Eats (emilieeats.com)
6. College of Health, Oregon State University (health.oregonstate.edu)
Each of these sites provides valuable information on the steps and requirements to become a registered dietitian. Good luck on your journey!
I'm thrilled to hear about your interest in becoming a registered dietitian in the United States. Here's a friendly guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Start by earning a bachelor's degree in nutrition or a related field from a college or university that's accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
2. Next, you'll need to complete an internship or supervised practice in nutrition and dietetics, which can be part of an accredited program or a graduate degree program.
3. While not mandatory in all states, it's highly recommended to earn a master's degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited institution.
4. You'll then need to pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians (RD), which is administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This exam will test your knowledge in nutrition science, food science, and dietetics practice.
5. Finally, you'll need to get licensed in the state where you plan to practice. Some states require this, while others do not.
Remember, the specific requirements can vary by state, so it's a good idea to check the requirements in the state where you plan to practice. Some states may also have additional requirements like continuing education or certification in a specialty area.
Here are three helpful resources that provide more information on the process:
1. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) website has details on the registration examination and the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.
2. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) website provides information on the accreditation of degree programs and the requirements for becoming a registered dietitian.
3. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) website provides information on the job outlook and salary range for registered dietitians.
I hope you find this information helpful! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Web Resources:
Here are some additional websites that you might find useful:
1. Commission on Dietetic Registration (cdrnet.org)
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org)
3. Public Health Degrees (publichealthdegrees.org)
4. Department of Nutrition, University of Nevada, Reno (unr.edu)
5. Emilie Eats (emilieeats.com)
6. College of Health, Oregon State University (health.oregonstate.edu)
Each of these sites provides valuable information on the steps and requirements to become a registered dietitian. Good luck on your journey!