Frequently Asked Questions

So, what is a Registered Dietitian (RD) anyway?
How does a Registered Dietitian (RD) differ from a Nutritionist?

So, what is a Registered Dietitian (RD) anyway?
RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

• Complete a four year bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university including coursework designated by the American Dietetic Association (accredited coursework includes Human Nutrition, Food Science, Counseling, Psychology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physiology, Human Anatomy, Biology, Microbiology, Writing and Public Speaking)
• Complete an eight to twelve-month, full-time dietetic internship at various sites including clinical, community, and food service rotations
• Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
• Complete annual continuing professional education requirements to maintain registration

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How does a Registered Dietitian (RD) differ from a Nutritionist?
Nutritionists are not regulated by the same accreditation criteria that RDs are required to meet (refer to FAQs “So, what is a Registered Dietitian anyway?").  The title nutritionist can be used by anyone.  For example, after attending a weekend seminar an attendee may choose to call themselves a "nutritionist". 

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