What is a Registered & Licensed Dietitian (RD, LD)?

Nutritionist • Nutrition Expert • Registered Dietitian

 

Are all nutritionists created equal? NO

All dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are dietitians!

A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who has completed a nutrition-related degree which includes a rigorous course of study in the scientific areas of biochemistry, human anatomy and physiology classes. They also must complete a supervised dietetic internship with a minimum of 900 hours.

All dietitians must pass a national board examination before they can receive the credentianls RD (registered dietitian).

By the time an individual receives their RD credential, they have specialized knowledge in the area of nutrition. Registered dietitians also must complete continuing education courses regularly in order to keep their registration and licensure current.

A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who applies principles of food and nutrition to health. They practice in a variety of settings.

• Administrative dietitians work in healthcare institutions, schools, cafeterias, restaurants and major food and pharmaceutical companies.
• Clinical dietitians are a vital part of the medical team in providing evidence-based care in hospitals, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations, and other healthcare facilities.
• Community dietitians provide care in outpatient hospital clinics, public and home health agencies, health and recreational clubs, and government-funded programs.
• Dietitians work as professors, instructors, and mentors in colleges, universities and medical centers and apply evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
• Research dietitians work in government agencies, food and pharmaceutical companies, and in major universities and medical centers.
• Consultant dietitians work under contract with a healthcare facility or in their own private practice.
• Entrepreneurial dietitians work in product development, sales, marketing, advertising, public relations and purchasing in food and nutrition related industries.
• Many people refer to themselves as a nutritionist. The term nutritionist can be misleading. A nutritionist does not have to meet all of the rigorous requirements a registered dietitian needs to. A nutritionist is not required to complete a degree, a supervised experience, a national board examination, or continuing education courses.
  
  

All dietitians are nutritionists but NOT all nutritionists are dietitians!

Many people refer to themselves as a nutritionist. The term nutritionist can be misleading. A nutritionist does not have to meet all of the rigorous requirements a registered dietitian needs to. A nutritionist is not required to complete a degree, a supervised experience, a national board examination, or continuing education courses.

 

HADA is non-profit organization with the aim of promoting the RD as the nutrition expert to our community.

Please be aware of unqualified individuals. Because the titles "nutritionist" and "nutrition consultant" are unregulated in most states, they have been adopted by many individuals who lack recognized credentials and are unqualified. In addition, a small percentage of licensed practitioners are engaged in unscientific nutrition practices. The best way to avoid bad nutrition advice is to identify and avoid those who give it.

Make sure your “nutritionist” is an RD, LD!