What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and the Educational Process
Written by Jordyn King BS, MS
What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a food and nutrition profession who has met the academic requirements through certain accreditations. An RDN has to complete certain requirements in order to maintain their accredited certification. As a future dietitian, we strive to advocate health and nutrition to certain individuals to make positive lifestyle changes through food and nutrition.
Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Nutrition Coach the same thing?
A nutrition coach is a nutritionist with minimal credentials while a Registered Dietitian is a nutritionist with an accredited clinical license. The only thing nutrition coaches and Registered dietitians have in common is they target the same group or population, make similar claims and use nutrition to achieve certain health goals. Nutrition coaches are able to work in a variety of settings including wellness centers, gyms, entrepreneurs, and etc. However, there is no training, licensure, and certification involved to be the nutrition coach title. As any individual or nutrition coaches we can market a program, coach certain individuals through implementation of the program for compensation. Thus, anyone, including dietitians, can call themselves health coaches. In conclusion, Registered Dietitians are the only nutritional experts and professionals.
What Education is required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?
The profession requires to earn a bachelor's degree in food and nutrition or nutrition related coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); Complete a Dietetic Internship of 1,200 hours in a duration from eight to 24 months, Pass the Commission of Dietetic Registrations (CDR) exam, Obtain a state licensure, and maintain state licensure through ongoing nutrition educational credits every 5 years through an ongoing basis. Additionally, since this is such a competitive career and going to be required in 3 years (2024), it is highly recommended to get a Master Degree with a concentration in Dietetics.
In Conclusion…
Registered Dietitians are the leaders of the field of dietetics who are also food and nutrition experts. Dietitians can shape the public's food choices, improve nutritional status and vulnerable populations, treat individuals with chronic diseases through diet and proper nutrition. Such members of the Academy as dietitians offer preventative and medication nutrition therapy services to a variety of populations in certain settings including health care facilities, hospitals, outpatients care, research, business’s grocery, educational organizations, etc. in conclusion, these resources combined with qualifications in order to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist translate the learning of nutrition science into practical solutions for individuals to live longer and to improve positive lifestyle changes throughout their community.
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