Dr. Cecilia Chen
Educational and Professional Requirements
1. Accredited DPD Program
Earning a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or a foreign equivalent. This includes completing coursework through an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited program (DPD, CP, GP, or FDE). Visit www.eatrightpro.org/acend for a list of accredited programs.
2. Dietetic Internship
Completing the required supervised practice/experience via an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI), Coordinated Program (CP), Graduate Program (GP), or an Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway (ISPP). DI typically requires 1200+ hours of supervised practice. More information on these programs can be found at www.eatrightpro.org/acend.
3. A Master's Degree
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Starting January 1, 2024, a master's degree will be required to sit for the RDN credentialing exam by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
4. National Examination
Passing a national examination conducted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Details about the exam are available at www.cdrnet.org.
5. Continuing Education
RDNs must also fulfill continuing professional education requirements to maintain their credential (75 CPE credits every five years).
6. Additional Certifications
Some RDNs hold additional certifications in specialized practice areas, granted through CDR or other medical and nutrition organizations, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, oncology, gerontological nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education.
College Coursework
What do Nutrition students learn?
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Food and nutrition sciences
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Biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, etc.
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Medical Nutrition Therapy
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Business, economics, etc.
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Foodservice systems
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Culinary arts
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Behavioral social sciences
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Communication, psychology, etc.​
Every RD is a nutritionist, but not every nutritionist is an RD.
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Anyone can call themselves a "nutritionist."
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The term "Nutritionist" could denote someone with a Ph.D. in nutrition science or someone with minimal training.
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The terms RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are interchangeable.
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In the U.S., only "Registered Dietitians" are qualified to work in clinical or medical settings such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Nutritionist
vs
RD?
Where do RDNs work?
1. Healthcare
Registered Dietitians work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, offering nutrition education and medical nutrition therapy.
2. Sports Nutrition
They educate on the interconnection between food, fitness, and health in sports nutrition and corporate wellness initiatives.
3. Food and Nutrition Industries
Dietitians are involved in communication, public relations, marketing, product development, and culinary consulting within food and nutrition-related businesses.
4. Private Practice
Dietitians may work independently or under contract with healthcare or food companies, engaging with a range of stakeholders.
5. Community and Public Health
In these settings, they teach and advise the public on healthy eating to improve quality of life.
6. Educational Roles
At universities and medical centers, they instruct healthcare professionals in the intricate science of food and nutrition.
7. Research Positions
Dietitians conduct vital nutrition research in food and pharmaceutical companies, as well as in academic and hospital settings.
8. Foodservice Management
RDs may manage foodservice operations in various environments, including schools and correctional facilities, handling everything from food procurement to overseeing staff.
9. More
Everyone's path is unique.
You can build your own career!