Becoming a Registered Dietitian

This week I passed the exam to become a Registered Dietitian.

What is a Registered Dietitian? Is that like a nutritionist?

Even Better!

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are experts in the field of nutrition that have met the requirements in order to hold the legal title of “RD”.  Requirements to become an RD include:

  • a Bachelors degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field
  • Completion of 1200 supervised practice hours through an accredited program
  • Passing the registration exam given by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
  • RDs must then keep up with continuing education requirements in order to maintain their certification.
Although some RDs may consider themselves nutritionists, do not assume that all nutritionists are RDs. In many states, almost anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist”, regardless of education or experience.

For those of you that would like to learn more:

  • Here is more information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on what a Registered Dietitian is
  • Here is information on the internship program that I completed
  • Here is one way to find a Registered Dietitian in your area

-Kelly

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