What is a registered dietitian?
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential “RD.” In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.

What are the educational and professional requirements
for a registered dietitian?
Registered dietitians must meet the following criteria to earn the RD credential:
Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a US regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association.

Complete a CADE-accredited or approved, supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length.
Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. These certifications are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for ADA, and / or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required.

What kind of coursework might a registered dietitian study in college?
Registered dietitians study a variety of subjects, ranging from food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology, and communications to science courses such as biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy, and chemistry.