What is a Registered Dietitian?
An R.D. is a health provider specializing in nutrition and food science. We help people
optimize their health via food choices and behaviors. The most common misconception about this
profession is that RD's eliminate favorite foods from a client's daily diet. This is far from the
truth! Actually, most often we are adding foods that are scientifically proven to provide healthful
benefits, while minimizing foods that can contribute to weight gain and could increase the risk of
chronic disease such as heart disease and cancer.
• Completion of a Bachelor of Science
in Nutrition.
• Training via a dietetic internship
program, which provides experience with inpatient
nutrition, outpatient
nutrition, community nutrition, food service, research, professional
writing and nutrition throughout
the life cycle.
• Sit and pass a national exam.
• Continue to stay abreast of the ever-changing
field through approved continuing education credits.
• Hospitals
• College settings and education
• Health care facilities
• Schools and community agencies
• Business, journalism, consulting
For more information on becoming a Registered Dietitian visit www.eatright.org