Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who promote healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into the skill of optimizing nutrition, health and well being among the public.
Areas of practice
Major areas of practice for RDs include: management, clinical, community and consulting. Other areas of practice include research and teaching. Some RDs may engage in activities from all these groups.
Management RDs supervise large-scale meal planning and preparation for hospitals, long-term care centers, nursing homes, company cafeterias, correctional institutions or schools and colleges. They set standards of food quality and service for organizations that serve a large number of people.
Clinical RDs work with physicians to coordinate the nutritional needs of individual patients with their medical treatment. They plan diet regimens and set up nutrition programs for patients in hospitals, nursing homes or clinics. Their job is to assess the nutritional needs of individual patients to improve their health and maximize the effects of therapy.
Community RDs work for public health clinics, home health agencies, government-funded agencies and other organizations that distribute information about diet and health and prepare and deliver meals. They may work for prenatal and child nutritional programs, Meals on Wheels or programs for migrant works.
Consulting RDs may work either as independent consultants or as full-time employees in business and industry, where they offer advice on diet-related concerns. Some work for wellness programs, health clubs, athletic centers, sports teams, supermarkets and other businesses where nutrition plays a role.
Research RDs explore ways in which nutrition may prevent, cure or alleviate diseases. They may also conduct research linking food and nutrition to specific health effects. Typical work settings include government agencies major medical centers, medical schools, university settings, pharmaceutical or food companies.
Teaching RDs teach nutrition and dietetics to students—especially dietetic, medical, dental and nursing students. They develop programs of study for allied health students and clients. Some teaching RDs also conduct or publish their results for others to study.
Personal qualifications
RDs must have a strong desire to help people live healthier. The work requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a friendly and personable demeanor. Those in management positions must be able to direct staff. The ability to motivate people is essential when dealing with both clients and staff.
Education and Training
There are two paths to becoming a registered dietitian:
1. Enroll in a university that offers a coordinated program (CP) in dietetics granting a bachelor's degree. A CP combines classroom and at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience and is accredited by CADE*. CP graduates are then eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed RDs, registered dietitians.
2. Enroll in a university that offers a didactic program in dietetics (DPD) granting a bachelor's degree. A DPD provides only the classroom courses and is accredited or approved by CADE*. Graduates must then apply for and complete a CADE-accredited dietetic internship program (DI). The DI provides at least 900 hours of supervised practical experience. DI graduates are eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians to become credentialed as RDs, registered dietitians.
* CADE is the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA) accrediting agency for education programs.
This information was provided by the American Dietetic Association. For more information on how to become a registered dietitian, visit the American Dietetic Association Web site at www.eatright.org/careers03.html.
