Registered Dietitian

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Registered Dietitian (RD) is a professional designation used by individuals who are experts in diet and nutrition. They are often employed in healthcare settings, but can also work in private practice, education, research, and other areas. RDs are regulated by professional bodies in many countries, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in the United States and the British Dietetic Association in the United Kingdom.

Education and Training[edit | edit source]

To become a Registered Dietitian, an individual must complete a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field. This is followed by a dietetic internship, which includes supervised practice in various areas of dietetics. After completing the internship, the individual must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). In addition to these requirements, RDs must complete continuing education throughout their careers to maintain their registration.

Roles and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

Registered Dietitians provide expert advice on diet and nutrition to individuals and groups. They assess nutritional needs, develop personalized nutrition plans, and monitor progress towards nutritional goals. RDs also provide education on nutrition and diet to patients, healthcare providers, and the public. They may also conduct research in nutrition and dietetics, contribute to public health initiatives, and advocate for policies that promote health and well-being.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

In many countries, the title "Registered Dietitian" is legally protected. This means that only individuals who have met the education, training, and examination requirements set by the regulatory body can use the title. In the United States, the regulatory body is the CDR, while in the United Kingdom, it is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

See Also[edit | edit source]

Registered Dietitian Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD