What is an RD and a DTR?
What is a Registered Dietitian?
What is a Diet Technician, Registered?
What is a Registered Dietitian?
A Registered Dietitian (RD) 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. State requirements frequently are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.
- Provides reliable, objective information
- Separates facts from fads
- Translates the latest scientific findings into information that is easy to understand and incorporate
Registered Dietitians must meet the following criteria to earn the RD credential:
- Complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Complete a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to 12 months in length.
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- 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.
What is a Diet Technician, Registered?
A Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) is a food and nutrition practitioner, often working in conjunction with a Registered Dietitian, who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential “DTR.” In addition to DTR credentialing, some states have regulatory laws for Dietetic Technicians, Registered.
Dietetic Technicians, Registered must meet the following criteria to earn the “DTR” credential:
- Complete at least a two-year associate’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which must include 450 hours of supervised practice experience in various community programs, health care and foodservice facilities
- Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration