Knowing what foods you should and should not eat, and the importance of nutrition and of nutritional values, can be confusing concepts for many. Fortunately, there are trained, qualified professionals working in the field of nutrition and dietetics who can help. Registered Dietitians (also known as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists); Dietetic Technicians, Registered (also called Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered); Licensed Nutritionists; and Non-Licensed Nutritionists are all educated, experienced health care professionals who work in a variety of settings to advise, educate and instruct clients in what foods they should and should not eat, as well as the nutritional values of all foods.
Dietetics and nutrition is a burgeoning field full of possibilities and one that is expected to increase over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in dietetics and nutrition are projected to increase by eight percent between the years 2019 and 2029. This exciting field can be entered into with as little as an associate’s degree.
According to the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as the American Dietetic Association, or ADA), as of 2013 there are about 75,000 members of the academy. Seventy-two percent of these members are Registered Dietitians (RD), while two percent are Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTR). The remaining members consist of licensed and non-licensed nutritionists, educators, students and researchers.
*Featured Nutritionist Programs:
Purdue University Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University's Nutrition Bachelors and Masters level programs online prepare students for careers in Health Education, Community Health, Food Analysis and more.
Liberty University's Master of Science in Human Performance - Nutrition combines two areas that are a natural fit in the field of health and wellness to give you a deep understanding of the role nutrition plays in optimizing athletic performance.
UNC's Online MPH With Nutrition Concentration. UNC's top-ranked public health school offers an online MPH with Nutrition concentration. Complete in 20 months. Bachelor's degree required. No GRE required..
American University’s online Master of Science in Nutrition Education will prepare you to become an influential leader in nutrition education and advocacy while promoting nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices in your community and beyond.
George Washington University's Online Master's in Integrative Medicine with a Concentration in Nutrition specialize in promoting health and wellness through nutrition.
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the regulating organization for registered dietitians (RD), registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN), dietetic technicians (DTR), and nutrition and dietetics technicians (NDTR), as of January 25, 2021, registered dietetic professionals in the United States include:
Although the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is based in the United States, the organization prides itself on diversity, offering opportunities to individuals with various cultures, educational backgrounds, ethnicities, geographic locations, races, and more. Food and nutrition information and values are provided in a variety of languages and formats to appeal to everyone.
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Although there is no legal opposition to individuals performing nutrition counseling on their own, insurance limitations regarding reimbursement eligibility may apply. |
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The answer to whether anyone can perform nutrition counseling on their own remains yes, however only an RD (Registered Dietitian) is accredited and authorized to be recognized by the US Government as performing services that are eligible for reimbursement under the current health care laws. |
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Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. Additional licenses are available for nutritionists not interested in becoming an RD. |
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Unless an individual is licensed (or exempt in some cases), that individual cannot legally perform specific nutrition counseling. The fact remains that unless one becomes licensed as an RD, they would remain ineligible. |
Becoming a registered dietitian is a challenging process that involves obtaining the proper education and experience through approved, accredited programs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) regulates the Registered Dietitian and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist practice nationwide. Each state may also have its own requirements for certification and licensure, in addition to those required to obtain RD credentials.
Many states require that nutritionists and dietitians hold licensure in order to be legally able to practice within that state. Others require licensure for dietitians but not nutritionists, and some require no licensure at all. As of 2021, state requirements for nutrition and dietetics careers, per the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, are:
Things to remember when considering state licensure and certification requirements:
Becoming a registered dietitian is a challenging process that involves obtaining the proper education and experience through approved, accredited programs. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) regulates the Registered Dietitian practice nationwide. Each state may also have its own requirements for certification and licensure, in addition to those required to obtain RD credentials.
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