Training and Certification
Registered Dietitians (RDs) provide nutrition services, including medical nutrition therapy. RDs are individuals who have:
- completed the minimum of a bachelor's degree degree granted by a US regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association
- completed a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation, or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length
- passed a national examination adminstered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- completes continuing professional education requirements to maintain registration
Many RDs have graduate degrees, and some hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric nutrition, nutrition support, and diabetes education. Other types of advanced training include fellowships and traineeships in areas such as neurodevelopmental disorders and neonatal nutrition.
More information can be found on the website for the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org), the major professional organization for RDs and dietetic technicians.
Licensure and Certification
In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.
Washington State has a certification program for nutrition professionals; the credential is Certified Dietitian (CD). For information on other states, visit the website for the Commission on Dietetic Registration (www.cdrnet.org/certifications/index.htm).
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
A voluntary, enforceable code of ethics exists for RDs who are members of the American Dietetic Association. To view the Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics, visit the website for the American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org/Public/index_8915.cfm).
Standards of Professional Practice are statements of a dietetics professional's responsibility for providing services. They are posted to the website for the American Dietetic Association: (www.eatright.org/Public/GovernmentAffairs/98_9468.cfm).
Center on Human Development and Disability,
Clinical Training Unit, University of Washington,
Box 357920, Seattle, WA 98195-7920 lend@u.washington.edu