Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Tomorrow is National Registered Dietitian Day. If you want expert nutrition advice, ask a nutrition expert - the registered dietitian. In honor of RD day, I'm reposting an old post about the difference between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian. Please feel free to email me (a registered dietitian) any nutrition questions you have. Mail to nutritiousbytes@gmail.com
So, what’s the difference between someone who calls him or herself a nutritionist and someone who calls him or herself a dietitian? Simply put, a nutritionist has no concrete definition, but a dietitian has credentials to go with the term. The term “nutritionist” is not legally protected nor is it regulated like the term “dietitian” is. Anyone who works in a health food or supplement store or who has an interest in nutrition could call themselves a nutritionist.
A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a credential just like a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Medical Doctor (MD).
To become a Registered Dietitian you must:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) degree in a Didactic Program in Dietetics. This is a program, granting at least a bachelor’s degree, that is accredited or approved by CADE (Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education).
2. Complete a supervised practical experience (at least 900 practice hours) in a CADE-approved Dietetic Internship. Once completed, you will be eligible to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
3. Take and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians. You will then be authorized to use the credential Registered Dietitian (RD) by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
4. Complete 75 continuing education credits every 5 years to maintain your credential.
Students wishing to become Registered Dietitians study a variety of subjects including but not limited to: food and nutrition sciences, foodservices systems management, business, economics, computer science, culinary arts, sociology, communications, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy and chemistry.
A Registered Dietitian is knowledgeable in the science of nutrition. Registered Dietitians commonly call ourselves “interpreters of science”. We interpret the science of research studies for the consumer so that he or she can make informed decisions to improve his or her lifestyle and health. The Registered Dietitian, after reviewing your medical history, medications, supplements, exercise routine (or lack thereof), weight and eating habits, can give advice that is safe and effective for you to reach your goals.
A nutritionist may or may not have the credentials of a Registered Dietitian. Many will have letters of “designation” behind their name, but make sure you carefully research where that “designation” came from. One example I have listed below.
From the American Association of Nutrition Consultants:
“The purpose of certification is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public by encouraging high standards and professional competence of persons practicing in the profession of nutritional counseling. It provides a trademark designation (C.N.C.®), which serves to inform the practitioner’s clients and potential clients that the practitioner has met professional requirements in addition to, and beyond, normal academic studies and/or professional experience.”
*Notice that it will provide a “trademark designation”, not a credential. It also states that the practitioner must meet professional requirements in addition to normal academic sudies. It never defines the academic studies. Furthermore, the application requires no proof (diploma, transcript, etc) that the person has actually completed said studies.
To receive certification or designation as a C.N.C., the candidate must:
1.) pass an exam administered by the Commission on Certification of the A.A.N.C.
*Notice the Commission on Certification is of the Association. It is not a third-party entity, quite unlike CADE, which is approved by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
The following is a quote from the AANC website:
“Candidates are required to complete a series of tests which will demonstrate proficiency in the areas of General and Applied Nutrition and in Practice Management.”
*The Registration Examination for Dietitians , administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, covers 5 domains: 1) Food and Nutrition; 2) Clinical and Community Nutrition; 3) Education and Research; 4) Food and Nutrition Systems; 5) Management.
2.) Pay the membership fee (to be renewed annually): $60.
Quote from the AANC website: “I understand that certification is only available to Professional Members of the A.A.N.C.”
*Though membership in the American Dietetic Association is encouraged, it is not required to receive registration status.
3.) Pay the C.N.C. examination fees:
Quote:“Payment of a one-time examination fee of $250 is required at the time of application. There are no annual maintenance fees. Expenses of administering the examinations, maintaining permanent records, grading papers and preparation of the certification certificates are met entirely from the examination fee and annual membership dues.”
*Notice: there is no requirement for the person to maintain his or her status as C.N.C. How do you know that person is up to date on all current nutrition information and research?
4.) Submit an online application form: click here for the form.
*No verification of degree or education is required.
The American Dietetic Association says it like this:
If you are looking for someone to help you with dietary concerns find a nutrition expert - a Registered Dietitian.
Author’s Note: I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Applied Health Science/Dietetics in 2004 from Indiana University, a CADE accredited school. I then went on to complete my Dietetic Internship in 2005 at IUPUI, also a CADE accredited program. I passed the Registration Examination for Dietitians in October 2005. I am currently in my 6th year as a Registered Dietitian and I have completed my 75 continuing education credits needed to maintain registration status.
0 comments:
Post a Comment