As we are coming to the conclusion of National Nutrition Month it may be good to look at an overview on various aspects of this profession.
As we know the benefits of an optimal diet for our own personal health and well-being the role played by these professionals remains a strong one. Just as medical doctors, nurses and other professional health specialists have their expertise so do Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists (RDNs). In some states, Like (Florida) they may also need a license, which is shown by the letter “LD” (licensed dietitian) after RD or RDN.
Nutrition has become a very hot topic with a variety of groups sponsoring and accrediting nutritionists. However the actual major nationwide organization that certifies professional nutritionists is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics through the Commission on Accreditation of these individuals.
What is an RDN?
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate (Bachelors or higher) degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers.
There also are specialty credentials in areas of gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR) and oncology nutrition (CSO). Board-certified specialists are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
In addition to RDN credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. In some states, Like (Florida) they may also need a license, which is shown by the letter “LD” (licensed dietitian) after RD or RDN.RDNs work in a variety of settings:
- Hospitals, HMOs or other health care facilities, educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team. RDNs may manage the foodservice operations in these settings, as well as in schools, day-care centers and correctional facilities, overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to managing staff.
- Private practice, working under contract with health care or food companies, or in their own business. RDNs may provide services to foodservice or restaurant managers, food vendors and distributors, or athletes, nursing home residents or company employees.
- Community and public health settings teaching, monitoring and advising the public, and helping to improve their quality of life through healthy eating habits.
- Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, educating clients about the connection between food, fitness and health.
- Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries, working in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing or product development.
- Universities and medical centers, teaching physicians, nurses, dietetics students and others the sophisticated science of foods and nutrition.
- Research areas in food and pharmaceutical companies, universities and hospitals, directing or conducting experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.
So as we approach the end of National Nutrition Month, please consider the importance of these specialized health professionals who can help support you in a variety of ways for better health as well as treatment of many-varied disease conditions.
References/Additional Resources
You can access a fact sheet about Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitians/Nutritionist (RDNs) provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at eatrightpro.org.
Check out the link from the Mayo Clinic to learn more the role of dietitians at college.mayo.edu.
Mark Mahoney has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (R.D.N.) for almost 40 years and completed graduate studies in Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at [email protected].
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