How To Become A Nutritionist | Dietitian Definition

A Registered Dietitian: The Nutrition Expert

A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met the minimum academic and professional requirements enabling an individual to possess the credential "RD." As members of the health care team, RDs provide an essential component of medical care—medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

Medical Nutrition Therapy

MNT is the assessment of the nutrition status of a client followed by therapy, ranging from diet modification to the administration of specialized nutrition therapies such as intravenous or tube feeding. MNT includes review and analysis of medical and dietary history, laboratory values, and anthropometric measurements. It involves management of appropriate nutrition intake and self-management training.

RD Requirements

• Complete an approved program in dietetics and a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Complete supervised practical experience in an accredited dietetic internship, program in dietetics, or professional dietetics practice program
• Pass a national registration exam
• Maintain continuing education credits

Areas of Practice

Registered dietitians are trained to work in many areas of practice:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Digestive diseases
• Enteral and parenteral nutrition
• Heart disease
• Perinatal care
• Pressure ulcer management

Employment Settings

• Hospitals
• Clinics and ambulatory care centers
• MCOs
• Physician practices
• Private practice
• Consultation
• Community and public health programs
• Extended and long-term care facilities
• Home care

State Regulation

Many states and commonwealths also have laws regulating dietetics practitioners. These laws safeguard the public by establishing and enforcing minimum competency standards for persons working in a regulated profession, and those researching how to become a nutritionist.

The State of California has registration. Registration is an entitlement law that prohibits use of the title "dietitian" by persons not meeting state-mandated qualifications.