A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD or RDN) is a licensed title.
Educational and Training background of Dietitians:
- Minimum of an undergraduate degree with specified coursework that includes biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, food science and advanced nutrition.
- Competitive application process to enter an internship
- -upervised 1200 hour internship with rotations in clinical(hospital) nutrition, community/public health nutrition and food service.
- Must pass nationally administered board exam.
- Must complete annual continuing education.
- Must practice nutrition ethically and according to evidence-based information.
**Many states (like North Carolina) also require dietitians to be licensed in the state to practice nutrition.
Meanwhile there are no specific qualifications for someone who wishes to call themselves a “nutritionist.”
How to find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
- Your local hospital or health department will typically have RDNs on staff.
- Search www.eatright.org to find dietitians according to your zip code.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian
facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian
800-334-4936