· What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
An expert in the field of nutrition who has completed accredited coursework, an accredited internship, and passed the RD exam. Completing all appropriate educational and professional requirements to obtain the RD credentials provides you with the opportunity to work in many different settings from clinical nutrition, to public health to research.
· What is the difference between a RD and a nutritionist?
A RD is a legally protected title indicating that the person who holds the credentials has completed the appropriate coursework and professional experience to be an expert in the field of nutrition. Anyone can say that they are a nutritionist, this is not a protected credential or title. There is no guarantee that a nutritionist is a qualified practitioner or has the knowledge to properly assist a client. Deciding to obtain the RD credential will give you many more career options than someone who is a nutritionist.
· How do I become a RD?
Becoming a RD consists of the following steps:
1. Obtain a degree from an accredited program. Coursework includes biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, management, foodservice systems, as well as food and nutrition science.
2. You will choose one of two pathways, a Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) or a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
3. Complete an accredited internship. Internships are typically offered through health care facilities, community agencies or foodservice corporations. For information on internships by location including program emphasis, visit http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8473
4. Pass the Registered Dietitian exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
5. Complete continuing education requirements to maintain credentials.
· What is the difference between a Coordinated Program in Dietetics and a Didactic Program in Dietetics?
Coordinated Programs in Dietetics combine the required dietetics course work with the accredited Dietetic Internship into one degree granting program. For information on accredited CP programs by location, visit http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8471
Didactic Programs in Dietetics can either be at the bachelor or master’s level but must be obtained through an accredited program. Once eligible you must apply and be accepted to an accredited Dietetic Internship. For more information on accredited DPD programs by location, visit http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/content.aspx?id=8472
· What can I do to put myself in a position to get an internship?
The Dietetic Internship is very competitive, just because you have completed the required course work does not mean you will be accepted into an internship program. In the first round of internship matching in 2009 approximately 50% of students who applied for a Dietetic Internship were not matched to a program. If you choose a Coordinated Program your internship will be included in your coursework and you will not need to worry about applying for an internship separately.
If you are applying for an internship how can you make yourself a top candidate? Do not wait for your junior or senior year to start thinking about the internship, start now! Consider the following suggestions:
1. GPA is something that you should be focused on throughout your program. Typically the minimum requirement is a 3.0, keep in mind that this is the minimum. You should be working throughout your entire program to obtain the highest GPA possible.
2. References are very important and should be written by people who know you and can speak to the high quality of your work and performance. In order to obtain this type of reference you should start building relationships as soon as possible. Work in the field, volunteer, get involved on campus; all of these activities will help you to build positive relationships with people that will be able to give you an exceptional reference.
3. Build your resume, your experience, and your network. Again; volunteer, work in the field, and get involved in your local dietetics community. All of this will help you stand out on your internship application while at the same time you will be building relationships and making connections that can help you in your career.
4. Vary your experience. Make sure that you present yourself as well rounded; this will also help you stand out. If you work in a hospital, and volunteer in a community based program try to also get some research or food service experience. The more well rounded you are the better.
5. You will be expected to input all of this information on your internship application, if you do not keep good records of your experience this can be very time consuming. Make sure to keep track of the organization, dates, supervisor and contact information, and the number of hours worked either by week or total.
· How do I prepare for the RD exam?
Schedule the RD exam as soon as possible after completing the internship. This way the information is still fresh in your mind.
Consider the time in between the completion of your internship and taking the exam as work. Your job is to study, take advantage of this time.
Find the study methods that work best for you and utilize them.
There are many different study guides available for the RD exam, here are a few that were recommended by former interns that passed their test on the first try.
o http://inmanassoc.com/index.htm
o http://visualveggies.com
· Continuing Education
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is required for all RD’s to maintain your registration. CPE credits are defined as education beyond that required for entry into the program. Requiring RD’s to obtain CPE credits ensures that professionals will engage in lifelong development to maintain knowledge and competency in the field of nutrition. In order to keep your credentials you need to complete 75 CPE’s every 5 years.
· Career Options and Pay
The field of nutrition is very diverse, students who obtain the Registered Dietitian Credentials have many options in the field. Some career options are as follows:
1. Clinical Dietetics ($56,659)
2. Food and Nutrition Management ($67,995)
3. Public Health ($52,000)
4. Education and Research ($65,000)
5. Private Practice/Consulting ($69,992)
6. Other related health professions ($67,995)
7. Business and Industry (N/A)
8. Media (N/A)
9. Public Policy and Government (N/A)
- References and suggested reading
Commission on Dietetic Registration. (n.d.). Registered dietitian certification. Retrieved November 16 from http://cdrnet.org/certifications/registered-dietitian-rd-certification
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (n.d.). Becoming an RD/DTR. Retrieved November 16, 2013 from http://www.eatright.org/BecomeanRDorDTR/
Penn State College of Health and Human Development. (2013). Career Opportunities with a Nutritional Sciences Degree. Retrieved November 16 from http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/undergraduate/careers
