Why Work With a Dietitian

All over the internet people are boasting with advice about foods. It seems as though everyone nowadays has some type of expertise about what you are putting in your mouth, and they want to share. Often, advice comes from people with titles and letters after their names. However, not all titles and letters are created equal. Here at Nutrition 502, we offer you the ability to work with a Registered Dietitian, a title that we don’t take lightly. To show you why, we've outlined here what the different nutrition titles are and what education is required to maintain them. 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)

A RDN is a medical professional who specializes in the area of nutrition. Upon completion of an accredited undergraduate program in dietetics, students must complete an approved internship program through which they will gain approximately 1,200 hours of supervised practice in the fields of dietary food service management, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition. Upon completion of this program, people must then sit for an exam and then become registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as a RDN. In order to keep this accreditation RDNs must complete 75 hours of continuing education every 5 years, 1 of which must be in the area of ethics. Further specializations, like Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and Lactation Specialist (IBCLC), are available in addition to this title upon completion of specialized experience in different fields and passage of further exams. 

Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

A CNS is similar to a Dietitian in the amount of education necessary to gain this title. However, instead of simply needing an undergraduate degree, CNS’ must have a master’s or doctorate in nutrition/dietetics, complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice, pass an exam through the The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CBNS), and complete continuing education classes annually. This certification is one of the most widely recognized credentials in the country. Further specializations in specific areas of nutrition are available through the same process as RDNs. 

Nutritionist

The title of “Nutritionist” is a little less regulated. Although different states have different regulations on this title, most monitor the title of “nutritionist” very minimally. Some nutritionists may have to gain a license through the state Board of Nutrition, and a few states offer the opportunity to become a “Certified Nutritionist(CN)” through just a 6 course program at a university. However, most people are able to use the title “Nutritionist” without any regulation at all. It is important to know the background and the regulation of the Nutritionist you are listening to. There are plenty of helpful and educated Nutritionists out there, but there are also some who may be making you believe they are more credible than they actually are. 

Although more titles than these three exist, these are some of the most common credentials listed behind people’s names when giving nutrition advice. Although the specifics aren’t as important to remember, what is important to remember is the fact that not all titles are equal. Consider the credentials of who you are taking advice from and educate yourself on the regulations in the state you live in. Knowing who you’re getting your advice from and why can be a huge key to finding a healthy lifestyle. That’s why here at Nutrition 502, as Registered Dietitians you can trust our credentials and know that we are held to a specific standard that covers all states and countries.