Here’s a brief list of what Registered Dietitian Nutritionists do:

• Nutritional Assessment: Evaluate individuals' dietary habits, health conditions, and nutritional needs through comprehensive assessments.

• Nutritional Counseling: Provide personalized nutrition counseling and education to promote healthy eating habits and manage chronic conditions.

• Dietary Planning: Develop customized meal plans and dietary recommendations based on individual goals, preferences, and medical conditions.

• Medical Nutrition Therapy: Provide therapeutic nutrition interventions for individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and eating disorders.

• Education and Outreach: Conduct nutrition education programs, workshops, and seminars for community groups, schools, and healthcare facilities.

• Research and Analysis: Stay updated on current research and trends in nutrition science, and apply evidence-based practices in clinical settings.

• Food Service Management: Plan and oversee nutrition programs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and other institutions to ensure nutritional adequacy and compliance with dietary guidelines.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Education Requirements:

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college with coursework approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Majoring in nutrition, dietetics, food science, or a related field is typical.

• Coursework: Ensure your coursework includes subjects like nutrition science, biochemistry, physiology, food science, and human anatomy.

2. Complete an Accredited Dietetic Internship:

• After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must apply for and complete an accredited dietetic internship (DI) program. These programs typically last around 6 to 12 months and provide supervised practice in clinical, community, and foodservice settings.

• Competition for dietetic internships can be intense, so it's important to maintain a competitive GPA and gain relevant experience during your undergraduate studies.

3. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians:

• After completing your DI program, you are eligible to sit for the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Passing this exam is required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).

• The exam covers various aspects of nutrition and dietetics, including principles of dietetics, nutrition care for individuals and groups, management of food and nutrition programs, and foodservice systems.

4. State Licensure (If Applicable):

• Some states require dietitians to be licensed to practice. Requirements vary by state, so check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements and procedures.

5. Gain Professional Experience:

• After becoming an RDN, gaining professional experience is crucial for career development. Consider working in clinical settings, community health organizations, foodservice management, private practice, research, or education.

• Seek mentorship from experienced RDNs to learn best practices and expand your skill set.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!