What our credentials mean:

A Registered Dietitian (RD) has:

• Completed a bachelor's degree program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE)
• Completed 900 hours of supervised practice accredited by CADE
• Passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)

A Licensed Dietitian (LD) has:

• Met the above requirements of a Registered Dietitian
• Passed an examination administered by CDR

A Board Certified Specialist has:

• Met the requirements for a Registered Dietitian
• Completed 4000 hours practice experience as an RD within the last five years in the specialty
• A dietitian who is a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition is a CSP
• A dietitian who is a Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition is a CSR

Other Certifications include:

• CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
• CNSD - Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian

A Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) has:

• Completed an associate's degree
• Completed 450 hours of supervised practice, accredited by CADE
• Passed a national exam

"RD" and "DTR" are legally protected titles. Individuals with these credentials have completed the specified requirements and maintain continuing education hours to renew these titles. "LD" varies by state. Not all states require this license.

A Registered Dietitian is considered the food and nutrition expert. Most RDs work in hospitals (providing medical nutrition therapy), HMOs, private practice, or other health care facilities. Others work in community and public health organizations, higher education, or research. The food and nutrition industry, journalism, sports nutrition, and corporate wellness are among a growing population. The possibilities are endless!

Visit the American Dietetic Association website for more information on becoming a nutrition expert at www.eatright.org.