Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts: How Do I Become a Nutritionist?

By @BarbaraMBaez · On August 4, 2011

You ask, our experts answer!

Dear Nutritionist Natalie:

My Name is Melanie Montiel and I’m a member at Lucille Roberts. I work in the Health Care industry and have an interest in food science. I would love more information on becoming a Nutritionist/Dietitian. Any information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Hi Melanie,

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have met the following criteria to earn the RD credential:

  1. Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and course work accredited or approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association (ADA).
  2. Completed a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies. Typically, a practice program will run six to twelve months in length.
  3. Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). For more information regarding the examination, refer to CDR’s website at www.cdrnet.org.
  4. Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.

Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice. These are awarded through CDR, the credentialing agency for ADA, and/or other medical and nutrition organizations and are recognized within the profession, but are not required. Some of the certifications include pediatric or renal nutrition, sports dietetics, nutrition support, and diabetes education.

In addition to RD credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. Frequently these state requirements are met through the same education and training required to become an RD.

For more information on becoming a Registered Dietitian go to www.eatright.org.

Thanks for your question!

–Natalie Greene, RD
@LiveRiteCoach 

Do you have a question for Nutritionist Natalie or Dr. Emily? You can email them to natalie@lucilleroberts.com or emily@lucilleroberts.com.


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is the Director of Digital Marketing at Lucille Roberts with a B.A. in Journalism and a love for social media. Barbara is a Long Island native, now living in Westchester, who loves strength training and a flexible dieting “IIFYM” approach to staying in shape. Vegetarian, nail polish junkie, and Instagram addict, Barbara loves being a part of the Lucille Roberts fitness family!

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