Recently it has come to my attention that a large majority of the public may not understand what all the different letters behind my name truly mean. Why can't it just be something easy like Nutrition Therapist, Health Coach, Weight Loss Counselor, Blood Sugar Buster, or Nutrition Navigator? Others may wonder if I sell something like a fabulous supplement that they can add to their water to allow their bodies to become transformed. Sorry, I do not. Lately, I've even met some people that have take a nutrition course, seminar, read a book and now are starting their own venture to help others. Good for them. But, what makes me different from your neighbor selling supplements or a friend helping you to become healthier? The answers are behind all those fun letters behind my name! So let's start at the beginning when one officially becomes a dietitian.
RD (or RDN)- Registered Dietitian (Nutritionist)
Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but only a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has completed multiple layers of education and training established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). In addition to holding at least a bachelor's (soon to be minimum of a master's as of 2024) degree, we must fulfill a specially designed and accredited nutrition curriculum, complete an extensive supervised practice program and pass a rigorous national registration exam. That part was just to get the initial letters - RD or RDN. Every 5 years after that, we have to submit documentation to support their continued education equal to a minimum of 75 hours in the field. Those hours of continuing education are just a minimum just to maintain my initial credentials at this point in my career. This credential is at the national level and carries over to any state in America.
CD, CDN, LD, LDN - Certified or Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist
At the state level, we have a certification or state license in addition to the national board credential. Most states have licensure laws for dietitians and nutritionists. A certified or licensed dietitian nutritionist has met their states education requirements necessary to practice their field of expertise. If your hair dresser needs a license to show that she completed the requirements to style and treat hair, shouldn't your nutritionist have a license as well? However, in states with no licensure, there is little regulation over the use of the term “nutritionist” and the third-party verification of qualifications, education and experience that is part of the licensure process was never conducted.
In many states it is a VIOLATION of state law to practice dietetics without a license. Check out the Commission of Dietetic Registration to see if your state requires licensure for a nutritionist to practice. If your state does not require licensure, make sure you are seeking a nutrition expert that is a credentialed expert such as a registered dietitian nutritionist.
CDCES, CNSC, CSSD, and other specialties
These credentials are for dietitians that have to meet the discipline and licensure requirements, continuing ed hours, and pass another big rigorous exam (which of course costs money to apply for and then take). For example, to be a diabetes ed specialist, you have to obtain minimum professional practice experience providing Diabetes Self Management Education; as well as obtain minimum continuing education hours (15 more education hours related only to diabetes); and apply and pay the application fee. Once you receive that, you need to maintain continuing education hours every 5 years to show that you're still learning about this ever-changing field.
I'm very proud of my educational background and the professional organizations that I belong to. It continues to be a lot of hard work, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm excited that so many people are interested in nutrition! It's never been a better time to learn to take care of yourself. Let's meet sometime soon so you can learn about how Normandy Nutrition can get you on the path toward a healthier you!