A Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) — is a licensed and credentialed nutrition expert who is qualified to assess dietary habits, health conditions, and lifestyle to create tailored nutrition plans that support health goals, manage medical conditions, or promote overall wellness. These dietitians typically work one-on-one with clients, offering guidance on weight management, chronic disease prevention, food allergies, and more.
To become a Registered Dietitian (RD), one must complete a Master’s degree (previously only a Bachelor’s) from an accredited program/university; complete an accredited supervised practice (dietetic internship – usually 1200 + hours); pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR); and then must maintain continuing education with credentialing. Many states have licensure requirements which are independent from the credentialing.
Is a Registered Dietitian the same as a Nutritionist or Health Coach? A Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist (RDN) is both your personal nutritionist and health coach! Anyone can identify themselves as a nutritionist or health coach regardless of education or health experience.
Our office is unique in how we practice and provide personalized patient care. On your first visit, you will meet one-on-one with a Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist who will complete the following:
- Complete a full body assessment (height, weight, body measurements, body fat, etc.)
- Review patient goals (and physician goals if applicable) to achieve a healthy weight and improve overall health
- Review medical history, lab work, medications, personal routines and habits, and dietary needs
- Create a personalized plan to achieve optimal health and wellness goals. In some cases, that is a plan based on meals and snacks and sometimes that is small changes and goals for each visit. This is based on the patient’s readiness for change and personal goals.