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Dietician and Nutritionist

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The titles Dietician and Nutritionist are sometimes used interchangeably. However, the term “registered dietician” has a very specific meaning. The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) awards the widely recognized credential of Registered Dietician (RD) to people who:

  • Complete certain types of accredited bachelor’s degree programs
  • Complete supervised practice
  • Pass the CADE exam

Dieticians promote health and prevent disease by managing food services in hospitals, schools, and communities. Their responsibilities may include:

  • Planning nutrition programs
  • Supervising food service operations
  • Promoting healthy eating through dietary changes

Dieticians work in these areas:

Clinical Dietician – Provide dietetic services for patients in institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes.

Community Dietician – Provide dietetic counseling to individuals and groups in places such as public health clinics and home health agencies.

Management Dieticians – Direct personnel and food service operations in large institutions including schools, prisons, and businesses.

Consultant Dieticians – Self-employed dieticians who work in private practice or by contract to provide nutritional expertise and services.


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Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 Edition; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor