If you’re confused with what a Registered Dietitian (RD) actually does, you’re not alone. There are hundreds of specialties within the dietitian profession, yet the assumption is that all dietitians make meal plans for weight loss.
Some dietitians specialize in weight loss, while others focus on weight gain. There are sports RDs, renal RDs, diabetes educators, oncology RDs, school food service RDs, corporate RDs, gastrointestinal health RDs, employee heath RDs, culinary RDs, media spokespersons & hundreds of other specialties!
A Registered Dietitian is a food & nutrition expert who meets the academic & professional requirements to qualify as an "RD" or Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN).
In addition to earning a bachelor's degree, a Registered Dietitian fulfills an accredited nutrition curriculum, completes an extensive supervised program of practice, and then must pass a rigorous registration exam. As with most health professionals, Registered Dietitians also must complete continuing education to maintain a current license.
The Registered Dietitian "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by professionals who are approved by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Some RDs call themselves "nutritionists", but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.
Be advised that virtually anyone can call themselves a nutritionist without any professional training or education. Credentials, education and experience are pivotal factors in choosing any health provider.
Cassandra's Education & Credentials:
Registered Dietitian (RD)
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)
Mindful and Instinctive Eating Practitioner (MIEP)
Masters Degree in Dietetics & Nutrition
Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science
Years of medical nutrition therapy experience in the clinical setting
Continuing Education:
Active member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, the Suncoast Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Active member of the following Dietetic Practice Groups: Dietitians in Integrative & Functional Medicine, Nutrition Entrepreneurs, Vegetarian Nutrition
RD Mentor for the 2019-2020 class and the 2020-2021 class
