Registered dietitians (RDs) are food and nutrition experts who have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree at a U.S. regionally accredited university or college and completed a CADE-accredited supervised practice program at a healthcare facility, community agency, or a foodservice corporation. Additionally, they must pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration. This is a legally protected title. 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.

Nutritionists

Nutritionists are those that speak with others concerning nutrition. This is not a legally protected title. Anyone may use this label to describe themselves regardless of their education, or experience with nutrition.

Registered Dietitians