2009's Top Health Searches
|
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A REGISTERED DIETITIAN?
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
- Earned a bachelor's degree with course work approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
- Completed an accredited, supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Completes continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
Approximately 50 percent of RDs hold advanced degrees. Some RDs also hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support and diabetes education.
Registered dietitians who are members of the American Dietetic Association are not only food and nutrition experts—they are leaders in the field of dietetics. Every one of ADA's wide array of member benefits is designed to advance their knowledge and skills and enhance their networking opportunities.
WHAT SERVICES DO RDS PROVIDE?
The majority of registered dietitians work in the treatment and prevention of disease (administering medical nutrition therapy, as part of medical teams), often in hospitals, HMOs, private practice or other health care facilities. In addition, a large number of registered dietitians work in community and public health settings and academia and research. A growing number of registered dietitians work with food and nutrition industry and business, journalism, sports nutrition, corporate wellness programs and other non-traditional work settings.
HOW IS AN RD DIFFERENT THAN A NUTRITIONIST?
The "RD" credential is a legally protected title that can only be used by practitioners who are authorized by the Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic Association.
Some RDs may call themselves "nutritionists," but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The definition and requirements for the term "nutritionist" vary. Some states have licensure laws that define the range of practice for someone using the designation "nutritionist," but in other states, virtually anyone can call him- or herself a "nutritionist" regardless of education or training.
Individuals with the RD credential have fulfilled specific requirements, including having earned at least a bachelor's degree (about half of RDs hold advanced degrees), completed a supervised practice program and passed a registration examination — in addition to maintaining continuing education requirements for recertification.
When the swine flu scare came out, I remember searching on that. I will also look for up to date articles to keep current with current issues.
ReplyDeleteGreat information on RD's. Not all people understand the difference between an RD and nutritionist.
Great info Reb!!
ReplyDeleteYep, that feature is fantastic on the ADA website, I tell people about it all the time!
ReplyDeleteThose top searches are fascinating. Of course flu is number one...crazy! And what do you know, diabetes and heart disease follow close by.
Wow, this is very interesting information! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent information Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteNot doubt that swine flu searches are more important in the North (fall) than in the South (spring). Anyway precautions must be taken - always-
Now understand better the difference between a RD and nutritionist in English :)
Cheers!
Gera
Thanks for the info! I have to let you know that I have a form of arthritis and a dietician was intregal in helping me manage it with diet and exercise! I am sooo grateful and feel better than I have in years! Although it makes it hard being a chef ;)
ReplyDeleteI think I put swine flu in the top 10. My kids have it, and it's been scary listening to them breath at night!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting Topic. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteRepresent!!! Woot!!
ReplyDeleteI love that 50% of RD's hold advanced degrees. I am so glad I went for my master's. Great information, thanks for getting this valuable information out there!!
swankyrd: thanks for reading RD!'
ReplyDeleteSweta: thanks so much miss your posts
Gina: I was interested in the list as well lol
fresh local and best: my pleasure
Gera: smiles
Sarah: oh thats wonderful to hear love it and pleased to be an RD
unplanned cooking my sis in law also has it I am so sorry about your kids will pray they make a speedy recovery
Anncoo: no probs
Nicole: my pleasure good for you girl love ya
Yes, I agree about the RD being one of the best sources of health information. How about considering our health BEFORE we get sick! Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteStay Cozy, Carrie
Carrie: yep prevention is always better than cure
ReplyDelete