The state of Connecticut requires
two designations
to practice as a fully credentialed dietitian:
The letters
"RD" after a person's name signify that he/she is a Registered Dietitian and has
completed academic and experience requirements established by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the
accrediting agency for the American Dietetic Association
(ADA).
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are
nutrition experts who meet the following criteria:
Completed a minimum of a Bachelor's
degree at a US regionally accredited university or college.
Met current academic requirements
(Didactic Program in Dietetics) as approved by The Commission on Accreditation for
Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association
Completed approved pre-professional
experience consisting of a supervised practicum program at hospitals and healthcare
facilities, community agencies, and foodservice organizations. Typically, a practice
program runs twelve months in length.
Successfully completed the national
Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic
Registration (CDR)
Complete continuing professional
educational requirements to maintain registration including a
minimum of 75 hours of
approved education every five years
For those
interested in pursuing a career in Dietetics, here is some more information:
College course work includes
the following subjects:
- Food and nutrition sciences
- Foodservice systems management
- Biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, anatomy,
and chemistry
- Sociology and communication
- Business, economics, computer science
Employment Opportunities for
Registered Dietitians include:
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Business and industry
- Government agencies and public health
- Education and research
- Private practice
To find out more about
becoming an RD, visit the ADA
Career Center
In addition to RD credentialing, many states have
laws to regulate nutrition practitioners. In Connecticut, the designation of Certified
Dietitian-Nutritionist (CD-N) is granted to those who satisfy the state requirements.
Certification requires the RD designation or successfully passing the RD exam and holding
a master's degree in nutrition.
The CD-N licensing is regulated by
the Connecticut Department of Public Health. |
