I really try to not to get too preachy on the blog but if there was ever a time and place to really let my credentials shine, today is the day. It’s Registered Dietitian Day! What this Registered Dietitian wants you to know is many many things regarding the profession but mainly the importance of getting help from a credentialed professional if you need it. Whether it be diabetes, weight loss, food allergies, eating disorders, etc. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE seek out help from a Registered Dietitian.
First things first let me give you the textbook definition of Registered Dietitian… this was taken from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.
A registered dietitian nutritionist is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:
Earned a bachelor’s degree with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). 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.
Wow. That’s it? That sounds easy.
KIDDING!!!!!!!!!
The fact that there is a degree, residency, an exam, and continuing education required should tell you that becoming a dietitian is no joke. I don’t have the exact numbers but acceptance to a supervised practice program is rumored to be around 50%. PS unlike med students we don’t get paid for this and unlike nurses it’s not part of our undergraduate work. Even though we are medical professionals sometimes this degree is undervalued.
WHY don’t we get more respect and loves as RDs?!
Likely because there are plentiful nutrition certifications circulating the internet these days…. Ones you can obtain in 6 weeks without any prerequisites. And sadly much of the population doesn’t even know there is a difference between a dietitian and nutritionist.
As dietitians we must uphold standard of practice and use evidence based science to back up our recommendations. We struggle to advocate for our profession and have ourselves recognized as being the experts in food and nutrition. RDs work hard in many different revenues from clinical to communications and everything in between. If you are struggling with food and eating we are the resource you should consider to improve your life.
I hardly ever plug my services in my posts but it’s important that you know there are professionals such as myself out there to help you. Please reach out to me via email at dietitianjessnutrition at gmail dot com to discuss working together. Or find another RD- I’m happy to make a recommendation in your area as I’ve networked with hundreds of dietitians across the nation and I’d be glad to support my colleagues. My point is to get help from educated and skilled professionals, don’t be fooled by bogus credentials, never be afraid to ask about a health practitioners background and experience. Get the help you need <3
