CDR Dietitian Exam (Registered Dietitian) Detailed Information
Distinguishing Between
Dietitian vs Nutritionist
Many people mistakenly use the terms “
Dietitian” and “nutritionist” interchangeably. Although these two professions are undoubtedly related, they maintain distinctive qualities. The biggest difference between
Dietitians and nutritionists lies in the legal restrictions that each title carries. Only nutritionists that become registered with Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) may legally declare themselves as
Dietitians or more precisely, registered
Dietitians (RDs).
Unlike
Dietitians, the nutritionist profession is much less protected under the law. In fact, nutritionists that do not intend to use the titles of “
Dietitian” or “registered
Dietitian” are often free from government regulation. Some states may require nutritionists to obtain an occupational license from a Board of Nutrition, while other states allow individuals to practice as nutritionists without any previous education, training or work experience.
Dietitians and Nutritionists Career Outlook
There is a valid reason why so many health care advocates are pursuing careers as
Dietitians and nutritionists: the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a positive occupational outlook for both professions. In 2012, the government reported the employment of 67,400
Dietitians and nutritionists across the country. By 2022, this figure is expected to climb to 81,600. This addition of 14,200 jobs over a ten-year period equates to 21% employment growth change, which is a faster growth rate than the average for all other occupations.
Education Difference between
Dietitians and Nutritionists
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered
Dietitians are required to complete a formal education program that results in at least a baccalaureate degree. This program must be approved by the Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and include a practical component performed in a career-related site. In addition, the program must provide coursework that covers subjects in:
Foodservice systems management
Food and nutrition sciences
Computer science
Chemistry
Business
Microbiology
Sociology
Biochemistry
Physiology
Economics
Although some nutritionists may not need any educational background to practice in their state, they will likely need to complete some formal coursework in nutrition-related subjects to qualify for employment. Nutritionists that seek the certified nutrition specialist (CNS) credential are required to complete a baccalaureate or advanced degree in a nutrition discipline to qualify for the certification examination.
Credentials for
Dietitians and Nutritionists
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers dieticians the opportunity to earn the registered
Dietitian (RD) credential. To become a RD,
Dietitians must: complete a baccalaureate degree from an ACEND-approved program; complete an ACEND-approved supervised clinical program; successfully pass the CDR registration examination; complete continuing professional education credits needed to maintain registration.
The Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CBNS) offers nutritionists the opportunity to earn the certified nutrition specialist (CNS) credential. To become a CNS, nutritionists must: complete a master’s or doctoral degree in a field-related discipline; complete 1,000 hours of supervised practical experience; successfully pass the CBNS certification examination; complete continuing professional education needed to maintain certification.
Salary Expectations for
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Data gathered by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that nutritionists and
Dietitians received an average annual salary of $56,300 and an average wage of $27.07 in 2013. The highest paying industries for these professions included: grantmaking and giving services, home health care services, federal executive branch (OES designation), office administrative services, and insurance carriers. The highest paying states for these professions included: Hawaii, Connecticut, California, Maryland, and Nevada.
