There are quite a few different names and terms you might have heard when it comes to someone offering nutrition advice.  Anyone can refer to themselves as a nutritionist or a health coach, and some people may even have taken a few classes in nutrition or completed an online certification process of sorts.  These folks might offer some worthwhile advice or cover the latest food trend or diet craze, but they are not licensed or credentialed professionally and typically do not offer evidence based information.   

 

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN's) are the experts in the field of nutrition and dietetics.  Anyone with a RD or RDN credential has completed a 4 year Bachelor of Science degree that requires a rigorous background rooted in science.  In addition, before being eligible for the examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, candidates must complete an internship, typically 1 year in length and unpaid, gaining a minimum of 1200 hours of practice with other RD's practicing in various areas of nutrition and dietetics like food service in hospitals or schools, clinical nutrition, and community nutrition.  After those two requirements have been met, a candidate must then successfully pass the registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.  Whew!  

 

RDN's are also responsible for completing a minimum of 75 continuing education hours in order to renew their license every 5 years. RDN's pride themselves on offering nutrition counseling and education that is science proven and evidence based.  Here at Scenic City Dietetics, you will receive just that!  Caring and compassionate dietitians that are educated and equipped to best serve you.