Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
What do our credentials mean?
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is a nutrition professional that has completed extensive education and training to be certified to practice and provide Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). RDN’s translate the complex science of nutrition into practical everyday solutions for healthy living. This is not to be confused with anyone who can call themselves a ‘nutritionist’ – as this is not regulated. All Registered Dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are Registered Dietitians.
RDN’s have:
- Completed a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree at a US accredited university or college and course work approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Completed an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or a foodservice corporation or combined with undergraduate or graduate studies.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Completed continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
- Many RDN’s are members of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. are members of the Association of Food & Nutrition Professionals.
RDN’s work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, nursing homes, universities, community centers, private practice, food companies, gyms, in research and more.
Certified Dietary Manager (CDM®)
A CDM® is a food and nutrition professional that has completed specialized training in fields such as culinary arts, food service management or nutrition. They are experts at managing foodservice operations and ensuring food safety. They are responsible for the implementation of menus, foodservice purchasing, and food preparation. They apply nutrition principles, document nutrition information, manage work teams and more. CDMs work together with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) to provide quality nutritional care in a variety of settings. Carolina Nutrition Consultants employs CDMs as healthcare consultants in long-term care environments.
CDM’s have:
- Completed an approved Certified Dietary Manager’s course or an associate or bachelor’s degree at a US accredited university or college.
- Completed ServeSafe certification.
- Passed a national examination administered by the Certifying Board of Dietary Managers.
- Completed continuing professional education requirements to maintain their credential.
- Many CDMs are members of the Association of Food & Nutrition Professionals.