Nutrition Science and Everyday Application - beta v 0.1

WHO CAN YOU TRUST FOR NUTRITION INFORMATION? 121
a dietitian, but most likely will not have completed an internship or passed a credentialing
exam like a registered dietitian. People in both professions work to apply nutritional science,
using evidence-based best practices, to help people nourish their bodies and improve their
lives.
Becoming a registered dietitian requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in dietetics
(master’s degree will be required beginning in 2024), including courses in biology, chemistry,
biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and food service
management. Other suggested courses include economics, business, statistics, computer
science, psychology, and sociology. In addition, people who pursue this path must
complete a dietetic internship (including 1200 hours of supervised practice), pass a
national exam, and maintain their registration through ongoing continuing education.
Many states also have licensure that requires additional forms and documentation. You
can learn more about the path to becoming a registered dietitian by going to cdrnet.org/
certifications.
Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs, promote healthy eating
habits, and recommend dietary modifications. But typically, to work in a clinical setting
(like a hospital) or outpatient setting, the RD credential is required. For example, a dietitian
might teach a patient with hypertension how to follow a lower-sodium diet. Nutrition-related
careers can be extremely varied. Some individuals work in government settings, while others
work in education or the private sector. Some jobs in nutrition focus on working with
athletes, and others provide guidance to patients with long-term, life-threatening diseases.
But no matter the circumstance or the clientele, working in the field of diet and nutrition
focuses on helping people improve their dietary habits by translating nutritional science into
food choices.