Nutrition Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
The RD is an expert in food and nutrition (click here).
How do I become a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
It is a three step process:
- Satisfactorily complete Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD)
knowledge and skill competencies at a college/university accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) of The American Dietetic Association (ADA), such as Benedictine University:
http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/dpd.html. You must also have completed a minimum of a bachelor degree.
- Satisfactorily complete Dietetic Internship
practice competencies at an institution accredited by the
CADE of the ADA, such as Benedictine University: http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/di.html.
- Sit for and pass the national examination for Registered Dietitians administered by the
Commission for Dietetics Registration.
In the state of Illinois, all Registered Dietitians (RD) must then submit an application for licensure that provides the right to practice as
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionists (L.D.N.).
The RD Exam by CDR counts as the Illinois state test for
licensure.
Should I become a Registed Dietitian (RD)?
The answer to that question depends on your career goals. What do you what to do?
How do you want to make a difference?
What are you willing to do to accomplish your goals?
However, if you want to counsel adults on how to improve their eating habits, you may be limited in practice
opportunities if you do not become a RD. For example, imagine
talking to an overweight client (using pre-established protocols for counseling) who reveals that he has high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
This person is in need of medical nutrition therapy.
In the state of Illinois, you would be in violation of the
Dietetic Practice Act
to practice medical dietetics without a license.
If you were not licensed as a L.D.N., you would need to refer this client to a RD.
If choose not to become a RD, you cannot become licensed as a "dietitian" or
"nutritionist" (L.D.N.) in the state of Illinois. In other words, your supervisor will need to be a L.D.N.
There are
many nutrition careers options (visit the Nutrition Careers link on the left).
Not all opportunities require one to become a RD.
In addition to being dietitians,
our graduates work in the nutrition field as community
and public health educators, business owners, sales representatives, managers, and food scientists.
Consider using the nutrition major or master degree as a
foundation for health education, exercise physiology, nursing, or medicine.
For more information about health and fitness certifications, visit:
http://www.ben.edu/nutrition/certification.html.
As you progress through the DPD and/or MSNW programs, consult with your advisor for guidance about
meeting your career goals.
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