What is Dietetics? What is a Registered Dietitian?

Dietetics is a profession concerned with the science and practice of food and nutrition.  The Registered Dietitian (RD) is an allied medical professional who puts into practice the science and art of nutrition to the service of individuals, families, and communities.  The RD credential is the primary credential nationally recognized in foods and nutrition.  The Registered Dietitian is marketed by the American Dietetic Association as a “Food and Nutrition Expert”, and the credential is required for most employment in the health care industry and preferred for many other employment opportunities in foods and nutrition.  The credential is especially important when nutrition assessment and counseling is a component of employment. 

How to Become a Registered Dietitian

To become a Registered Dietitian (RD), the following must be completed, with a total commitment of about five years. 

  • Complete a bachelors degree at an accredited college or university in the United States AND complete course work required by the Commission on Accreditation of Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association.  

The Bluffton University Dietetics Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetics Association (800-877-1600, Ext. 5400), 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL  60606-6995.  

The program at Bluffton University allows a dietetics student to complete these requirements in a program known as a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). We work hard with students to enable this to be completed in four years.

  • Complete a supervised practice program, also known as a Dietetic Internship, which has been accredited by the American Dietetic Association.  Students at Bluffton apply to these independent programs in their last year at and are notified in April of their placement. The internship provides a broad foundation of  practical experience in management and clinical nutrition that fully prepares students for entry-level employment. Most internships are normally 10-12 months long and are generally completed in the year following graduation. This completes the five year commitment, although Master’s Degree programs are also available and will take longer. 
  • Pass a nationally administered and recognized examination.  To be eligible to take the exam the above two steps must be completed first.

In addition to registration, most states, including Ohio, have laws requiring that dietitians become licensed (Licensed Dietitian) to practice dietetics.  The eligibility requirements for becoming licensed are basically identical to those of becoming registered, although licensure requires a specific application and fee.  Licensure and compliance with licensure law is administered by the Ohio Board of Dietetics, Broad St., Columbus, Ohio.