March is National Nutrition Month – a time to celebrate the power of healthy eating and recognize the real nutrition experts, Registered Dietitians!

A Dietitian may refer to themselves as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) interchangeably, though both credentials hold the same meaning.

Dietitians have completed extensive schooling and training that set them apart as experts in the field of food and nutrition. Aside from traditional clinical roles, many are also qualified to work as food-service directors, wellness coordinators, or college professors. As you can see, dietitians can do much more than create meal plans!

What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

The requirements to become a Dietitian include:

• Completing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program
  • By 2024, all newly credentialed dietitians will be required to have their master’s degree. By requiring this advanced degree, this will solidify dietitians’ expertise in nutrition.
• Completing a supervised internship or practicum
  • Dietetic interns must attain a minimum of 1200 supervised practice hours in a variety of settings.
• Passing a national registration exam
• Completing a minimum of 75 continuing education hours every 5 years to maintain their credential

Who can call themselves a Nutritionist?

A nutritionist is a self-proclaimed title, and could be someone who may have nutrition education and is working with food and health. To be a nutritionist there is no required education and no accreditation as a nutrition expert.

Although all registered dietitians are nutritionists, not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.

Being a Registered Dietitian at WIC:

Weld County WIC has five dietitians on staff who are passionate about helping our families with their health and nutrition. Dietitians at WIC counsel clients who have a health condition that may affect their nutritional status.

All of our dietitians have also received specialized training in breastfeeding. Helping new or experienced mothers with any breastfeeding concerns or questions is a vital piece of being a dietitian at WIC.

WIC participants have free access to our registered dietitians. Do you have a nutrition question? Contact our office to receive personalized help from a dietitian!