About RDN and DTR

Learn about the education and expertise that makes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) the experts in nutrition and health, as well as details about Dietetics Technicians, Registered (DTR).

• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fact Sheet
• Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered Fact Sheet

What is an RDN?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists or Registered Dietitians (RDN/RD) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers. There also are specialty credentials in areas of gerontological nutrition (CSG), sports dietetics (CSSD), pediatric nutrition (CSP), renal nutrition (CSR) and oncology nutrition (CSO). Board-certified specialists are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to RDN credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners.

What is an DTR?

Dietetics Technicians, Registered (DTR) — often working in partnership with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) — screen, evaluate and educate patients, manage and prevent diseases such as diabetes and obesity, and monitors patients' and clients' progress. DTRs work in settings such as hospitals and clinics, extended care facilities, home health care programs, schools, prisons, restaurants, food companies, foodservice providers, public health agencies, government and community programs such as Meals on Wheels, health clubs, weight management clinics and wellness centers. DTRs must complete a two-year college degree in an approved dietetics technician program with supervised practice or four-year degree without supervised practice and pass a nationwide examination to earn the DTR credential and must complete continuing education courses throughout their careers.

RDN, DTR, and Nutritionists: What's the difference?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (DTR) are credentialed practitioners.

A credential is a professional qualification — like MD for doctors or physicians — that lets the public know that the practitioner is a trained expert. In nutrition and dietetics, the credentials for trained experts is RDN and DTR. Usually when someone says "dietitian," they mean an RDN.

"Registered Dietitian Nutritionist" and "Dietetics Technicians, Registered" are legally protected titles. Only practitioners who have completed specific educational requirements, passed a national exam and continue learning through ongoing education can use these titles and credentials.

However, there is no specific, standardized meaning for "nutritionist." Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, and unfortunately, unqualified health care recommendations can cause people harm. So whether someone calls themselves "dietitian" or "nutritionist," check for credentials to ensure they are qualified nutrition experts.

Updated May 2024