A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a person who has completed at least a bachelor’s (four year) degree in food science, nutrition, dietetics or other approved accredited program through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The dietitian must also complete a 1200-hour internship, including hours in a clinical setting, pass the Academy’s registration examination, and maintain competency through continuing education. While all dietitians can call themselves nutritionists, not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. A person can call himself or herself a nutritionist without having completed any education and training standards.
Registered dietitian nutritionists are food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. The expertise, training and credentials that are required to become a registered dietitian nutritionist are vital for promoting positive lifestyle choices. Registered dietitian nutritionists draw on their experience to develop a personalized nutrition plan for individuals of all ages. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you on the path to lowering weight, eating healthy and reducing your risk of chronic disease.
A certified breastfeeding specialist (CBS) is a person with a health care background that has specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation. Their role is to educate women, families, health professionals, and the community about breast feeding and human lactation; facilitate the development of policies which protect, promote, and support breastfeeding; act as advocates for breastfeeding as the child-feeding norm; and provide holistic, evidence-based breastfeeding support and care from preconception to weaning for women and their families.