RDN CREDENTIAL - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the RDN credential option?
- Will the new optional RDN credential have an effect on state licensure of RDs?
- Why is the Academy offering the optional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credential?
- What member input was considered?
- Must RDs use the RDN credential?
- Does the optional RDN have a different meaning than the RD credential?
- How should RDs use the new credential for signatures and materials such as business cards?
- Do CDR registration ID cards include both the RD* and RDN* credentials?
- Is there an additional cost?
- Are RDs be required to meet separate recertification requirements if they choose to use the optional RDN credential?
- How does the new optional RDN credential fit into the Academy’s ongoing branding and marketing efforts?
RDs have the option to use of the credential “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN).
No. Legal counsel determined that adding the optional RDN* credential will not affect licensure or other regulations. Many state licensure/certification laws already reference the term nutritionist (e.g., LDN or CDN).
The option was established to further enhance the RD brand and more accurately reflect to consumers who registered dieti- tians are and what they do. This will differentiate the rigorous credential requirements and highlight that all registered dietitians are nutritionists but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians.
Inclusion of the word “nutritionist” in the credential communicates a broader concept of wellness (including prevention of health conditions beyond medical nutrition therapy) as well as treatment of conditions.
This option is also consistent with the inclusion of the word “nutrition” in the Academy’s new name.
There is an increased awareness of the Academy’s role as a key organization in food and nutrition by media, government agencies, allied health organizations and consumers. For instance, the Academy has noted an increase in the number of media impressions (print, broadcast and electronic) from the Academy’s media outreach activities. Twenty billion media impressions were obtained in 2011, prior to the Academy’s name change; contrasted with 30 billion impressions during the first six months of 2012 alone.
This provides additional rationale for the incorporation of the word “nutrition” into the RD* credential resulting in the optional RDN* credential.
In 2010, the Academy began exploring the option of offering the registered dietitian nutritionist credential. It was supported by participants in the 2011 Future Connections Summit and most recently by the Council on Future Practice in its 2012 Visioning Report. The recommendation was shared and discussed in the House of Delegates at the Fall 2012 meeting. The 2013 joint meeting of the major organizational units (Commission on Dietetic Registration, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Council on Future Practice, Education Committee, and Nutrition and Dietetics Educators and Preceptors DPG) supported moving forward.
No. The RDN credential is offered as an option to RDs who want to emphasize the nutrition aspect of their credential to the public and to other health practitioners.
No. The RD and RDN credential have identical meanings and legal trademark definitions.
Click here for Guidelines for Credential Placement.
Yes. The registration identification card reflect both the RD and RDN credentials.
No. There is no additional cost for using the RDN credential.
No. The current RD recertification requirements apply to the RDN credential.
The Academy is developing a plan to strengthen and differentiate a respected brand.