Registered Dietitian Nutritionists
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts. Typically they have completed (’24 requirements) a graduate-level, competency-based dietitian nutritionist program that integrates coursework, at least 1,000 hours of experiential learning, passed the national exam issued by the Commission on Dietetics Registry, satisfied state and local licensing requirements, and continue professional development throughout their careers.
“All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians,” explains registered dietitian Amber Sommer, RD, LD. Dietitians help people live healthy and active lives through the transformative power of food and nutrition.
RDNs are recognized medical professionals. It’s a title reserved for people who complete specific education and licensure requirements.
You can be confident a dietitian is an expert in matters related to the best eating plan for you and how to use food to fuel your body in a healthy way. And your insurance may cover visits to a dietitian.
RDNs work in a wide variety of settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies, and private practice.
Much misinformation exists about health, wellness, diet, disease, and exercise. In our practice the RDN is equipped to plow through the misinformation and share the latest evidence-based information and research with their clients.
Another focus of the RDN in our practice is to treat health conditions and diseases through nutrition interventions and medical nutrition therapy, as well as operating in a broader scope of wellness that includes not only the treatment but the prevention of health conditions.
The RDN gladly shares knowledge to help clients succeed on their health and wellness journey toward a more meaningful existence and reaching their goals.
In the state of Tennessee according to T.C.A. §§ 63-25-101, et seq a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist is any person who has met the qualifications for licensure and holds a current, unsuspended or unrevoked license which has been lawfully issued by the board. Any person with a valid unsuspended and unrevoked license has the right to use the title dietitian/ nutritionist, dietitian, or nutritionist.
It is unlawful for any person not licensed in the manner prescribed in T.C.A. §§ 63-25-101, et seq., to represent himself as a dietitian or a nutritionist.