A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) . is a food and nutrition expert who interprets nutrition science into workable solutions for a healthy life. An RDN must meet the following criteria to earn the RDN credential:

• Completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with approved course work by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
• Completed an ACEND – accredited supervised practice program at a health-care facility, community agency, or a food service corporation.
• Passed a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
• Completes continuing professional education requirements to maintain registration.

RDNs are advocates and leaders in the field of dietetics. They design nutrition programs to protect health and minimize the symptoms of disease. Clinical dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy for patients in health-care facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes. RDNs can also be found working in the community and in public health, schools, food service, senior living, private practice, businesses, universities, research, and in the media. RDNs can help you sift through all the nutrition myths, helping you come up with realistic meal plans and goals which are right for you.