About RDN and DTR

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

What is an RDN?

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), also known as Registered Dietitians (RDs), are food and nutrition experts who meet rigorous academic and professional requirements. RDNs must complete a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program, fulfill a supervised practice requirement, pass a national examination, and maintain ongoing continuing professional education throughout their careers.

• Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
• Sports Dietetics (CSSD)
• Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
• Renal Nutrition (CSR)
• Oncology Nutrition (CSO)

These board-certified specialties are credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the credentialing body of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition to national credentialing, many states also regulate the practice of dietetics.

What is a DTR?

Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs) often work in collaboration with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists to support nutrition care and services. DTRs may assist in screening, evaluating, and educating patients, as well as helping manage and prevent conditions such as diabetes and obesity. They also monitor patient and client progress across a variety of care settings.

DTRs work in diverse environments, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, home health programs, schools, correctional facilities, foodservice operations, public health agencies, community programs such as Meals on Wheels, health clubs, wellness centers, and industry settings.

To earn the DTR credential, individuals must complete either a two-year dietetics technician program with supervised practice or a four-year degree without supervised practice, followed by a national examination. Continuing education is required throughout their careers.

RDN, DTR, and Nutritionists: What’s the Difference?

RDNs and DTRs are credentialed, regulated practitioners in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

A professional credential (such as RDN or DTR) is similar to an MD for physicians—it signals that the individual has met standardized education, training, and examination requirements. In most cases, when someone refers to a “dietitian,” they are referring to an RDN.

Both “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” and “Dietetic Technician, Registered” are legally protected titles that require formal education, supervised practice, national examination, and ongoing continuing education.

In contrast, the term “nutritionist” is not standardized or regulated in many jurisdictions. Because anyone may use this title, it does not necessarily indicate formal training or qualification. For this reason, it is important to verify credentials when seeking nutrition care.

Updated June 2026