Dietetics and Nutrition in New York State

1) Assessing nutrition needs and food patterns of individual and groups;

2) Planning for and directing the provision of food appropriate for physical and nutritional needs;

3) Providing nutritional counseling.

The qualified practitioner needs a thorough understanding of the principles of nutrition in health and disease throughout the lifespan; evaluation of nutritional status; nutrient composition of foods; modification of diets; foodservice management; and the counseling, education and communication skills necessary to interpret nutrition information and assist individuals in making dietary changes

Three credentials can be used to identify qualified dietetic and nutrition professionals in New York State:

-the Registered Dietitian (RD)

-the Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR)

-and the Certified Dietitian or Certified Nutritionist (CDN)

The RD and DTR are regulated and conferred by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a private national organization of nutrition professionals. The CDN is a credential that is regulated and conferred by the New York State Board of Regents and the State Education Department (SED)

Registered Dietitian: The RD must hold a bachelor's degree from a college or university dietetic program that has been approved by ADA, must complete 900 hours in a supervised dietetic practice program accredited by ADA , such as the Brooklyn College DI Program , and successfully pass the national registration examination for dietitians administered by ADA.

Dietetic Technician, Registered: The DTR must hold a degree from an ADA approved program for dietetic technicians (usually a two-year program), complete 450 hours in a supervised dietetic technician practice program accredited by ADA and successfully pass a national exam. DTRs generally work under the supervision of an RD.

Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist: Based on section 8004 of the State Education Law, the qualifications for becoming a CDN are

1) a Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, in dietetics/nutrition from an accredited college or university and

2) completion a practice program approved by the ADA or an equivalent work experience under the supervision of a CDN or a dietitian or nutritionist who is registered by or is a member of a national dietetic or nutrition organization and

3) passing an examination OR

1) having an Associate's degree in dietetics or nutrition from a program approved by SED; and

2) 10 years of experience

3) the endorsement of 3 dietitians or nutritionists

4) passing the same examination required of those with a four-year degree.

Additional information can be obtained from the New York State Department of Education, Office of the Professions Dietetics-Nutrition

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