Together with a registered dietitian nutritionist, patients set nutrition goals to improve their health. Medical nutrition therapy provided by an RDN includes:
- Review of your eating habits and lifestyle.
- Comprehensive nutrition assessment.
- Personalized nutrition treatment plan.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts that include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited dietetics program with course work approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and continue professional development throughout their careers.
In addition to RDN credentialing, many states have regulatory laws for dietitians and nutrition practitioners. The credentialing is a professional qualification — like MD for doctors or physicians — that lets the public know that the practitioner is a trained expert. In nutrition and dietetics, the credential for trained experts is RDN.
Usually when someone says “dietitian,” they mean an RDN. “Registered dietitian nutritionist” is a legally protected title. Only practitioners who have completed specific educational requirements, passed a national exam, and continued learning through ongoing education can use this title and credentials. However, there is no specific, standardized meaning for “nutritionist.” Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. When you hear the title, “dietitian” or “nutritionist,” check for credentials to make sure they are qualified nutrition experts.
RDNs work in a variety of settings:
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Private practice
- Community and public health settings
- Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs
- Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries
- Universities and medical centers
- Research and development
We have 5 RDN’s at FTMC.
- Theresa Seasly, MBA, RDN, LD
- Michele Montvilas, RDN, LD
- Jenna Malott, MS, RDN, LD
- Megan Turner, MS, RDN, LD
- Kelly Berry, MFN, RDN, LD
Healthy habits do not happen overnight. Our dietitians can help you make gradual changes that will provide you lifelong healthy habits.