Registered dietitian (RD)

Registered dietitian (RD)

Registered dietitians (RDs) are health professionals who teach people about nutrition or develop diets to promote health. They can also specialize in nutritional counselling to help treat food-related psychological problems, such as anorexia or bulimia.

Dietitians work in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Registered dietitians also work in government, restaurant management, fitness, food companies, and private practices.

A registered dietitian is registered with the provincial regulatory body that monitors the competence of individuals and protects the public from unsafe or unethical practice. Call your local hospital or health unit for the names of registered dietitians in your area.

RDs earn a Bachelor's degree in food and nutrition and complete a supervised practice program accredited by the Dietitians of Canada. Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition, nutrition support, or diabetes education.