Basic Credential Information
The Registered Dietitian (RD) and Diabetes Educator
Standards of Practice and RD's Level Practice
Additional Credentials
Important References
Credential Information
Registered Dietitian (RD) - The Nutrition Professional
Accredited by
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
RD's are uniquely positioned to be the primary information resource regarding the relationships among diet, health, and disease prevention. They are trained in the relationship between food and health throughout the life cycle and thus are able to communicate this relationship to other members of the health care team, educators, policy makers, and the public.
Learn more about RDs: Qualifications, Services Provided, Difference between an RD and Nutritionist.
As the nation's food and nutrition experts, registered dietitians are committed to improving the health of their patients and community.
Diabetes Educators
A diabetes educator can be health care professionals from a variety of health disciplines, including registered dietitians, nurses or pharmacists. Diabetes educators can earn additional credentials such as a CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist) that indicate expertise in diabetes. All health care providers need sufficient diabetes knowledge to provide safe, competent care to persons with or at risk for diabetes. According to the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ACDES), mastery of the knowledge and skills is obtained through
- professional practice experience,
- continuing education,
- individual study, and
- mentorship
More about additional credentials such as a CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist).
Standards of Practice for RD's Level of Practice
| The RD - Diabetes Educator can practice at three different levels. |
These are differentiated by: |
- Generalist
- Specialist
- Advanced
|
- Educational preparation
- Formal credentialing
- Professional practice regulations
- Clinical practice environment
|
For more information, see:
American Dietetic Association: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians (Generalist, Specialty, and Advanced) in Diabetes Care Journal of the American Dietetic Association - January 2011 Volume 111 Number 1 View PDF
Earlier article: American Dietetic Association: Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance for Registered Dietitians (Generalist, Specialty, and Advanced) in Diabetes Care,Journal of the American Dietetic Association, May 2005 pg 819-824 e22. View PDF
Additional Credentials
RD's may earn two additional credentials indicating additional expertise in diabetes education or management. Each has specific educational and professional requirements. Please go to the appropriate website for the most up-to-date information.