What does CD mean in CERTIFICATIONS & DIPLOMAS

A Certified Dietitian provides advice on healthy eating habits to individuals or groups. They assess nutritional needs based on age, lifestyle, medical history, potential health risks and/or dietary goals. They create individualized meal plans and offer guidance on practical strategies for following healthy eating habits.

Most states have specific licensing requirements that must be met before someone can practice as a Certified Dietitian. Each state will have their own guidelines but generally require completion of college-level courses in nutrition science, supervised clinical experience in nutrition care services and successful completion of an approved national certification examination. Additionally, CD's are often required to renew their credentials periodically by taking additional continuing education courses.

The terms Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Dietitian (CD) are both used to indicate that someone has acquired the necessary knowledge, qualifications, training and experience to practice as a dietetic professional. However, the term RD is more often used when referring to those professionals who are registered with the American Board of Nutrition; whereas the term CD is typically used for those working in non-clinical settings such as community health centers or food service organizations.

CD's provide services such as individual counseling regarding proper dietary intake; creating meal plans based on specific criteria; leading educational sessions on nutrition related topics; providing information on safety regarding food preparation methods; managing weight control programs; researching new diets and products; supervising foodservice establishments; performing laboratory research related to nutrition studies; conducting general nutritional assessments; developing food service menus that meet regulatory standards; coordinating community outreach events related to nutrition education initiatives; advocating public policy related to nutrition issues; consulting with food producers about product claims or labeling information; teaching at colleges or universities about dietetics-related topics; or writing for lay publications about various aspects of dietetics.

Yes - most states have some type of regulation governing the practice of dietetics which may include registration or licensure requirements for professional practice as well as maintaining approved continuing education requirements for ongoing credentialing. Additionally many states also require adherence with Standards Of Practice from either the American Society for Nutrition Professions or other recognized authorities in the field of nutrition science and medicine which provide guidance regarding scope of practice across all areas where CD's work including clinical care settings, public health/community health centers, corporate wellness programs etc.