How to Find a Registered Dietician
A registered dietician is someone who has a bachelor's degree from an accredited college as well as clinical experience. In addition, registered dieticians must take continuing education classes to maintain their credentials. Some people confuse the titles of "Dietician" and "Nutritionist." "Nutritionist" is not a protected title, which means that anyone can use it. However, "Registered Dietician" is a title that you cannot use legally without having a bachelor's degree and without having gone through a special pre-professional program for registered dieticians. Here is how to find a registered dietician.
Instructions
Talk to your primary care physician (PCP). Often PCPs work with other medical professionals and will be able to suggest a registered dietician in your area, and maybe even one that is covered by your health insurance program.
Call your local hospital or medical clinic. Choose one that is large and has several specialty doctors and ask if they have a registered dietician on staff.
Talk to your friends and family and see if they know of a competent registered dietician in your area.
Go to the website for The American Dietetic Association. It has a tool that allows users to search for registered dieticians in their area. Keep in mind that this tool can also find registered dietetic technicians who have less education but go through a pre-professional program just as a registered dietician does.
Go to www.rdlink.com. This website helps people find registered dieticians on the Internet and allows you to search for a registered dietician based on your specific health concern. For example, if you have diabetes or heart disease or an eating disorder, you can choose a registered dietician who specializes in that area.