Registered Dietitians use their knowledge and skills in food and nutrition to promote good health.
Accreditation, education, experience and accountability
They are health care professionals who have earned a Bachelor’s degree specializing in food and nutrition and have completed supervised practical training through a university program or an approved hospital or community setting.
Dietitians must be registered with Provincial Regulatory Bodies and are the only professionals who can use the titles “Registered Dietitian”, “Professional Dietitian” and “Dietitian”, which are protected by law. Look for the letters R.D., P.Dt. or Dt.P. after the name, indicating that the person is a registered member of the profession.
Dietitians are accountable to provincial regulatory bodies for their professional conduct and the care they provide. For more information, contact the regulatory body in your province.
Dietitians are committed to ethical practice. Lear more
In most provinces there are not regulatory standards to protect the title “Nutritionist.” In provinces where “Nutritionist” is a protected title it usually is “Dietitian-Nutritionist” that is protected by law.
Over 90% of Canadians agree dietitians are the leading authorityon food and nutrition – ahead of doctors, pharmacists, nurses and naturopaths (Dietitians of Canada, 2013; Ipsos Reid, 2012).
Important information about RDs on the Register of Dietitians
The College of Dietitians of Ontario works for the people of Ontario by setting and enforcing standards for safe, ethical and competent dietetic practice in Ontario. The Register of Dietitians tells you whether a Registered Dietitian is allowed to practice dietetics in Ontario. The Register contains business contacts, restrictions on a dietitian’s practice, if there are any, and gives important information about a dietitian’s registration and disciplinary history.
Source : College of Dietitian of Ontario