What is the difference between an RD and a Dietetic Technician?
An RD has a Bachelor of Science (four-year) degree from an accredited institution by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (CADE) of the American Dietetic Association, has completed a supervised practice (coordinated program) or an internship, has successfully passed a national RD exam, and maintains continuing education hours. A Dietetic Technician has completed an associate of science (two-year) program, in most cases at a community college. A Dietetic Technician, registered (DTR), has passed a national DTR exam and maintains continuing education hours. The role of the dietetic technician is to support the dietitian. There are distance learning programs available for students interested in becoming DTRs. For further information on these programs and on community colleges that offer dietetic technician programs, please see http://www.eatright.org.
Related Questions
- I would like to take the Dietetic Technician (DT) program first, but my goal is to become a Registered Dietitian (RD). Would the DT program transfer to a university?
- What is the difference between a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) and what career opportunities are available for each?
- What is the difference between an RD and a Dietetic Technician?
