Today is National Registered Dietitian Day! Nutrition is one of the leading lifestyle factors in disease prevention and health promotion. RD’s provide nutrition therapy by applying our science and medical background into practical and applicable ways for people to improve their nutrition status. We are highly qualified food and nutrition experts who have met the academic and professional requirements, which include earning at least a bachelor’s degree, completing a supervised practiced program, and passing a national registration exam. In addition, continuing education is a requirement in order to keep our registration active.
Registered Dietitians offer a wide variety of knowledge and experience in various settings from clinical, community, media, and public policy. The RD can provide the patient or client with a confident, accurate, and credible information.
Many states have licensure laws that require certain qualifications to be able to practice medical nutrition therapy. South Dakota does have a licensure law and requires all Registered Dietitians to be licensed with the state. The initials “LN” indicate Licensed Nutritionist behind my name. Credentials are essential for ensuring you are getting safe, accurate, and science-based nutrition information.
RDs often get a bad rap for being the so-called “food police” but in reality, we’re just here to help you learn how to make healthy choices to help you be healthy and aid in disease prevention. I am thankful I get to practice my skills and passion in a great community like Watertown!I have really enjoyed working with you all and I look forward to continuing to share my passion for nutrition with you all in the years to come!
Happy RD Day! Be sure to eat an extra serving of fruit or veggies to celebrate the field of nutrition today! 😉
-Kelsey Raml, MS, RD, LN
