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From:	Mark Rifkin (rifkin.vegsource.com)
Subject:	Re: Becoming an RD in california
Date:	January 22, 2010 at 8:43 pm PST

In Reply to: Re: Becoming an RD in california posted by Connie on January 9, 2010 at 2:34 pm:

Hi Connie,

I'm glad I saved you $5,000!! Do I get a cut? :) :)

I recommend you go to the ADA website at eatright.org, click on students, then accredited programs, then didactic programs. All the programs are listed by state. Since you already have a degree, that will reduce your requirements. Most programs will not require you to get another degree, only complete the core coursework + any pre-requisites.

California does not license dietitians, but they do "certify" them. As far as I can tell, that means the state will verify you met the requirements to be an RD, but they don't prohibit others who went to unaccredited programs (such as Bauman) from practicing as well.

Now, don't start thinking you made the wrong decision re: Bauman. If health care reform passes, and prevention takes hold, I predict that insurance companies will eventually be required to reimburse for nutrition services. They will agree, contingent on services being provided by licensed practitioners, and states which don't require licensure now will pass licensure laws. Which means you'll be ahead of the game.

For more info, contact Patty Pasquarella, at CA Dept of Health Services, Licensing and Certification Program, 916-552-8689.

I hope that helped,
Mark Rifkin, MS, RD

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