Commission on Dietetic Registration Recent Action: Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians

June 2009

At its April 2009 meeting, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) established a new registration eligibility pathway for dietetic technicians. Effective June 1, 2009, individuals who have completed both a baccalaureate degree and a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) will be able to take the registration examination for dietetic technicians. Additional academic coursework or supervised practice will not be required.

This decision is consistent with CDR’s public protection mission in that it will provide a credential option to DPD graduates who are currently not credentialed, but are employed as dietetic technicians and in other nutrition-related positions. These DPD graduates who do not go on to a dietetic internship will now have an additional option to obtain the DTR credential and it is hoped incentive to remain in the dietetics profession.

Once credentialed these individuals will be required to comply with CDR recertification requirements, the ADA/CDR Code of Ethics for the Profession of Dietetics and the Standards of Practice for Dietetic Technicians, Registered. CDR also believes that this alternative registration eligibility option will increase the availability, accessibility and visibility of DTRs throughout the country, ultimately enhancing the value of the DTR and the credential.

Resources

American Dietetic Association - Dietetic Technician Programs