What Does a Registered Dietitian Do?
A registered dietitian is a licensed nutrition professional who helps individuals and groups improve their health through evidence-based dietary practices. They assess nutritional needs, develop customized meal plans, and provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.
RDs work in diverse settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, community health programs, food service operations, and private practice. They combine clinical knowledge with communication skills to educate clients, improve wellness outcomes, and promote healthy lifestyles while ensuring compliance with medical and regulatory standards.
Looking to Hire a Registered Dietitian (RD)?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Registered Dietitian Core Responsibilities
- Conduct nutritional assessments and create individualized meal plans
- Provide medical nutrition therapy for patients with specific health conditions
- Educate patients, clients, and families on dietary recommendations and healthy habits
- Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals on treatment plans
- Monitor and evaluate patient progress, adjusting plans as needed
- Oversee food service operations to ensure meals meet nutritional standards
- Participate in community outreach programs and public health initiatives
- Stay current on dietary research, guidelines, and best practices
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in nutritional assessment and dietary planning
- Knowledge of medical nutrition therapy for various conditions
- Familiarity with food service management and safety regulations
- Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Ability to analyze dietary data and research findings
Soft skills
- Strong communication and counseling abilities
- Empathy and interpersonal skills when working with diverse populations
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Organizational skills for managing multiple patients or programs
- Team collaboration in healthcare or community settings
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or related field (master’s degree increasingly preferred)
- Completion of an accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship)
Certifications
- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) required
- State licensure required in many states
- CPR certification may be required in clinical settings
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in nutrition, public health, or related field
- Board certifications such as:
- CSSD (Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics)
- CDCES (Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist)
- CSR (Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition)
- Experience in specialized settings such as pediatrics, sports, or oncology
- Bilingual communication skills for serving diverse populations
National Average Salary
RD salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Registered Dietitian (RD) is:
$75,645
Sample Job Description Templates for Registered Dietitians
Entry-Level Registered Dietitian
Position Overview
We are seeking an entry-level registered dietitian to provide nutrition counseling and support in a clinical or community health setting. This role is ideal for newly credentialed RDNs eager to apply their knowledge and build professional experience while working alongside experienced dietitians and healthcare staff.
Responsibilities
- Conduct nutritional assessments under supervision
- Create and implement basic meal plans tailored to client needs
- Provide education on healthy eating habits and disease prevention
- Collaborate with nurses, physicians, and other healthcare providers
- Maintain accurate patient records and documentation in EHR systems
- Support group classes, workshops, or community wellness events
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of nutritional assessment methods and dietary planning
- Familiarity with EHR systems and patient documentation
- Understanding of food safety and dietary guidelines
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathy and compassion when working with patients
- Willingness to learn and take feedback
- Organizational and time management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or related field
- Completion of a supervised dietetic internship
Certifications
- RDN credential from the Commission on Dietetic Registration required
- State licensure required where applicable
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or clinical rotation in a hospital or community program
- Bilingual communication skills
Mid-Level Registered Dietitian
Position Overview
Our healthcare facility is hiring a mid-level registered dietitian to provide direct nutrition therapy and education to patients while independently managing a caseload. This role requires clinical experience and the ability to work autonomously in providing patient-centered care.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments for patients with chronic conditions
- Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor progress
- Provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes, renal disease, or cardiovascular conditions
- Lead patient education sessions and group classes
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams on treatment strategies
- Document care plans and maintain compliance with regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in MNT and clinical nutrition protocols
- Ability to analyze lab results and apply to nutrition care plans
- Familiarity with specialized nutrition software and EHR systems
Soft skills
- Strong counseling and motivational interviewing skills
- Ability to manage a patient caseload independently
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Clear communication with patients and healthcare professionals
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in dietetics or nutrition required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Active RDN credential from the CDR
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of clinical or community nutrition experience
- Specialty certification such as CDCES or CSR
Senior Registered Dietitian
Position Overview
We are looking for a senior registered dietitian to provide advanced nutrition therapy, oversee complex cases, and mentor junior staff. This role is suited for experienced RDNs with expertise in specialized areas of dietetics and leadership capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Manage complex patient cases requiring advanced nutrition interventions
- Mentor and train entry-level and mid-level dietitians
- Develop department protocols and nutrition education materials
- Provide expert guidance in specialized areas such as oncology or renal nutrition
- Lead quality improvement initiatives within the nutrition team
- Ensure compliance with hospital, state, and federal nutrition regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of MNT and specialized nutrition therapy
- Ability to lead program development and research initiatives
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentoring abilities
- Strong decision-making and clinical judgment
- Excellent communication with patients and multidisciplinary teams
- Organizational and project management skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or public health preferred
Certifications
- Active RDN credential required
- State licensure required
- Specialty certification (e.g., CSSD, CSR, CDCES) strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of clinical or specialized dietetics experience
- Experience leading program development or research initiatives
Lead Registered Dietitian
Position Overview
As a lead registered dietitian, you will supervise nutrition staff, coordinate patient care, and manage daily operations of the dietetics department. This position combines leadership responsibilities with direct patient care.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and support a team of registered dietitians and dietetic technicians
- Oversee daily patient nutrition care activities and caseload assignments
- Develop department protocols and ensure compliance with standards
- Collaborate with medical leadership on interdisciplinary care planning
- Provide training and performance evaluations for nutrition staff
- Handle escalated patient cases requiring specialized expertise
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in advanced clinical nutrition and department management
- Ability to develop policies, procedures, and quality improvement programs
- Proficiency with EHR and compliance reporting
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills
- Excellent communication with staff, patients, and physicians
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to motivate and mentor a diverse team
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in nutrition or leadership preferred
Certifications
- Active RDN credential from the CDR
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous supervisory experience in a clinical nutrition setting
- Advanced specialty certification such as CSSD or CSR
Nutrition Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a nutrition manager to oversee the operations of our nutrition department, manage staff performance, and ensure high-quality nutrition care delivery. This role requires strong management skills in addition to clinical expertise.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of the nutrition services department
- Supervise registered dietitians, dietetic technicians, and support staff
- Develop budgets, staffing schedules, and departmental policies
- Ensure compliance with regulatory agencies and accreditation standards
- Oversee staff training and professional development initiatives
- Participate in strategic planning and performance reviews with senior leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of nutrition program administration and healthcare compliance
- Ability to manage departmental budgets and resources
- Strong reporting and data analysis skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and organizational abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and team management skills
- Strong decision-making and prioritization skills
- Communication skills for working with executives and staff
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or healthcare administration required; master’s degree preferred
Certifications
- Active RDN credential required
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in dietetics, including management experience
- Involvement in professional organizations such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Director of Nutrition Services
Position Overview
We are seeking a director of nutrition services to provide executive leadership for the organization’s nutrition programs. This role oversees all clinical and administrative aspects of nutrition services and ensures alignment with organizational goals and patient care standards.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for nutrition services across the organization
- Oversee all clinical nutrition and food service operations
- Manage departmental budgets, staffing, and long-term planning
- Collaborate with executive leadership on organizational initiatives
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements
- Represent the department in executive meetings and external partnerships
Requirements
Hard skills
- Extensive knowledge of nutrition, food service management, and healthcare compliance
- Strong business and financial management skills
- Ability to design and implement large-scale nutrition programs
Soft skills
- Executive-level leadership and communication skills
- Strategic planning and organizational development abilities
- Ability to inspire and lead a large, multidisciplinary team
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred
Certifications
- Active RDN credential required
- State licensure required
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of dietetics experience, including senior leadership roles
- Proven success in managing large-scale clinical and food service operations