What KSAND Can Do For Kansians?
The Kansas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (KSAND) is the professional association for dietetic and nutrition professionals in Kansas who strive to optimize the nutrition, health and well-being of Kansans.
The organization has been around since 1937, and continues to assist lift the nutrition profession within Kansas.
Why Registered Dietitians Are The True Nutrition Experts…
To become a registered dietitian one must first complete a 4-year Bachelor’s degree through an accredited university. Coursework includes chemistry, anatomy and physiology, food science, and biochemistry courses, among the many other requirements to lay the foundation of knowledge necessary for dietetics.
Following that, there is a rigorous application process to match with a dietetic internship (DI). The DI is comparable to residency for physicians, but our version consists of a minimum of 1200 supervised hours under the guidance of a preceptor. While some programs offer small stipends, most are unpaid. Most take 6 to 12 months to complete, at which point interns are eligible to sit for the registration exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
The CDR also oversees the continuing education requirements for dietitians (minimum is 75 CPEUs or continuing professional education units during each 5 year period). Continuing education may be completed by attending conferences, participating in webinars or seminars, or specialized programming designed to offer additional education and training in a specific area of dietetics.
Licensure –> Consumer Protection
Many states require a license to legally practice dietetics and use the “Registered Dietitian” credential. There are many nutritionists who have completed some or part of these requirements, but the term “registered” or “licensed” dietitian is an indicator that someone has met these strict standards and agrees to follow ethical guidelines. The goal of regulating these terms is all about consumer protection.
The purpose of dietetic licensure is to ensure that consumers are able to identify and access qualified professionals who demonstrate the knowledge, skill and competency necessary to provide safe and ethical nutrition therapy.
As the public increasingly understands the importance of good nutrition, some individuals without any formal education, training or expertise in human nutrition or dietetics may exploit this newly recognized market.
Additionally, licensure often provides health insurance companies and state and federal governments with the assurance that these practitioners meet standards of professional competence in order to be reimbursed for providing nutrition care services.
Because registered dietitians have a deep understanding of physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT), they are qualified to deliver interventions that are evidence-based and proven to be safe for their patients and clients. This is critical for treating or managing serious and chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, food allergies/sensitivities (plus many more) through nutrition, diet, and lifestyle.
Written in part by Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD and the KSAND organization
KSAND is an affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the United States’ largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.
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