Nutrition Facts

Kansas City Dietetic Association


About Us

The Kansas City Dietetic Association (KCDA) is a local organization of registered dietitians and dietetic technicians who serve the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To serve the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well being.

WHAT IS A REGISTERED DIETITIAN?

A registered dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including:

  • Bachelor's degree with course work approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
  • Coursework typically includes food and nutrition sciences, foodservice systems management, business, economics, computer science, sociology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and chemistry.
  • Complete an accredited, supervised, experiential practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation.
  • Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • Complete continuing professional educational requirements to maintain registration.
  • Some RDs hold additional certifications in specialized areas of practice, such as pediatric or renal nutrition and diabetes education.

WHAT IS A DIETETIC TECHNICIAN, REGISTERED?

Dietetic technicians, registered, (DTRs) often work in partnership with registered dietitians to:

Screen, evaluate and educate patients.

Manage and prevent diseases such as diabetes and obesity and monitor patients' and clients' progress.

DTRs must complete a two-year associate's degree in an approved dietetic technician program, have supervised practice experience and pass a nationwide examination to earn the DTR credential and must complete continuing education courses throughout their careers.

 

WHERE DO WE PRACTICE?

About half of all registered dietitians work in clinical settings, private practice or health-care facilities.

Many work in community and public health settings, academia and research, business, journalism, sports nutrition and wellness programs. DTRs work in setting such as hospitals and clinics, extended-care facilities, home healthcare programs, schools, correctional facilities, restaurants, food companies, foodservice providers, public health agencies, government and community programs such as Meals on Wheels, health clubs, weight management clinics and wellness centers.

BOARD MEMBERS: