For Dietitians

The Monash's Dietetics degree is not recognised in the U.S.A.

To practise as a registered dietitian in the U.S.A, you need to: 

1. Get your degree transcript to be evaluated by one of the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)'s approved Foreign Degree Evaluation Agencies.

2. Identify an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics-accredited program. 

3. Contact the program director and determine additional courses that need to be completed.

4. Upon completion of the program and receiving a verification statement, take the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s entry-level registration to become credentialed. 

5. In most states, a licensure/ certification is also required for practice. 

For more information, refer to the website of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 

For Nutritionists

As of February 2023, no information on regulatory bodies for nutritionists in the U.S.A can be found.

Joining  a country's professional association(s) is a good way to gain a better understanding of how things operate, as well as to build connections.

The membership requirements and the benefits of joining are summarised below:*

Last date guideline was reviewed/updated: 

• 12/2020

Date accessed:

• 02/2023

Language: 

• Infographic available in 21 languages: Arabic, Chinese - simplified, Chinese - traditional, English, Filipino-Tagalog, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese 

Key evidence that influence the food recommendation:

• Review of scientific evidence on diet-related chronic diseases, dietary patterns and health, nutrition across lifespan

• Scientific Report of Advisory Committee, Agency and public comments 

Are there modified versions for certain major cultural groups?

• None identified

Guiding Principles:

• Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage

• Customize and enjoy food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.

• Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits

• Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.

The following information can also be found in the dietary guidelines:

• Alcohol consumption

• Free sugar and salt consumption

• Saturated fat consumption

• Processed foods

• Reduced fat options for dairy 

• Fibre consumption

• Physical activity

• Food safety

Use “ounces” or “cups” for measuring serving sizes

• “Grains” food group: 1 ounce = 

  • 1 slice of bread

  • 1 cup of ready-to-eat cereal

  • ½ cup of cooked rice, cooked pasta, or cooked cereal

• “Vegetables” food group: 1 cup =

  • 1 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or vegetable juice

  • 2 cups of raw leafy salad greens

• “Fruits” food group: 1 cup =

  • 1 cup of fruit

  • ½ cup of dried fruit

  • 1 cup of 100% fruit juice

• “Protein foods” food group: 1 ounce =

  • 1 ounce of cooked meat, poultry or fish 

  • ¼ cup cooked beans

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tablespoon of peanut butter 

  • ½ ounce of nuts or seeds

• “Dairy” food group: 1 cup =

  • 1 cup of milk, yoghurt, or soy milk

  • 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese

Modified Versions for Subpopulation Groups at Different Ages or Life Stages

• Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 incorporates dietary recommendations for population across lifespan (i.e. infants and toddlers, children and adolescents, adults, pregnant and lactating women, older adults). 

Other Resources

• Dietary guidelines for Americans

• MyPlate