Whether you have questions about membership, are seeking professional guidance, or want to learn more about our initiatives, we’re here to help. The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics team is committed to supporting nutrition professionals and students throughout their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) is a professional organization for food and nutrition experts. They provide various resources, certifications, and support for dietitians and nutrition professionals. Here’s an FAQ that might address common inquiries about NJAND:

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) and the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) are both professional organizations focused on food and nutrition, but they operate at different levels and serve distinct purposes.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. It aims to improve the nation’s health and advance the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy. It provides resources for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and nutrition & dietetic technicians, registered (NDTRs), and students.

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (NJAND) is a state-level affiliate of the AND, specifically serving the dietetics and nutrition professionals in the state of New Jersey. NJAND focuses on state specific services, such as local continuing education events, state-level networking, and advocacy on New Jersey’s nutrition policies and regulations. NJAND members benefit from both state-level and national resources.

The NJAND offers a variety of services:

  • Continuing education opportunities for nutrition professionals.
  • Networking opportunities through local events, conferences, and special interest groups.
  • Advocacy for nutrition policy and research.
  • Tools for nutrition professionals to advance their career, including job listings and career resources.
To become a member of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND), individuals are required membership to Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND). When becoming a member, you can then select membership to New Jersey. Overall certain criteria must be met, including being a registered dietitian, dietetic technician, or an individual who is working towards a career in dietetics.

Membership categories include:

  • Active: For RDs, DTRs, and dietetic students.
  • Retired: For retired dietitians.
  • Student: For students studying dietetics or nutrition.

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who has met the academic and professional requirements to provide food and nutrition services. RDNs are trained to work with individuals, groups, and communities to manage conditions through diet and lifestyle changes, provide nutritional counseling, and develop educational programs.

A Nutrition and Dietetic Technician, Registered (NDTR) is a food and nutrition professional who works under the supervision of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to support nutrition care and education. NDTRs assist in tasks such as conducting nutrition assessments, providing dietary counseling, developing meal plans, and ensuring food safety in foodservice operations.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): An RDN has completed a Master’s Degree from an accredited institution and aligns with a didactic program in dietetics, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). This is followed by a supervised practice program of at least 1,200 hours and a certification exam that candidates must pass administered by the Commission of Dietetics Registration (CDR). RDN’s must also stay current with registration through continuing education. They can provide medical nutrition therapy, public health nutrition, and nutrition education.

Nutritionist: This term can be used more broadly and does not always require formal certification or credentials. In some states, nutritionists may be regulated, but not all states require formal training.

Members of the New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics have access to the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other professional resources, including newsletters, webinars, and access to evidence-based nutrition information. Additionally, attending the annual state conference and Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) is a great way to stay current with the latest research and trends.

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) provides numerous continuing education opportunities, including webinars, an annual conference, and regional workshops. Many of these can be accessed through NJAND’s website. Dietitians and nutrition professionals must complete a set number of continuing education credits to maintain their certification.

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) encourages its members to engage in advocacy through local and state initiatives. The organization has a public policy team that provides resources, talking points, and support for engaging with policymakers on important issues related to nutrition and dietetics.

Aspiring dietitians must apply to an accredited program that combines supervised practice with academic coursework to become eligible to take the RD exam.

Annual Survey

The New Jersey Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (NJAND) encourages you, our members, to fill out our annual survey for you to have a direct impact on the future of our organization.

Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve, ensuring that we continue to meet your needs and expectations. By sharing your thoughts, you’re not only shaping the services and experiences we offer, but you’re also helping us prioritize the areas that matter most to you. Your voice matters, and this survey is an opportunity to make sure it’s heard.

Note: Survey form will be available soon.